[CQ-Contest] my FRIEND is spotting me

[Bob Naumann - N5NJ]

AA4GA Said:

> OK, so what if I go to the Caribbean, don't ask anyone to spot me, don't
have any "understanding", but some well-
> meaning fellow club members take it upon themselves to spot me every five
minutes.

No problem.  If what you say is really true.

> I have absolutely no knowledge of what's going on, yet you say I'm
violating rules?

Nope.  As long as that it is true that there has been no advance planning.

Let's say for example, a club meeting is held, and club DXpeditions are
discussed in general.  The club agrees that if anyone from the club goes on
a DXpedition, that club members should look for them, and spot them
frequently.

Now, one of the club members, on his own - plans a DXpedition.  He doesn't
tell any of the other club members about it.

He starts operating the contest as DXWPX/HISCALLSIGN, and the club
packetcluster is suddenly filled with messages saying that one of their
members is on a Dxpedition.

Based on the earlier meeting I referenced, and the club's desire to support
their member on the DXpedition, they all spring into action and look for
their club member, and spot him frequently throughout the contest.

Is this really a random thing?

I think not.

Perhaps, it is a subtle thing, but I do see such even loosely organized or
planned spotting as cheating.

*Truly random* spotting of friends or acquaintances is not a problem.  The
issue is, should you avoid the issue altogether and just not spot friends to
avoid any appearance of impropriety?  Some are suggesting that you should.

73,
Bob N5NJ