[SOC] Meet the FOCkers

[Bob Patten]

Yesterday (Saturday), I spent several hours participating in the "Bill 
Widdle QSO Party",
an FOC sponsored event.  These guys and gals are really a very friendly 
and (in general)
great bunch of operators.  I recognized the majority of calls from 
having worked them
previously in many contests.  I also wondered how a few were qualified 
FOCkers, but some
were probably older folks (like me) who were voted in when they were 
younger and more
proficient.

Make no mistake though, I am not a traitor and will always be a Second 
Class Operator.
We are also a very friendly and great bunch of operators!  AND, like 
Avis, "since we're
second, we try harder".  One of my fellow Florida Contest Group members 
is also an FOC
member and sent me a list of requirements for membership.  You must have 
five sponsors
and have worked each on at least two bands.  Also, one of them must be a 
G (UK) and one
other from a different continent.  If the club is at its maximum 
membership of 500, you
must wait for someone to either resign or become an SK.

Contrast this with SOC membership requirements - ask for a membership 
number from the
"Unknown Secretary".  You're in!  :-)

-- 
73,     Bob Patten, N4BP                Plantation, FL

E-Mail: n4bp at arrl.net                   Website: http://www.qsl.net/n4bp
QRP ARCI #3412    SOC #1    ARS #799    SMIRK #6625          FISTS #7871