[Fists] QSY'ing away from a calling freq.

[Paul Carreiro, N6EV]

At 02:56 AM 8/15/2008, David, N1EA wrote:
>Even if 14,058.0 isn't active where you are, having a QSO there will
>annoy those who are monitoring 14,058.0 kHz and cause them to turn off
>their radios.  (snip)

I'm sure this is a topic on which we'll never obtain consensus.  I do 
think the above line of thinking is a little over the top though.

We're not talking about 500Kc where some important traffic may pop up 
any second.  .058 isn't an active net frequency 24/7.   We have no 
more right to it than anyone else.  QSYing simply moves you to 
"someone else's frequency" because I'm sure no matter where you go, 
someone has claimed it.  David mentions .050, .056 (not .055) and 
.060 as good examples.  There are many more I'm sure.  Every year it 
seems more frequencies are considered sacred ground by individual 
groups.   It's compounded by encroachments by data and voice 
transmissions as well as the loss of band segments to voice.  It's 
ridiculous that you have to tip-toe your way around the band.  Be 
respectful of established frequencies (especially in the case of QRP) 
of course...  but if it's open, use it.

In my book.. if .058 is clear.. have a QSO there.  If you don't want 
to listen in, QSY or turn the radio off.  If you want to make a call 
and .058 is busy, QSY up for down slightly, or (gasp) switch 
bands.  That's how other groups work.  I don't know why some in this 
group continue to fanatically hold .058 sacred.  It's a focal point, 
but it's not the only frequency you can contact a fellow FISTS 
member.  Spread out for gosh sakes if the frequency is in use.  There 
is no protocol that says you must QSY from .058.  Perhaps we should 
just stop calling it a calling frequency.  That term seems to be the 
root of the confusion and fanaticism.

Just my 2 cents.  I certainly don't expect everyone to agree, and I 
won't be so presumptuous to expect anyone let alone everyone to comply.

Paul  N6EV  #1407

Do you remember the days when this used to be a fun hobby?  Keep the 
fanaticism and politics out of it; get back on the key and have fun.