[CQ-Contest] cq self spot

[Charles Harpole]

What is the difference between a CQ and a self spot?
Both call attention to you, both announce your desire for contacts, both
are self-promoting.

We in SEAsia seem seldom spotted in contests, maybe  due to our low numbers
or remoteness or something.  Out of contests, if I did not spot myself, I
could call CQ for a long time because few tune around, I guess.  If I have
an hr to enjoy contacts and do not want to waste the first half hour
calling CQ, I send in my own spot.

In contests, why would non-mechanized spots be sent out--that is, why would
a fellow competitor help anyone find the gem he found and thus helping
others score better?
I like the ham spirit, but other than bragging ("Look who I just worked!"),
and ham generosity, why spot at all?

​73​
Charly, HS0ZCW
​PS, do big clubs have private, members only, spotting facilities?​