[50MHz] QSO's and band openinings

[Bill VanAlstyne, W5WVO]

danjr wrote:

> I enjoy both collecting grids and ragchewing.  So, when a particularly
> intense opening occurs, I always try to get a little of both in.
> Agreed, though, if you talk long enough the band could drop right out
> from under you and that's the end of that.

Dan's got it right. Both are fine and appropriate on 6M, providing you don't
stomp on anybody else's toes in the process. Go with the flow!

What I try to do is "follow the leader." Sometimes -- if I've established a
frequency and am answering calls -- the leader is me, and I will establish how I
want to operate. I expect that savvy operators will key into this and follow my
lead, which I hope and trust will be reasonably intelligent. (If the opening is
hot and there are tons of stations calling me, for example, I will revert to
contest-style operating to give as many a chance as possible.)

If it's the other guy's freq, though, then HE's the leader. If I call a guy on
his frequency, whether he's "rare" or not, I will not try to engage him in a
ragchew if he's running Q's contest-style. If he gives me his personal and
station info, I'll do the same. His frequency, his choice. My one self-serving
exception is to try to verify QSLing particulars with the guy if I need his card
for a new one. This can be done in seconds. No big deal.

So far, this method has worked out very well, and nobody has cussed at me. (Not
that the gentlemanly folks on 6M would do that anyway... notwithstanding the
unfortunate behavior a few hyper-competitive "perpetual contesters."
Fortunately, they're a small minority on this terrific band.)

Bill / W5WVO
DM65

>
> Now ... ragchewing on the call frequency ... another topic altogether.
>
> 73
> Dan
>
>> I too agree with Dave's comments. I do however, understand the
>> mindset involved in 'hit & run' QSOs... the quest for a new state,
>> county or grid has on 6m, as it has on HF, produced a large cadre of
>> hunt & pounce ops at the expense of the conversationalists. The
>> other, more pertinent reason (and particular to 6m) is that,
>> considering the tentative nature of much Es propagation, if you hold
>> the mic too long you may wind up talking to noone.
>>
>> We should be grateful for the worthwhile chats we do get; they are
>> reminders - to me at least - of the lengthy 6m chats of the 50s &
>> 60s.
>>
>> Bud K2YOF
>> Moderator: Ray Brown, KB0STN
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>
>
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