[Fists] Re: CW speed debate

[W1EOF]

Roy,

Just because you don't send fast doesn't mean you are not proficient. Being
a good op is much better than being a fast/sloppy or bad op. Hey wait a
minute... isn't there an origanization that believes that? That accuracy is
more important than speed? Hmmm..

Don't get caught up in the "need for speed." We are all not capable of
breaking the world speed record. Some of the speed snots would be put to
shame by Mr. McElroy for instance. I can hear Mac now... "What??? You can
only do 55 wpm? Slacker!!"

While a lifelong goal at improving oneself is noble, it should not prevent
you from enjoying a good old CW QSO with a fellow FISTS op. There are plenty
of us that are willing and able to slow down for you. Not everyone has to
slowdown, it's not a rule. As someone said if you call CQ at 35wpm and get
called at 10wpm you don't HAVE to respond. I would not answer a CQ being
sent at 55wpm because I can't go that fast. I would move on down the band
and find someone at 25 or 30.

So it seem like we can each find our own place where are comfortable. No one
should feel excluded or feel like a lesser ham. We all have our strong and
weak points. So let's try to all get along and have fun!

73,

Mark W1EOF


> -----Original Message-----
> From: fists-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:fists-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Roy Crosier
> Sent: Friday, July 16, 2004 10:18 PM
> To: fists at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Fists] Re: CW speed debate
>
>
>
> I also find myself slowly changing to digital
> modes
> because I cannot get my code speed up above 15
> WPM.  While I have always found FISTS members
> willing
> to slow down for me, I am beginning to give up on
> myself.
> I am not depressed, but I am embarassed that my
> many
> hours of practice with every imaginable system
> and
> device on the planet has not produced more speed.
>
> I don't think I'm dumb--my IQ is 135 and I have
> two
> college degrees.  I don't think it is a lack of
> "musical"
> ability--I play four instruments well enough to
> sit in
> on any community orchestra, and two of my
> children
> are professional quality musicians.  I don't
> think my
> problem is a lack of tenacity because I have
> worked
> all states QRP on phone.  I do have a problem
> socially
> in that I frequently take things too literally
> and don't
> "catch" jokes the first time through.  While that
> might
> sound as if I'm a little "air-headed", I'll have
> to admit
> that I might be!  I have wondered if there is a
> connection
> either psychologically or in the functioning of
> the brain
> that makes a person who is overly "literal" in
> their verbal
> conversations also be unable to let CW flow
> through their
> mind at the higher rates.  Possibly I "analyze"
> it too
> much and thus stay under the 15 WPM limit.
>
> Putting it simply, I never seem to be able to get
> to a
> conversational level of CW speed and ease.  I
> love CW contests because I can listen for as many
> times as I want to get the exchange and other
> information, then make a contact and be done with
> it.  I would love to get into
> long, friendly QSOs with CW, but my mind tires of
> it
> too fast and I then I can't copy anything.  I
> suppose that
> at the age of 55 I should just accept it and move
> on,
> but CW proficency is one of the things that I
> have dreamed
> of having since I was a child observing my
> uncle/elmer
> at the key.
>
> If anyone has any observations or comments on the
> situation, I will accept all suggestions.
>
> 73,  Roy
>
> KV8KV at ARRL.NET
>
>
>
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