[CW] CW use on bands - modest proposal

[artmouton]

Been following the ups and downs of the CW utilization discussion on the
list.

    One possible solution / help might be some sort of organization similar
to the original 10/10 group.  Those that remember know that it was formed in
order to get 10 meter activity going during one really bad sunspot down era.
Main reason, if I remember correctly, was to get the activity on 10 to keep
others from claiming it was not used and stealing the band for commercial
use.

    Not sure how this could be structured, but instead of emailing gripes to
each other is there some way to divert this energy to start an on-the-air CW
utilization club.  I am sure we have enough very smart operators out there
to hash out how to do this but once started it might get going.

    I myself have been getting rusty on CW.  Too many quickie DX and 'test
qso's but hard to just sit down and call CQ or even answer one.  Been busy
doing family stuff (last kid finally made college last year) and getting
back active in CW is in my plans it is just hard to get started again.

    What say you out there.  What would be the basics of a CW on the air
club - maybe set times and frequencies to begin with - but with the idea of
getting the slower operators on the air to get their speed up.  Have some
calling frequencies with times to meet.

    By the way I am a retread Extra.  First ticket from 1960 to about 1965,
retread about 1976 or so with Extra about 1980. Made solemn oath on retread
ticket to learn and use CW.   I hardly use a mike but really feel that some
type of organized CW meeting place might be a help.

    Please do not flame me.  If you feel this is a dumb idea that is fine
but it would be better to make substantive suggestions.  It seems that we
need to act now before our numbers get too low to even make a difference.

Art K5FNQ




Art Mouton
Lafayette, La.

"I am more afraid of an army of one hundred sheep led by a lion
than an army of one hundred lions led by a sheep." --Charles
Maurice, Prince de Talleyrand-Perigord