[Fists] Is it just me?

[ATanner283@aol.com]

I suppose as folks continue to struggle to get on HF or use CW this problem 
will become worse. Now the whole HF spectrum, except 60 meters, has become the 
novice band where CW is concerned. Before the happening (5 wpm), we all know 
that an op would have gotten his practice and tune-up ON the novice bands. We 
also know that 5 wpm is barely a code test of anything, but these guys are 
trying to get in there the best they can, and now do not have the apprentice 
program we had before. I can usually recognize a new CW fist, or a feller who is 
older or having some sort of physical problem. I will do my best to copy these 
hams, and will QRS for anyone if they ask, or I feel they are not getting the 
message I am sending. 
    The code ops currently joining the ranks are going to be the ONLY new ops 
we are going to get, so we gotta do what we can to help out. Take it easy on 
these guys, and they will be happy to have met you, and may stay around 
awhile.
    I also do get frustrated however with the 12 WPM fist guys trying to send 
20 WPM. Send and rcve where you are comfortable. I HATE a QSO that 
goes..........TNXFRURRPLYT5TURRHTRHEEEEETIH599599MYQT5ISEEEEEHTLOUSHNAMEIHEEEEEBSLLPHEREP
TEEEEEURNAMI BTU  no breaks....nothing but one long letter actually.  I cant 
communicate with these guys no matter what, but I try for awhile. Then there 
are the poor folks who answer a CQ at speed, but then I find they REALLY need 
me to QRS, but for some reason are too embarrassed to ask. (if the answer is 
slower than my CQ, I will try and match the slower speed) I usually find this 
out by asking if the guy is enjoying FISTS, does he get on other bands, does he 
do boatancnchors,etc, and he keeps repeating his QTH or the WX report. I keep 
a straight key at the ready for slower QSO's. I CANNOT get the hang of paddles 
below about 15 WPM. My fault, but I can do fine with a pump, but on the other 
hand, 18 wpm is about tops for the hand banger, and I have to go to paddles 
for higher speeds.  We just gotta do the best we can to keep as many in CW as 
we can. If the testing is dropped, it's REALLY gonna get 
bad..........worse.....................Al/W8FAX/2192


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