[Elecraft] restrictive CQs? SKCC, Fists etc. - protocol on who we can play with

[Darwin, Keith]

-----Original Message-----
Well, I just gotta ask.
It really seems a lot of the CQs I hear are CQ FISTS and CQ SKCC.
Are these persons bothered if I reply and just want a QSO/rag
chew/contact and don't need their number and won't send one in return -
or don't favour a hand key?

Brian  -  Toronto  -  VE3VAW
------------------------------

If you hear someone in your own country calling CQ DX, do you answer?
What if he's calling CQ FL and you live in MI?  I bet you don't answer
them.  I don't answer those directed CQs either.  Why should CQ FISTS or
CQ SKCC or any other directed CQ be treated any differently?

Bottom line - if I don't qualify for a directed CQ, I don't answer.  No
hard feelings, no 2nd guessing the motives of the other op, I just
recognize their wishes and don't answer.

When I call CQ I'm hoping for the same treatment.  I'll call CQ SKCC
looking to work other SKCC members.  If I get no takers, I'll open it up
and call CQ DE N1AS/SKCC to indicate that I'm SKCC but will chat with
anyone.  If I'm not doing SKCC stuff (i.e. using paddles), I'll just
call CQ DE N1AS.

If I call CQ SKCC and someone who is not SKCC answers, I'll chat with
them (don't' want to be rude!) but I'm always wondering why they "gave
me bread when I asked for a stone".  Usually it is not problem but when
my operating time is limited and I was looking for an SKCC QSO then it
can be a little disappointing.

BTW, SKCC is a great group of OPs who truly love CW and enjoy doing it
manually (bugs & cooties too!)  Interestingly, we've had this same
"should I answer CQ FISTS" discussion on the SKCC list :-)  The vast
majority of SKCC people enjoy rag chewing so be prepared.  SKCC is also
a great place for beginning CW ops since speeds are usually on the slow
side and we'll all happily QRS.

73!

- Keith N1AS -
- K2 5411.ssb.100 -
- K3 Wave 3 -
- SKCC 344c -