[CQ-Contest] Something we need to remember

[Ryan Jairam]

I can guess a number of scenarios that would prompt this type of
complaint, and they usually boil down to either SSTVers or nets and
individuals who feel that they own a frequency (or frequencies).

I can't that all contesters listen if the frequency is in use, but I
can't say the same of all net control stations nor can I say the same
of all SSTVers either.

There are always two sides to every story.

That said, maybe some nets need to figure out alternate frequencies in
the WARC bands which are contest free.  Because even if CQ magazine
decides to ban contesters from a frequency or a swath of frequencies
they are not the world's only contest organizers. Neither is ARRL. And
even if a set of frequencies is banned from contests, some people will
use it anyway because they simply don't know.


73
Ryan, N2RJ

On Sun, Mar 28, 2010 at 8:34 PM, Randy Thompson K5ZD <k5zd at charter.net> wrote:
> During and after the WPX SSB Contest, I received a number of emails
> complaining about the behavior of various contesters on the bands.  We do
> all need to remember that we are sharing the road with others and must do
> our part to help get along.
>
> I have copied one such message below that should remind us of this.
>
> Randy, K5ZD
>
> -----Original Message-----
> Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2010 2:30 PM
> Subject:
>
> I have been an amateur for over 40 years. I am interested in many facets of
> Ham Radio, contesting is not one of them. That said, I am also aware that
> contesting is a very popular activity. Looking over the information
> available to current and prospective contesters I find nothing printed that
> suggests proper protocol.
>
> Contesters have an extremely bad name with the balance of the Ham community.
> When a contest is on it seems to bring out the "to heck with you, I am going
> to do what I want." attitude. As long as I can be heard I care not for what
> you are doing.
> Sadly most of the complaining is done amongst the Hams that are on the air
> most every day and not contesting.
>
> This letter to you is to lodge a complaint. If the rest of us behaved during
> a contest with the utter disregard for the Gentleman aspect of our hobby
> that used to be known as "The Gentleman's hobby" I am sure that the contest
> community would also be complaining.
>
> There is Ham Radio outside of contesting and those of us that enjoy this
> would really appreciate consideration by the weekend contesters. Do not
> blindly call "CQ contest" without listening to see if the frequency is in
> use, and if it is respect the stations using it.
>
> Thank you for listening.
>
>
>
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>



-- 
Ryan A. Jairam,