[CQ-Contest] Self-spotting, arranged QSO's and the CQ 160 contest

[Tom Rauch]

> I do think that any coordination of QSOs during contests 
> is like
> "self-spotting" and a rule should be added to cover it. 
> Perhaps
> something like, "Emails, Internet chat rooms, web cams 
> that show
> operating frequency, and packet self-spotting should not 
> be used to
> assist in the manufacture of QSOs for the CQWW 160M 
> Contest by any
> class of entry

What I've been told is arranging QSO's during a contest is 
wrong and should never be done.

To me it seems the same as getting on the phone and actually 
making the QSO. You find a clear spot, you know the fellow's 
callsign and other data, he knows your data, and you each 
know when the other confirms the QSO.

I'm not sure that is a good way to get a multiplier or QSO.

Sending an email or getting someone on the air with a sked 
is different. At least you have to use the radio for some 
parts of the contact. Live chat is like contesting on 
winlink or the landline.