[CQ-Contest] Phunny Phonetics

[k1dg at ix.netcom.com]

One thing to avoid is the use of "cute" phonetics. Perhaps they are cute and 
clever on 2M FM, but a contest is an exercise in operating efficiency, so 
stick with phonetics that are punchy and understandable.

However, every rule needs an exception.

In the ARRL SSB, I was operating in England using the callsign M8M. After a 
while, I got pretty tired of saying "Mexico" over and over and over again. 
So when I was searching-and-pouncing, I tailored the phonetics to the guys I 
was calling (I only did this to loud guys).

Dentist K3WW was called by Mandible 8 Mandible

VE3s were called by Mississauga 8 Mississauga

W4AN, one of the few CW ops with perfect sending, as demonstrated by his 
ability to send the word "Mississippi" at 50+ WPM, was called by...you get 
the idea (I found out later that is wasn't Bill operating, but the other guy 
copied the call OK anyhow)

A whole lot of guys who sounded like they needed a reason to grin in the 
wee hours were called by Macaroni 8 Macaroni

A bunch of 3s were called by Maryland 8 Maryland, which confused the heck 
out of them. Except K3ZO, who chuckled. I knew he would.

I called N2NT as mmmmmmmmm 8 mmmmmmmmm. He copied it OK.

I called K1AR as just "M", since he seemed to be in some kind of hurry. He 
filled in the rest (correctly).

I tried to find someone that I knew was a doctor so I could call him as 
Mononucleosis 8 Mononucleosis. Fortunately, I didn't find one.

And a very small number of guys who would understand were called by Mosquito 
8 Mosquito

I tried not to use "Mike 8 Mike" much. After a few times, it sounded like an 
report of cannibalism.

73,

Doug K1DG
k1dg at contesting.com

"See you in the NOTA Contest April 1"




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