[CQ-Contest] The crux of the issue

[v31jp at logical123.net]

If there is a doubt, I do not log it. Yet, I get 1 - 2% UBN. May
it be QSB, QRN, QRM or incorrectly sent call, these can all add
up to a busted call. Also, poor zero beating and perfect timing
by callers get me a few NIL's. The defenders of penalty points
vs lost QSO assume we guessed or are cheating as I read the posts.
The heat of the argument comes from these assertions.

The statement, "If there is any doubt, don't log it!" is an example.
It is assuming that every penalty point comes from the penalized
operator making the error, guesses or is cheating. This tone is
what is raising the gander of a few. I feel if you guess at
a call, you are cheating. This, I agree with. But, guessing is not 
the only way to get a penalty. Examples are, you log what you hear,
but it is not his correct call, you get a penalty. You then can be
penalized when you did everything correct. How, can this be you say.

1. The op at the other end sends his call incorrectly and does not 
   correct it.

2. QSB/QRN changes what he sent into what you hear, but not in 
   an obvious way. When you are CQing, you normally only hear the
   calling station's call once. You respond by sending his call
   and exchange. If he does not correct your error, you get a
   penalty.

3. A station calls one station, but is not zero beat, he's on your
   listening frequency. His timing and your timing is in sync. You
   log him, he logs the other station. He then QSY's up, calls you,
   but he's still off zero beat. I don't hear him there and he does
   not log me.

All of the above happen. I know, because it's happened to me. Did I 
cheat. I don't think so. Did I guess. Not a chance. So, should I get
points for these QSO's. No. Should I get valid "QSO points" taken 
away. I think not. This I believe to be the crux of this discussion.

If there is a pattern of sloppy receiving, poor ability, i.e.., meaning
a high percentage of errors, then you start the penalties. I guess my
question to you that keep saying "Don't guess, etc.", is:

"Did you get any QSO penalties? For guessing?"

> > IF YOU ARE NOT SURE OF THE CALL DON'T LOG IT !  OR IS THAT TOO SIMPLE
> > FOR SOME.


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