[CQ-Contest] disruptive event in 1977 (was: call sign history)

[Ron Notarius W3WN]

Well, $100 here, $100 there, pretty soon you're talking about real money...


There were always rumors at the time that if you wanted a particular call, and you knew the right person to contact in Gettysburg, 'arrangements' could be made. And to be very clear, the 'right' person should not imply that this was someone soliciting for or taking a bribe... or if you prefer, an unearned gratuity. 


Allegedly, as memory serves, some of the FCC staff at the time were or could be quite accommodating, if you asked nicely enough, and your informal request was reasonable enough. 


Others were very much 'by the book' and would firmly but politely decline the request -- if they even responded at all.


And then there were those who, well, let's just say never turned down an opportunity to take advantage of their position, even if it was for relative pocket change. Fortunately those were very few, but there were a few. (And no, I don't get it either... losing your career, your reputation, and possibly serving jail time, for a mere pittance? Never did make sense, but still, it did happen)
- - -
In addition, if memory serves, one of the issues at the time was also related to an informal call request. If memory serves, someone requested a particular call on behalf of a club station, didn't get it, and then asked his congress-person's office to intervene. I think there was at least one such situation, there may have been more. 


All in all, in the context of the time, it's almost no wonder that the FCC went to the current sequential call assignment system when they did, and were so recalcitrant about opening up Vanity calls under almost any circumstances, for so long.


73, ron w3wn
 
On 01/10/17, kr2q at optimum.net wrote:
 
Speaking as a private citizen....

RE: http://lists.contesting.com/pipermail/cq-contest/2017-January/116177.html

I will never understand why folks risk their career for small dollar amounts. While $100 was a
lot more in 1977 than now (maybe not?), still, it is a paltry sum compared to one's career. WHY?
No doubt, there must have been a whistle-blower.

-------
RE: K1AR's post: http://lists.contesting.com/pipermail/cq-contest/2017-January/116140.html

Equally, why do guys cheat during a contest? For what? These are not a life-altering events.
I just can't help but think back to the recent log-padding that caused a multi-year, retro DQ and
a multi-year ban. WHY? Was it worth it?

de Doug KR2Q

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