[CQ-Contest] self spotting

[Tree]

K0HB writes:

> The most persuasive (to me) argument against self-spotting is that it 
> unfairly provides the station with a "free" CQ-machine that enjoys QRM-free 
> worldwide propagation.

Well - I think there is still some unfairness here...  If I am LOUD, I can 
call CQ and likely get spotted fairly quickly.  I don't have to self spot.  

If I am weak - it might take me forever to get spotted.  Sure, if I am a
USA station, self spotting is not very desirable...  but - let's say I am 
off in the Indian Ocean and I know lots of people would want to work me, if
they were listening for me...  but I can't get anyone to find me without a
spot.

EI5DI writes:

(my paragraph first):

> > I have always felt that self spotting was something that should
> > not be allowed...   ... I guess it falls into using non-amateur
> > communications for facilitating QSOs.

> That's precisely why spotting (of any kind) should not be permitted
> in contests.

I agree with this statement personally.  However, I am afraid this just 
isn't going to be possible.  

Occasionally, I see self spots (non-contest) from people in zone 17 on 160
meters.  Those are interesting to me - and might result in a QSO that might
not have taken place normally.  Without the spot - I wouldn't have 
necessarily been looking for the opening.  

What is the BIG difference between making that spot myself verus having 
someone else do it for me?  

If I go to let's say VE8 in the Sweepstakes and have a weak signal because
I am running 15 watts to a dipole - wouldn't the contest be better served
if my presence was known so people could work me?  Why should it matter 
if I have a local listening to me and spotting me versus doing an occasional
spot myself so that people can find me.  It isn't like I would be spotting
myself every 5 minutes.

I think perhaps a case can be made for using "common sense" here instead
of just making it a rule that often gets worked around.  If it "made sense"
and makes the contest experience for most stations better by making a 
self spot - then I don't think it should be illegal.  However, it is likely
impossible to really say what would meet this criteria.  I guess if I was
in a position where I felt that a self spot made sense, I would like to be
able to do it with my own callsign so it is all above board - and we can 
debate on Monday morning here on cq-contest if I made the right decision.

Tree