I didn't mean to do it, but it turned out better than if I planned it
So I named this video before I started editing it, because well, I was operating off my tailgate at the Fish Lake Wildlife Area and "Fish Lake Tailgate" had a nice ring to it. Maybe in the back of my mind I had the "tailgating" during this activation in the very back of mind, but consciously I didn't try.
But boy howdy, this was a frustrating activation for me. Maybe I was in a bad mood to start. Maybe it was worse than usual.... maybe both.
Is it just me, or are the hunters getting aggressive and a tad bit just plain rude?
I blame POTA being popular
I think with the recent explosion of popularity of POTA, everybody is jumping on board with it. Which is really awesome.
However with the boost of popularity comes some that, well... make it less fun for me. Most I am sure are not intentionally being a pain. However, there are clearly a few who now they are being a lid and just don't give a shit how they act as long as they get their contact.
Also, with the "tuner-upers" and others, I'm pretty sure some out there are just plain annoyed with POTA. Thinking some of the old school "I've had my net here at the same time for 40 years" crowd is a big part of my annoyance.
During this video you'll see that while I was trying to work a faint QRP signal, someone made a point of tunning up on me. Then.. there was the Alpha Hotel who played a recording of a freight train blowing its horn... no kidding.
Maybe I need to calm the Foxtrot down, or find a new schedule
Maybe am getting cranky and less patient as I grow older. Maybe I just was having a bad day. Or maybe, as I stating above, people are just getting caught up in the excitement of the fun of POTA and not being as respectful as they could be. Or maybe I need to calm the Foxtrot down.
I will admit I am not much of a people person. In general I like all dogs more than most people; and I don't like all dogs as much as other dogs.
Now with the new POTA "morning shift" thing, and me being an early raiser, maybe I should focus my time to play POTA on a different schedule? I may not get the pile ups and as many contacts, but maybe I will have a better time.
Sorry, angry Shane is standing down now. But, damn. I recorded this footage over a month ago and some of the antics I showed in this video still rub me a bit raw.
But is was not all bad! Not even close.
I now this video had an overall negative vide to it, and I do (sort of) apologize for that. I say "sort af" because I want the video to stay be representative to my experience. However there was plenty of positives during the activation.
I made contacts with some friends I've made through POTA. There were alway several very polite and positive operators I made a QSO with. Including some that spotted for me. The VAST majority of the POTA hunters are great, great people. Please don't get me wrong.
It's just that a few need to brush up on some radio etiquette. The DX Code of Conduct would be a good place to start.
Let's all get behind the DX Code of Conduct
DX Code of Conduct
I will listen, and listen, and then listen again before calling.
I will only call if I can copy the DX station properly.
I will not trust the DX cluster and will be sure of the DX station's call sign before calling.
I will not interfere with the DX station nor anyone calling and will never tune up on the DX frequency or in the QSX slot.
I will wait for the DX station to end a contact before I call.
I will always send my full call sign.
I will call and then listen for a reasonable interval. I will not call continuously.
I will not transmit when the DX operator calls another call sign, not mine.
I will not transmit when the DX operator queries a call sign not like mine.
I will not transmit when the DX station requests geographic areas other than mine.
When the DX operator calls me, I will not repeat my call sign unless I think he has copied it incorrectly.
I will be thankful if and when I do make a contact.
I will respect my fellow hams and conduct myself so as to earn their respect.
I strongly suggest we all promote the above code of conduct for POTA and SOTA activities as well as DX. It would make the pileups more manageable for the activator and a more pleasant experience for all involved. Especially for new hams or even the ham curious listening to the pileup.
We all want our hobby to continue and we need new people to get interested. How interesting to you think listening to an out of control pileup would be? If anything it would be seen by a new ham as intimidating or flat out obnoxious, making them want to pursue other activities.
I copied the above DX Code of Conduct from the DX-code.com website. Also on that site is an excellent op-ed that first appeared in the ARRL February 2010 edition of QRT, by W6SJ Randy Johnson. Well worth your time to read. Article can be found at this link.