[CQ-Contest] zero pointers

[John Laney]

Sorry to disagree with my M/M host, but I feel strongly that all the US 
stations who work us deserve to be in the log.  We have no way of 
knowing who needs us for zone credit.

At least from the 15 meter perspective, I feel that very little time is 
wasted by making US QSOs.  When I am on a DX run, it is rare for a US 
station to call in.  During the slow times, US stations do call in and 
working them takes no more time than just calling another unproductive CQ.

I certainly don't want to discourage contest beginners by telling them 
that I will not log their QSO.  Nor do I want to waste my time by asking 
if they really need the multiplier or need a GA QSO/QSL for state or 
county or grid square credit, etc.  It is very easy to say "Thanks and 
73" and those same casual operators will thereby be encouraged to call 
us in CQ WPX, Sweepstakes, North American QSO Party, etc. where they do 
count and are badly needed.  I have no problem with US stations who try 
to stop these calls by calling "CQ DX."  That seems to be the most 
efficient and unabrasive way to get the message across without wasting a 
lot of time doing it. Otherwise,we would run a real danger of hurting 
someone's feelings and turning them against all contesters and contesting.

I think I heard one of the big M/M stations say on 3830 last night that 
they did not log US QSOs on 160 meters "this year."  I hate to think how 
many zone 3 stations may not get credit for their hard won zone 5 QSO on 
160 meters due to that decision.

I think I heard that this is what they used to do at W7RM--work US zero 
pointers and not log them--but they changed that practice toward the end 
of the use of Rush's station for multi operations.

I recall once either at N4RJ, N4PN, NQ4I or some other M/M station in 
our area struggling all weekend on 10 meters at the bottom of a sunspot 
cycle and finally getting ONE zone 3 QSO.  If that station didn't log 
us, all that effort would have been wasted.

With all due respect to Rick and others who may feel that way, just log 
them and courteously move on.

73,


John, K4BAI.