[ILQSO] Why not QRS?

[W2SR - Robert I. Block]

At the risk of being laughed off the reflector, I'd like to suggest that CW Ops
consider trying a little QRS when the "run" peters out, and that the contest
even suggest a nearby QRG (not the novice sub-band!) for QRS.

State QSO Parties tend to be fun events without the intense pressure of major
competitions.  Every CW OP should ponder the question of how to infect,
well, to inspire the next generation of CW Ops, for without CW Ops, there
will be no CW sub-bands.

Granted, I'm new to CW; after 30+ years as a Tech, I upgraded to Extra and
started to use CW because I wanted to.  But I'm not the only one whose copy
is weak and fist is shaky:  I overheard another OM decline an invitation to try
CW after the current QSO because it was "too hard".  And when all the CW
Ops are using a computer trying to imitate the guys in the RTTY contest
going on at the same time, it can be intimidating.  Now don't get all mad; a
computer is a given for serious contesting and you're all tuning up for CQWW
or SS, but most programs provide for some sort of QRS, or Farnsworth
spacing, or even an auxiliary key.

Novice/Tech bands you say?  Well, what if they gave a QSO Party and
nobody came.  Did you QSY to the Novice/Tech QRG?  Are there Novices
and Techs with HF privileges left?  Do any take part in this or other state
QSO parties?  There is no novice allocation on 20M, 7130 is SW BC alley,
and 80M is a tough go during the day.  But you did work 15 Meters, didn't
you?  No, the QRS activity needs to be near the main event, especially when
Mobiles with limited QSY are a big part of the action.  Rather, why not
explicitly mention something in the rules how new CW Ops should get their
feet wet without splashing others.  For example, "...if you hear a station call
CQ three times in a row without an answer, feel free to send ? followed by
your call at your speed.  The other OP should QRS and put extra space
between the counties (when reporting more than one)".  It could be a big win
for everyone.  I worked W9DUP and heard other Ops sending CW on the
20M phone sub-band;  MAC (based in Cook county, which apparently has
limited participation) hosts a slow speed net; there's life below 25 WPM,
think about how you might nurture it.  No you don't have to send in
suspended animation,  just lower the flame after you've worked your normal
Q's.

Finally, I'd like to thank Cliff at W9AWE for his patience. I'm sure it must
have felt like pulling teeth to work that guy in NJ who didn't quite copy CW.
Anyhow, TU fer 3Q es HANC.

Now if somebody reminded to tell K9ZO what contest he was in, this week...