QRE: [Elecraft] Slow Code Watering Holes?

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Every Ham worth the name (IMHO) who would answer their QRS CQ would be a FB
"code buddy". It's too bad we no longer have the Novice license and bands,
because it gave everyone a place to congregate while developing CW skills.
But since we don't it should be no surprise to hear a slow signal almost
anywhere. 

Now, it's rather impolite to answer someone who just sent a CQ at 25 wpm at
5 wpm and expect him (or her) to QRS. However, I often run across a very
slowly sent CQ and I'll usually stop and answer at his/her speed, just as I
used to spend time in the Novice bands when they were busier. And I think
it's my obligation to reply at the other station's speed, when he/she is
sending slower than I am.

For me, Ham radio is all about having fun. The best way I've ever found to
have fun, no matter what I'm doing, is to help other people have fun too. 

Maybe I'm just out of date, but the world of Ham radio I was introduced to
in the 1950's stressed cooperation over competition. I still cringe when I
see the term "radiosporting" since sports virtually always put competition
first. (At least the way I played football did, Hi!) And that includes most
of the contests. It's just darn impolite to expect a lot of callers to a
very slow signal when almost everyone out there is trying to rack up a lot
of QSOs.

Some people seem to practice "contesting" even when there is no contest.
Their CW skills don't involve being able to do more than complete a
high-speed exchange of name, RST and QTH followed by "73 dit-dit". They
remind me that "Novice" operators come in all guises. Some never learn
anything else because it doesn't interest them just as some Hams will never
touch a key.  

The good news is that there are a lot of operators on the CW bands who feel
as I do; It shows up loud and clear in their on-air habits. 

Ron AC7AC