[Hallicrafters] RE:Contests/kCertificates/Lunacy

Sun Oct 12 16:55:48 EDT 2003

Rick (and all) 	

I have had several discussions at some length about this subject with different
ARRL personnel. Their advice was to discuss it with the regional manager and
that I should come up with a detailed plan to improve how contesting was
handled. Whereupon they would review it and consider it for possible
consideration. This allowed the ARRL to shift all responsibility from themselves
to me, if I had a better idea, then let's hear it.  	

The regional manager and I exchanged several e-mails and I did submit some
suggestions for mutual co-existence. That is where it ended. Frankly, this is
what I had expected to happen. 	

The only way that seems to get the attention of an organization nowadays is to
put their funding in jeopardy. Perhaps that is precisely what many of us should
do! At least let the ARRL know we are upset and ready to not send in our dues if
change is not forthcoming. While I am not opposed to contesting, I am very much
opposed to the manner in which many contestors behave. 	

Besides their conduct being a flagrant violation of FCC regulations that govern
Amateur Radio, their rude and often offensive remarks gives Ham radio a black
eye. More fuel on the fire that compares Hams to CB'ers. But as long as the
majority of us remain publicly silent, the more ammunition we give those who
would take away our frequencies, or dispose of Amateur Radio altogether, to use
against us. Just listening to contestors bursting onto an occupied frequency,
never asking if it is busy, and start right in shouting "CQ Contest" or doing so
1 Khz from an active frequency, makes Amateur Radio look like a bunch of
uncontrolled children fighting over a toy in a sandbox.    	

The ARRL has done some good things for Amateur Radio, no question about it. But
maybe they need to be reminded who they work for? No dues, no readers for QST,
no ads and adios -  	

Write your regional manager and tell him/her how you feel about contesting, or
whatever. Most will try to help, if asked in a polite way and you can support
your request, or complaint, with facts. Documenting with cassette tape where the
offending station is heard to give his/her call sign, then do a voice over of
the time, time zone, date, location of your station and call sign and so forth.
This is also very helpful to the FCC for stations violating the rules, as the
proof is there on tape and fully documented. Eliminates the old 'he said/he
said' approach.       	

We can all co-exist, if we try and respect the rights of each other and abide by
the rules for Amateur Radio. But FIRST, we must want to -  	

----------
From: Kb3epj at aol.com
To: hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Hallicrafters] RE:Contests/kCertificates/Lunacy
Date: Sunday, October 12, 2003 7:39 AM

Goodmorning All,
Tried to check into the 40 meter net yesterday, but it was hopeless due to 
the Pa. qsl party.
Again, while on other occupied frequencies, we had more than several 
contestors come right ON frequency with a cq call.  Many stations were just a
couple 
of kc's away.

I have had good response from the ARRL on issues of CCRs, and such, but they 
never responded to several concerns I expressed on the unprofessional 
operations of what I feel is the majority of contestors enrolled in one of their

sanctioned events.
Not a word, or response!  

That is why I did not renew my membership in their organization.
Just alittle communication, and concern would have possibly made me a 
didicated member.
Not now, if there is a ARRL sanctioned event, you almost have to forget about 
any type of intelligent radio communications for that day or weekend, a real 
shame.
We all could enjoy the frequencies if alittle professional courtesy would be 
expressed by all.  And that does include contests or just plain rag chewing.

Sorry for the tirade, but that's my opinion.

Will try the 20 meter net today, and will keep my fingers crossed.

73 All,
Rick/KB3EPJ
"Boatanchor Cove"

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