[Fists] Keynot response - ref. p13 & QRS

[Steve W0OOW]

Dear Nancy:

I just read with dismay the two articles in Keynote about FISTS members that
did not want to QRS.  To the writers of the two letters, I apologize on
behalf of all hams that will and/or know how to QRS.  Don't let a few
arrogant types drive you away.  One of the best CW ops I know - solid at 65+
will slow down for you.  But, there are a few that won't.  Fortunately, they
do not represent all of us.

A QSO that sticks in my mind was one that I had on 15 meter CW some years
back.  The person I talked to was from North Carolina, traveling through
South Carolina at the time (mobile CW of course), and headed to Florida.  We
must have talked 1 & 1/2 hours.  That man did not go a lick above 15 WPM,
but he was very solid.  Yes, I slowed down for him.  It was the most
enjoyable, relaxed, and memorable QSO I have had in all of my years.

Slow does not equate to bad in the same way that fast does not equate to
good.  CW is just a form of speech.  Since when does fast speaking yield
anything but poor relations?  If a person is solid at 65 WPM - super.  If a
person is comfortable at 8 WPM, so be it.  People have different talents and
desires.  Also, you have to operate where you are comfortable.  So, what is
the matter with slowing down for someone?

A FISTS member ought to not only know better than for be an arrogant CW op,
a FISTS member should strive to set an example of what a good op is like.
Perhaps a change in bylaws is in order.  How about if a set number of bad
reports come in, dropping a member from FISTS?

Think about this:  IF A NOMINATION FOR FISTS WERE REQUIRED, WOULD ANYONE
NOMINATE YOU?

A person shouldn't even have to ask for someone to slow down!  A good
operator should do that automatically.  Arrogance (by refusing to slow down)
is not the sign of a good operator.

At least that is the view from Southeast Nebraska & 40+ years on CW
73,
Steve - W0OOW, FISTS #7808