[CW] Unscheduled round-tables

[Paul Carreiro, N6EV]

The recent discussion about zero-beat and net operations has me 
recalling something I would do years back, but for whatever reason 
haven't done in a while... unscheduled round-table ragchews.  I 
realize round-table discussions happen all the time.  However, they 
are typically scheduled nets or a group of chaps that are familiar 
with one another.  I'm speaking of impromptu round-table QSOs with 
two or more that have never met before.  I remember many very 
enjoyable discussions with two and sometimes three other stations who 
I'd never worked.  The round-table aspect provided a great platform 
for interesting topics to be explored with multiple perspectives 
shared.  Moreover, for an accomplished ragchewer (in jest) ... I 
believe roundtables just flow naturally and compliment the ragchew 
lifestyle (again in jest).

It's rather easy to engage in one of these impromptu 
round-tables.  You just need to solicit for them.  Obviously this 
wouldn't be a good idea for the all too typical Name/QTH/RST/Rig type 
QSOs or for slow speed QSOs (remember to slow down every once and 
awhile guys to help those coming up... but that's a topic for another 
email).  But once you've determined you've hooked up with another 
ragchewer, take a pause during one of your transmissions and see if 
anyone is (excuse the term) 'reading the mail' that would like to 
join in.  Proper QSO etiquette would dictate that anyone joining in 
should be able to copy both original stations.

I know personally, I feel a bit awkward breaking into a QSO without 
invitation.  I have a feeling most share this self hesitation.  But 
if it was solicited, I'd be very happy to jump right in.  I think 
it's fair to say that other ragchewers that you're already engaged 
with won't mind at all you soliciting for other stations.  At least, 
I've never met one yet that has.

I'm not sure why I've gotten away from this practice.  Perhaps it 
just faded out of my arsenal of QSO techniques over the 
years.  Likewise, I don't recall hearing any solicitations in any of 
the QSOs I've monitored in many years.  I think I'll deploy it once 
again now that I've had total recall at how much fun round-tables can be.

So what say?  Anyone else do this on a regular basis?  Any tips / 
perspectives / stories?

73  ZUT/ZAO
Paul  N6EV
FISTS #1407