This really bothers me and I'm not sure why

[W4MAJ]

This has occurred more in the last month than in the last seven years I've been a ham. And I stated in the title, it really bothers me and I'm not sure why.

So here's my gripe. Several times this month I have either answered a CQ or called CQ and the other station called me by name before I had a chance to introduce myself to him.

These days pretty much everyone has access to the Internet in their shack, right? That means easy access to QRZ -- quick and easy access to my profile page.

That's one part of my gripe. The other is my name is NOT Bill -- It's William. Only my mother can call me Bill.

So I'm nuts, right? This doesn't bother any of you?

[wa3vjb]

Take it easy Willie.

I was creeped at first too, when someone would obviously have looked me up and said, ah, West Friendship, since that's my license location, not my station location.

Then I realized some people have trouble paying attention to a conversation, so instead of actually listening to you, they look you up and start thinking about what they are going to say.

Quote[/b] ]Ah but enough about me, let's talk about YOU.

How do you think my rig sounds ???


Paul/VJB

[kj3n]

Yes, you're nuts.

You've GOT to be kidding me....

[ab8ma]

Actually I do get taken aback when the DX calls me George. Nobody calls me George. My name is George, but I have always gone by Bob.

[N9XR]

Since my parents named me "Jerry", I get called Gerald, Jerome, Gerrard, and other names I can't post here.

The other day, the bank called me and said that my first name sent up a flag at Homeland Security and they had to call me once more to make sure that my name was "Jerry" and not something else.

How many times has Homeland Security tried to call you something else?

Yeah, it gets old, but what are you going to do about it? Go PSK and post your name with your call so they can call you "Bill" after you tell them that it is "William".

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (ab8ma @ June 06 2007,14:55)]Actually I do get taken aback when the DX calls me George. Nobody calls me George. My name is George, but I have always gone by Bob.
You could do what my SK friend (KC2HYH) did -

His name was Eyan Vincent Jeffers.
But everyone called him "vinny"

So on his 605 form, he put "E Vincent Jeffers"

I'm sure no one on air called him "E"

[KB3LIX]

I guess I'm different.

I like when a DX station calls me by name, as I then KNOW they got my call correct.
The chances of an incorrect call coming up with the proper first name is unlikely.

Possible, but unlikely.

My name is listed as William, but I am Bill.
I hate William, but what is in a name anyhow http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[ac3p]

Yeah the first time that happened to me it was kind of creepy.

Part of the QSO is the exchange information, RS(T) QTH and Name. So if the other station already knows your name and QTH, what's the point of sending it?

I think looking up the other station's info before trying to copy it off the air is kind of cheating.

It's a Brave New World we live in. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[wc5cw]

William, (et al)...

No, you are NOT nuts...You have a long-standing and established regard for social politeness and etiquette...I see nothing wrong with that (yes...even on the airwaves, for goodness sake)...And besides, for reasons you state and others provided by way of example, it seems to me that those who have had no contact with you and "assume" what your chosen name may be are opening the door to an unnecessary exchange regarding the whole subject matter in the first place.

My two cents worth.

Bruce
WC5CW

[KB2SFH]

Quote[/b] (W4MAJ @ June 06 2007,15:41)]This has occurred more in the last month than in the last seven years I've been a ham. And I stated in the title, it really bothers me and I'm not sure why.

So here's my gripe. Several times this month I have either answered a CQ or called CQ and the other station called me by name before I had a chance to introduce myself to him.

These days pretty much everyone has access to the Internet in their shack, right? That means easy access to QRZ -- quick and easy access to my profile page.

That's one part of my gripe. The other is my name is NOT Bill -- It's William. Only my mother can call me Bill.

So I'm nuts, right? This doesn't bother any of you?
Hams aren't mindreaders so just politely correct them and tell them what you would prefer to be called. If they ignore your request and keep doing it then I give you permission to be annoyed. You are not nuts for feeling the way you do, I have the same thing happen with my name and get real annoyed when they keep doing it knowing I don't like it, then I nicely warn them I am not responsible for my actions.

[WB8MKV]

Hi Bill....

[KA4DPO]

I'm allways pleasantly surprised when someone calls me by my name instead of some explative. I guess it doesn't really bother me...

[W4MAJ]

Quote[/b] (WB8MKV @ June 06 2007,15:40)]Hi Bill....
I'm never talking to any of you people ever again.


http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[w3wn]

First time it happened to me, I was guest operating at a friend's station. Turned out that the other op was having trouble copying code and was using a callbook (once he figured out the other call, of course) to get the basic info so that he wouldn't look stupid.

I was puzzled as to why he was calling me "Joel" when I was clearly sending "Ron" until Joel forwarded his QSL card to me explaining the whole thing a few weeks later.

I still have the QSL card from him somewhere explaining the whole thing.

Oh... this happened in 1972. So it's not a new phenomenom.

Today, I think it happens more often, sometimes from laziness, sometimes from a need to show off technology, and I'm sure there are plenty more reasons why that I haven't thought of yet.

Is it a bit irritating? Yes. But... don't sweat the small stuff. If you don't care to continue the QSO, send 73 & move on!

73

[WB8MKV]

ok Bill, you promise !

[n2cfj]

I still use a paper log but I wonder, are there logging programs that have links to a database? If so, the other guy may just be entering your call in his log and glancing at the screen when he comes back to you.

[WB2WIK]

Since you can create your own comments for QRZ.com, why not just make your very first comment "CALL ME WILLIAM?"

And then go on from there...

[wb7de]

Then there are the guys who insist on calling me Dave even after I have introduced myself as David. But I don't get bent out of shape about it.

[KB1KIX]

Quote[/b] (W4MAJ @ June 06 2007,16:42)]Quote[/b] (WB8MKV @ June 06 2007,15:40)]Hi #Bill....
I'm never talking to any of you people ever again.


#http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
C'mon Bill,

You know this crowd in the T&O section of this site had to bust your stones.

Look at it like this - Bill is a lot easier on the fist!

Jonathan

[ae4fa]

The 'loker-uppers' are one reason I'm happy the FCC quit posting date of birth.

[ae4tr]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif They can call me anything that suits their fancy, as long as the don't miss
calling me for supper.
After 74 yrs of age hits you, anything goes for a name.
I passed that milestone a while back.

[KI4MRU]

Quote[/b] (n2cfj @ June 06 2007,16:47)]I still use a paper log but I wonder, are there logging programs that have links to a database? If so, the other guy may just be entering your call in his log and glancing at the screen when he comes back to you.
Yes, absolutely. Many logging programs do an instant lookup (either online or from a CD) whenever you type in a callsign. I do typically look up callsigns as I work them, not to avoid listening, but simply to confirm (via supporting data such as the name, location, etc.) that I have actually heard the callsign correctly.

[KB1KIX]

Quote[/b] (ae4fa @ June 06 2007,17:06)]The 'loker-uppers' are one reason I'm happy the FCC quit posting date of birth.
That one just irked me!

DOB - WTF? That info should not be posted online!

Jonathan

[WB2WIK]

"You don't have to call me Johnson! The name's Raymond J. Johnson Jr. You can call me Ray, or you can call me J, or you can call me..." http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[ve2nsm]

English speaking hams were always calling me Oliver instead of Olivier, I got over it when I realized it's hard to pronounce in english, now I even say "my name is Oliver" when in QSO. I guess you get used to anything.

Now I have to train the spanish speaking hams to say "Olivier", because they have no excuse http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[w3dub]

Honestly, i like it.. like somebody said earlier.. you can spot a callsign problem a lot faster when they greet you by name..

[KB1GYQ]

Quote[/b] (W4MAJ @ June 06 2007,15:41)]... Several times this month I have either answered a CQ or called CQ and the other station called me by name before I had a chance to introduce myself to him.
Internet in the shack... yes. Schedule contacts online, post and spot DX online, QSL online... why not just make the contacts online too! Bah! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[KB1KIX]

Olivier is simple enough.

There are may names I wish my ex wife and her mother would stop calling me!!!!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Jonathan

[WA2ZDY]

Quote[/b] (KA4DPO @ June 06 2007,16:41)]I'm allways pleasantly surprised when someone calls me by my name instead of some explative. #I guess it doesn't really bother me...
After working in the state prison for 24 years I thought my name was "mother . . ." Imagine my surprise when I had kids and they call me "Father."

[KC5SAS]

Willo, Willareeno, The Willmiester, The Williamator, Sir Will of Iam, Willie, Willepoo, W-dog, Williammmm....

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[ve2nsm]

Quote[/b] (KB1KIX @ June 06 2007,17:55)]Olivier is simple enough.

There are may names I wish my ex wife and her mother would stop calling me!!!!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Jonathan
Maybe for you, but most can not say "oh leave YAHE". I guess "ah liver" is easier http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[k3wrv]

Hey William-

There's a very well known ham out 0 land who is named "Robert". Whenever anybody calls him "Bob" he comes back with W?9http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif who are you calling? Nobody named "Bob on this frequency". He get's real up[set by it too, but not enough to toss the QSO.

I'll admit to having done lookups and guesses a couple of times since I got I-net in the shack, but I'm mostly a SSTVer and it's sometimes hard to call back on fone to get the correct name due to propagation. So I've guessed.

As for me, I'll answer to darned near anything, and generally ask the other op's name. Heck, it could be that he wants to be called Bubba or Doc something. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[W5HTW]

I was a Junior. For all my life, my father used our shared first name, so I wound up using our shared middle name. Didn't bother me, but I spent many, many years with the middle name, and the first name just doesn't even ring a bell with me. However, when people call me that, it doesn't make me mad. It is my name.

That said, I really do NOT like the mix of ham radio and the internet. As I type this, I am not on the radio; I am on the internet. When I turn this off and go to the radio, I am not on the internet, I am on the radio. I don't want my contacts confirming anything by internet, phone, cell phone, US mail, etc., during the contact. The purpose of the contact is to exchange information and comments by RADIO, not by internet. I can't say I would get angry, but I would prefer to have an opportunity to do it on radio, and not be upstaged by the web. If I want contacts on the web, I can do that.

As noted, I can't say it would make me angry, but it would be disappointing. Since I work mostly CW, I want to make the contact mean something.

Ed

[K8MHZ]

Quote[/b] (W4MAJ @ June 06 2007,07:41)]This has occurred more in the last month than in the last seven years I've been a ham. And I stated in the title, it really bothers me and I'm not sure why.

So here's my gripe. Several times this month I have either answered a CQ or called CQ and the other station called me by name before I had a chance to introduce myself to him.

These days pretty much everyone has access to the Internet in their shack, right? That means easy access to QRZ -- quick and easy access to my profile page.

That's one part of my gripe. The other is my name is NOT Bill -- It's William. Only my mother can call me Bill.

So I'm nuts, right? This doesn't bother any of you?
It bothers you that someone looked you up on QRZ while in QSO with you? #I find that a bit odd.

I also think you are taking offense where there is none. #People that call you Bill instead of William aren't doing so maliciously. #If you hate it that much put something to that effect in your bio. #Or better yet, delete it altogether.

Forgive me if I think you are being a tad petty on both accounts.

I talked to a guy once, Leonard was his name if I remember correctly, that gave me a description, in detail, of my house and my neighborhood over the air. #I thought it was cool. #He used several Google Earth type programs to see landscape details from overlayed aerial and satellite photos. #He described the cars in my driveway and asked if they were mine or visitors. #That was one of the most memorable QSOs I ever had and netted me the best QSL card in my collection, an 8 x 10 certificate with calligraphy, that resembled a stock certificate.

All that, of course, was after he looked me up on both QRZ and the FCC ULS database, which has all of your information as well.

[VO1GXG]

i look the person up after i have a QSO with them i rather find the info first hand !

[WA9SVD]

At least nobody here has called you "Late for dinner."

BTW, supper started ten minutes ago.

[AG3Y]

When I was first starting out with the old mechanical TTY units, an "Elmer" named "Reg" helped me get set up. Well, of course, the old "Green Keys" and homebrew demod weren't quite up to snuff, yet, so I was only copying about 50% of the text he was sending me.

He kept telling me, rather pointedly, that his name was "REG" , and I kept going back to him, "fine , Reggie ! . . . . " He finally got so mad that he cut short the QSO, and wouldn't talk to me again, until I profusely apologized to him, and sent him the hard copy print of the infamous exchange. After he saw how little I had copied, he lightened up and at least would talk with me, again. But he never was quite as warm toward me as he had been prior to the "Reggie" incident!

73, Jim

[KG6YTZ]

For official business, I am "Kenneth." For everything and everyone else, I have been "Ken" since I was about 9 or 10 years old. I haven't answered to "Kenny" since I was... oh, about 9 or 10 years old. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

That's all I have to say about that. Carry on.

[KE5FRF]

I'm William too.

Oops, no, I'm Bill.

Nope, I'm not. I'm Heath. My middle name is Heath. They called me Billy, Bill, Will, or Willie on the first day of school back in those days when the new teacher called roll for the first time. I corrected them then, and I correct hams now! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Yes, this happens to me on the air (and here on QRZ posts too) where people look up my call and refer to me as Bill. My dad is Bill...I am Heath. I even have in my bio that I go by Heath on the intodoction line!

Ah, it doesn't bother me that much. What bothers me is when I correct someone and explain it, and they continue to call me Bill.

Oh, and your lucky. Heath sounds like Kieth. I still have longtime associates that call me Kieth now and then.

[wc5cw]

W4MAJ, et al...

>"...I really do NOT like the mix of ham radio and the internet. #As I type this, I am not on the radio; I am on the internet. #When I turn this off and go to the radio, I am not on the internet, I am on the radio. # I don't want my contacts confirming anything by internet, phone, cell phone, US mail, etc., during the contact. #The purpose of the contact is to exchange information and comments by RADIO, not by internet. # I can't say I would get angry, but I would prefer to have an opportunity to do it on radio, and not be upstaged by the web. # If I want contacts on the web, I can do that." <-- Ed, W5HTW

Well said!...And exemplifies the traditional spirit and challenge of two-way amateur radio communications...Today's crutches of Internet based DX spotters, station ID and related information before or during an operating session are, IMHO, just that: Crutches that detract from the art and the skill, the spirit and the challenge of two-way RADIO activity.

"Different strokes for different folks" but that's my two-cents worth.

Bruce
WC5CW

[KD5ZER]

Quote[/b] (KE5FRF @ June 06 2007,23:00)]Oh, and your lucky. Heath sounds like Kieth. I still have longtime associates that call me Kieth now and then.
I know how you feel Heath. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I don't know how many times I get called Heath on a daily
basis.

-Keith

[KI6ADA]

The other night on 20 meters, I heard a operator answer all his qso's by the name of the calling party. It was odd, but it seems to enlighten the fact. I guess it shows further interest beyond a call sign.

I can;t type fast enough t enter qsl as fast.

Take it easy and have fun William, Bill, Billy, Willie and Will.

73 from Steve or Steven or Stevie or Stephan or Stephen. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[w7lpn]

Quit griping! At least they can't call you Dick. Well, I guess they could....? Rich, Richie, Rick, Ricky, Ricardo, & My favorite Enrique.#http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif It's just Ham Radio, right?

[W3MIV]

I can see why you would be unsure of why this "problem" bothers you. Any logging program worth its salt brings up full identifying data as soon as the call is entered. Americans, in general, are noted for treating strangers with a familiarity that borders on outright rudeness.

But, of all the things in life and amateur radio over which to become upset, this topic would seem to be well down on the list. If you've reached that far down to become upset, seems you should be very happy and not bothered at all.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[KI4NGN]

Quote[/b] (wc5cw @ June 06 2007,21:37)]W4MAJ, et al...

>"...I really do NOT like the mix of ham radio and the internet. #As I type this, I am not on the radio; I am on the internet. #When I turn this off and go to the radio, I am not on the internet, I am on the radio. # I don't want my contacts confirming anything by internet, phone, cell phone, US mail, etc., during the contact. #The purpose of the contact is to exchange information and comments by RADIO, not by internet. # I can't say I would get angry, but I would prefer to have an opportunity to do it on radio, and not be upstaged by the web. # If I want contacts on the web, I can do that." <-- Ed, W5HTW

Well said!...And exemplifies the traditional spirit and challenge of two-way amateur radio communications...Today's crutches of Internet based DX spotters, station ID and related information before or during an operating session are, IMHO, just that: Crutches that detract from the art and the skill, the spirit and the challenge of two-way RADIO activity.

"Different strokes for different folks" but that's my two-cents worth.

Bruce
WC5CW
Does using an autotuner detract from the art and spirit of our hobby?

How about using an electronic keyer?

Or using a solid state rig instead of hollow state requiring final tuning?

All are advances to the state of the art of our hobby. Where do you draw the line between acceptable technological advances and detracting from the art and spirit of our hobby?

The PC and Internet in the shack are tools, and using those tools no more detracts from our hobby than any other technological advances.

The purpose of a contact is to communicate. If the information that is actually exchanged changes or is redundant, the communication is still there, the contact is still real.

If I look up a contact on QRZ while in QSO with him (sometimes I do, sometimes I don't), I'm not detracting from anything. I'm still in QSO (the prime point of ham radio), but it has now possibly been enhanced because, maybe, I can see what he and/or his shack look like, and that adds to the enjoyment!

73,

Mike, Raleigh, NC

[WB8MKV]

Good Morning Bill...

[WS2L]

My first name is Dave but if someone calls me David (only my Mom did that) it doesn't bother me. I agree that with the internet that other hams can look you up and have all your information before you get a chance to send it but thats modern technology. Long gone are the days that we have to wait to exchange information, I enjoyed those days.

[k0cmh]

What people call me on the radio is often much better than when I am off the radio. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

not sure abt others, but i LIKE it when ppl call me or others by name, I think it makes Ham Radio sound a lot friendlier and relaxed. My name is Duncan and that is the only way to say it w/o using a nickname. But...my friends call me Dunkey or Dunc http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

73s

[cu2jt]

Quote[/b] (WS2L @ June 07 2007,05:11)]My first name is Dave but if someone calls me David (only my Mom did that) it doesn't bother me. I agree that with the internet that other hams can look you up and have all your information before you get a chance to send it but thats modern technology. Long gone are the days that we have to wait to exchange information, I enjoyed those days.
My first name is Leif Gary. My parents called me Leif but to all my friends, I am Gary.

I work some RTTY and PSK and it happens from time to time that the reception quality is inferior and I have problems getting the callsign, name or QTH. If I get the callsign OK but some letters are dropped in the name, then I can verify the name. The same goes for callsign. If I miss a letter in the callsign, or if I get several suggestions on the callsign (as happens from time to time with the decoders), then I can verify the callsign if I got the name and/or the QTH.

[wa3vjb]

I can't say it rises to a big boil for me, but as mentioned, it's a little creepy.

I called my folks last night to say hi and I was reminded of an aspect similar -- my Mom likes to catch who is calling on the ID box, and immediately control the conversation when she first picks up the phone. It's not hello, it's not anything to let the caller proceed. Maybe she only does it with me, but I've taken to hitting *67 to keep a little mystery in the caller ID process. Bless her heart, but hey, if she wants to pre-emptively control the call she can start out by calling us (we don't have Caller ID).

Same deal in a QSO with looking people up and SAYING something before really establishing contact. It is a bit rude. It can either be a control thing, as with my Mom, but it can also be poor conversational skills where the person is more interested in what they know and can tell you than in learning who you are from your own disclosure.

Paul/VJB

[WS2L]

Quote[/b] (WA2ZDY @ June 06 2007,11:04)]Quote[/b] (KA4DPO @ June 06 2007,16:41)]I'm allways pleasantly surprised when someone calls me by my name instead of some explative. I guess it doesn't really bother me...
After working in the state prison for 24 years I thought my name was "mother . . ." Imagine my surprise when I had kids and they call me "Father."
Chris,

Being we both worked in the same system, even worked together at that one jail I was called Mother so many times that I was upset every year when I didn't receive a single Mothers Day card. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[W4MAJ]

Well, I'm not going to lose any sleep over this, but these types of QSOs just weird me out:


Caller: CQ CQ CQ this is AA0AA

Me: AA0AA this W4MAJ

(pause)

Caller: W4MAJ AA0AA Hello, Bill. How are things in Ashland City today?


The point is I have never spoken to AA0AA before. I prefer any first meeting -- on air or in person -- to be somewhat professional at first.

Every time I meet someone for the first time in person, I'll use titles like Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc. In my opinion, it's better to wait for someone to tell you how they prefer to be addressed and not assume. If someone wants to looks me on-line during the QSO to check my call sign that's fine.

[w9is]

Quote[/b] (wa3vjb @ June 07 2007,06:01)]I can't say it rises to a big boil for me, but as mentioned, it's a little creepy.
Yeah, I'm creaped out by people who block their caller id too, I usually pick up the phone and say something like "If you wish to talk to us, hang up and unblock your caller id like a decent human being" and hang up. The only people blocking their caller id are scam artists anyway.

[w9is]

Quote[/b] (W4MAJ @ June 07 2007,06:17)]Well, I'm not going to lose any sleep over this, but these types of QSOs just weird me out:


Caller: CQ CQ CQ this is AA0AA

Me: AA0AA this W4MAJ

(pause)

Caller: W4MAJ AA0AA Hello, Bill. How are things in Ashland City today?


The point is I have never spoken to AA0AA before. I prefer any first meeting -- on air or in person -- to be somewhat professional at first.

Every time I meet someone for the first time in person, I'll use titles like Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc. In my opinion, it's better to wait for someone to tell you how they prefer to be addressed and not assume. If someone wants to looks me on-line during the QSO to check my call sign that's fine.
I don't know, I think it's kind of nice that someone checks to see who you are before talking, makes it more personal. You are on the radio to talk to someone, so why not try to be a bit more friendly? Although I would personally use the full name William 'cause you don't know whether the person likes Bill, Will, Wills, Willy or something else entirely.

[KI4NGN]

Quote[/b] (W4MAJ @ June 07 2007,06:17)]Well, I'm not going to lose any sleep over this, but these types of QSOs just weird me out:


Caller: CQ CQ CQ this is AA0AA

Me: AA0AA this W4MAJ

(pause)

Caller: W4MAJ AA0AA Hello, Bill. How are things in Ashland City today?


The point is I have never spoken to AA0AA before. I prefer any first meeting -- on air or in person -- to be somewhat professional at first.

Every time I meet someone for the first time in person, I'll use titles like Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc. In my opinion, it's better to wait for someone to tell you how they prefer to be addressed and not assume. If someone wants to looks me on-line during the QSO to check my call sign that's fine.
Chuckling...you want amateur radio operators to be more professional?

I think you mean formal.

Just pulling your leg! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Mike

[KI4NGN]

Quote[/b] (w9cq @ June 07 2007,06:19)]Quote[/b] (wa3vjb @ June 07 2007,06:01)]I can't say it rises to a big boil for me, but as mentioned, it's a little creepy.
Yeah, I'm creaped out by people who block their caller id too, I usually pick up the phone and say something like "If you wish to talk to us, hang up and unblock your caller id like a decent human being" #and hang up. #The only people blocking their caller id are scam artists anyway.
My caller ID is only unblocked when I am calling people I know.

BTW, I am not a scam artist. I just don't like the instant identification to someone I don't know for a lot of reasons. I also pay to be unlisted.

[ab8ma]

Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ June 06 2007,20:52)]Since you can create your own comments for QRZ.com, why not just make your very first comment "CALL ME WILLIAM?"

And then go on from there...
I did that. But my name is George and I go by BOB.

[W0UZR]

Quote[/b] (WB8MKV @ June 07 2007,05:42)]Good Morning Bill...
Good morning Dougie

[W0UZR]

BAAAHAHAHAHA

Ok, I look up calls when I hear them pretty much when the person I hear sounds "Suspect" of not being a licensed ham. And even if he does, I will look him up to see if he is legitimate. I don't want to be talking to an unlicensed operator....

It would be just as illegal for me to talk to an unlicensed person as it would for him to be on the air without a license. So if someone doesn't like that I look him up when I start to talk to him, Too Bad!

[w8znx]

W you run any cw

its a pain dealing with ops that
love to use long full names

as in
" my name here is farquer farquer "

my given first name is craig

but i use the handle mac

its funny

i send op op mac mac
and op on other end
says hi craig

i now know that that op is looking on the internet
not copyin what im sending

if i send op mac
agn
and other op still calls me craig

now realy know that they are not
copying
what im sending
so i sign
figure no use sending to somebody
that can not copy what im sending

Mac

[kl7aj]

I always am suspicious of ANYONE (not just hams) who know my name before I tell it to them. More often than not, they're trying to sell me something.
The thing I'll like most about heaven is that there will be no telemarketers or terrorists there. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Eric

[W4MAJ]

Quote[/b] (kl7aj @ June 07 2007,13:05)]I always am suspicious of ANYONE (not just hams) who know my name before I tell it to them.
BINGO!

[WB8MKV]

To w0uzr...actually Steve ; Dougie is my nickname..so thanks..73

[KC9GUZ]

Its doesnt bother me. In fact i think its kind of cool. At least i know the guy got me name right!

[K0RGR]

They call me Billiam - and I don't mind. I just inform them that I normally respond to any 4-letter word.

Now, I wish they had called me 'Johnson' or 'Meat' or something like that in High School - it could have greatly improved my social life.

[wa9cwx]

Answering my CQ with "Hello Frank...etc."

Yes, it creeps me out too, and I find it MILDLY irritating.....I have never been really upset by it though.

I think it just brings up a mental association of 'computer geek', rather than 'RF geek'.

And the advertising gimmic of a 'psuedo-handwritten' message that says "Hey Frank, thought you might be interested in this..."
If I have time, I answer them with, "Hey Tom, (Or whatever) guess what, I'm not."

The proper way to conduct any conversation with a stranger, is to let them give you their name, then you use it.
Not a bad thing the other way around, but creepy, yes.

[W0UZR]

Quote[/b] (WB8MKV @ June 07 2007,14:30)]To w0uzr...actually Steve ; Dougie is my nickname..so #thanks..73
DRATT !!!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[W0UZR]

Quote[/b] (wa9cwx @ June 07 2007,17:03)]Answering my CQ with "Hello Frank...etc."

Yes, it creeps me out too, and I find it MILDLY irritating.....I have never been really upset by it though.

I think it just brings up a mental association of 'computer geek', rather than 'RF geek'.

And the advertising gimmic of a 'psuedo-handwritten' message that says "Hey Frank, thought you might be interested in this..."
If I have time, I answer them with, "Hey Tom, (Or whatever) guess what, I'm not."

The proper way to conduct any conversation with a stranger, is to let them give you their name, then you use it.
Not a bad thing the other way around, but creepy, yes.
I was in a restaurant once and there was a guy with his business shirt on, and I said,

"WELL ! HELLO FRANK ! Nice to see you"

And of course he has a big puzzled look on his face. He shakes my hand anyway when I stick out my hand.

"Ummm, er,, I guess I should know you, but I don't remember you. Sorry."

"That's ok Frank, I never met you before. So that's why."
(Looking real puzzled now)

"Er,, heh, How did you know my name?" He said.

"I read it on your shirt."

[wc5cw]

Mike, KI4NGN (et al)...

With regard to your comments, I question why you choose to cite examples presented in the form of questions that are clearly qualitatively different and unrelated to those that I have specifically mentioned...But insofar as you have asked I will attempt simple replies to your questions, be they rhetorical questions or not, hoping that this discussion, having veered off topic to some extent, does not continue as in a protracted dialogue. #

>"Does using an autotuner detract from the art and spirit of our hobby?"<

No, not at all...An auto tuner is a device that is used to enable the match of an antenna load to the output of a RADIO transmitter or transceiver while in the act of transmitting intelligence as is done while communicating by RADIO.

>"How about using an electronic keyer?"<

Again...no, not at all...An electronic keyer is a device that is used to enable the formation of radiotelegraphic code characters used to modulate the carrier of a RADIO transmitter or transceiver while in the act of communicating by RADIO.

>"Or using a solid state rig instead of hollow state requiring final tuning?"<

Again...no, not at all...A solid state rig having a no tune final is a viable and often more appropriate choice of RADIO transmitting circuitry for the communication of intelligence as is done in two-way RADIO communication.

Indeed, I said nothing about any device directly enabling the operation and control of a radio receiver, transmitter or transceiver, modern or not...Not any of those examples you mention or any others such as DSP filtering, noise cancelling microphones, headphones or speakers, computer controlled radio functions or software defined transceivers...All devices used to enable two-way RADIO communication. #

>"All are advances to the state of the art of our hobby. Where do you draw the line between acceptable technological advances and detracting from the art and spirit of our hobby?"<

I said nothing about technological advances as they relate directly to the art and spirit of two-way amateur RADIO communication...What I did say was that I was in agreement with the sentiments of Ed, W5HTW with regard to using a pipeline of information via the Internet that is separate and independent of RADIO communications as practiced by generations of amateur radio operators...That to mean, in so many words, the success, failure, disappointment or enjoyment of the on-the-air communicating experience should rise and fall with the conditions in the moment...And that would include difficulties in establishing and maintaining contact by RADIO as influenced by conditions of QSB, QRM, QRN and other variables that operators encounter and have encountered whether or not they are using an auto tuner or not, a #hand key or a keyer, a tube type rig or a solid-state rig (to use your examples).

>"The PC and Internet in the shack are tools, and using those tools no more detracts from our hobby than any other technological advances."<

I made no remarks with respect to the presence of a PC in the radio shack...It can be a valuable tool for analyzing and assisting in the design and construction of antennas and radio gear...Even control of modern radio transceivers...In that regard the computer it is a powerful tool, time saver and convenience. #

>"The purpose of a contact is to communicate. If the information that is actually exchanged changes or is redundant, the communication is still there, the contact is still real."<

Folks are certainly entitled to their opinion as to the use of the Internet as they see fit...As Ed, W5HTW has remarked, in part: "The purpose of the contact is to exchange information and comments by RADIO, not by internet."...I happen to agree with that and as I said in my original post, "Different strokes for different folks"....I have chosen a different method from you and others to experience the enjoyment of amateur radio, however we define it....To express it in different terms and as someone* once said, it's not the destination, it's the journey...I prefer my on-the-air "journey" to have all the spontaneity, discovery and adventure it can and that's without the presence of the Internet as an aid, a workaround or a crutch to establishing or maintaining the contact, including the exchange of information such as callsign, name, QTH, etc...To me, spontaneity, discovery and adventure are the among the qualities that are the essence of two-way amateur radio communications and help define what it is.

* Steve Jobs, Co-founder and CEO, Apple Computer

With all due respects and FWIW, that's my take and I'm sticking to it.

Bruce
WC5CW

[w9is]

Quote[/b] (W4MAJ @ June 07 2007,11:15)]Quote[/b] (kl7aj @ June 07 2007,13:05)]I always am suspicious of ANYONE (not just hams) who know my name before I tell it to them.
BINGO!
But you've given your callsign, which identifies you, if you don't want people to know your name don't give out your callsign http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[n2cfj]

Just like caller ID. If a call comes into the house from my daughter's cell phone, I will pick up the phone and say "Yes Marcy". Usually, although I know who is calling based on the ID I will just say "hello" so as not to freak them out.
There was some advice relating to child safety a while back that advised against putting clothes on kids that have their name on the front so that a child molester could not use the kid's name to fool them into thinking they were not a stranger.

[n9dsj]

Quote[/b] (W4MAJ @ June 06 2007,12:41)]This has occurred more in the last month than in the last seven years I've been a ham. And I stated in the title, it really bothers me and I'm not sure why.

So here's my gripe. Several times this month I have either answered a CQ or called CQ and the other station called me by name before I had a chance to introduce myself to him.

These days pretty much everyone has access to the Internet in their shack, right? That means easy access to QRZ -- quick and easy access to my profile page.

That's one part of my gripe. The other is my name is NOT Bill -- It's William. Only my mother can call me Bill.

So I'm nuts, right? This doesn't bother any of you?
Well,

If I have worked the person before and his/her name pops up in the log, I might repoond with their first name...otherwise not.

(only my mother called me William, usually adding my middle name when I was in deep trouble!)

73,

Bill N9DSJ

[n5ypj]

As long as it's right on the paycheck and you don't call me late for supper - the rest I can live with.

[kn4ds]

I don't see how this is any different from years past when people could quickly thumb through the callbook and find the same info.

OK, so it didn't happen as often, since the 'net puts these things at our fingertips a lot easier and faster... but still... it's always been possible to do this.