[Fists] QRS

[ATanner283 at aol.com]

An interesting discussion. Personally, if I call a CQ at 25 WPM, I am looking 
for an answer somewhere in that range. If an op answers at 10 WPM, I can only 
assume that he copies me at the speed I am sending. If he ASKS for a QRS, 
then we go from there. I usually have to go to a straight key when it winds down 
below 15 or so. Most guys calling CQ with a bug also expect to be answered at 
the speed they are sending at. Why should they have to "de-tune" because you 
are not a faster op??? Mostly I think it's best to call fellers who are already 
running at or near your speed. If you ask for a QRS and you don't get it...73 
and SK and go find another. I guess I really don't know what is to be 
accomplished by "booting" anyone out of FISTS. Interesting concept. Should we boot 
someone out because they can't send fast enough??? Why not????
    On the other hand, I would much rather hear a ham sending at the speed he 
CAN copy, and be proficient doing it. I think I hear more 10 WPM fists trying 
to maintain at 20 wpm than I do the other way around. Since new hams are now 
on the general and extra portions of the bands, that used to be occupied by 
mostly higher speed ops and DX'ers, armed with only a rudimentary knowledge at 5 
wpm, we are ALL going to have to change our ways some, or there won't be 
anybody to QSO with. I 'spose that a lot of guys won't QRS because of this fact 
also. They had to pass the 20 wpm code, and some are not to apt to be happy 
about a 5 wpm op in "his" territory. This is somewhat understandable too, but can 
lead to another whole frackus.
    I work many FISTS and other fine ops that don't hang around .058. I don't 
usually monitor there anymore, tho' I did for years. Mainly because the QSO's 
I hear ARE slow and long. But that is my personal preference. Enjoy the low 
bands folks....soon that's all there will be for awhile. Time to hang out your 
80 meter dipole and work some new stuff.....73.....Al/W8FAX 2192 
EH...........mouthpiece for K8FST/Fairborn FISTS