[CQ-Contest] spotting...let's get back on track

[kr2q at optonline.net]

Okay...this thing is going all over the place now.

1.  Original topic was the J7OJ thing 
2.  I subsequently asked "what will you do with your log now?
3.  Thread morphed into actually copying the callsigns yourself (good)
4.  Somehow morphed again to "cheating" and inability to catch cheaters

So...with respect to "packet cheaters" (internet, 2fm, telephone, whatever)....

There are plenty of cases where the "cheaters" (and I hate to use that term)
have been discovered and appropriate action taken.  I won't identify them, but
each is free to identify themself, if so inclinded.  And some of them were/are "big
gun score" types too.  

Is it possible to "cheat" by use of external spotting and not get caught?  Of course.
Is it possible to run higher power than allowed and not get caught?  Of course.
Does inability to catch everybody all the time mean that we should abandon rational
rules and logical entry categories...NO WAY!

Sometimes sponsors "know" who is cheating (volunteers are typically great contesters),
but may lack adequate proof.  Just because the ethics of some entrants may be less
than stellar does not mean that the sponsors should follow suit.

Some guys "ruin it" for others by violating whatever it is that the mainstays hold dear.
This is something that YOU can and should help to address.

de Doug KR2Q