I would assume SKCC participants, those who are newer ops, need the extra practice that a solid, not their patent bare minimum exchange, would provide. Sure seems like many of these ops are squandering valuable opportunities to not only excel in the mastery of Morse code but also making new friends and having meanigful conversations... I would strongly encourage those (Hello SKCC Leadership) who are indeed only seeking numbers for what ever reasons by all means send "CQ SKCC" so we who are not wanting to be solicited can ignore the call and move on to an actual QSO with some conversation... Learn Morse Do CW 73
Some of you guys are a real hoot. You complained when the code requirement was removed, mourned the lack of CW operators for the next 20 years, and now piss and moan because too many CW operators won’t play ham the way you play ham. Turn off your opinion generator (computer) and turn on a radio.
There is nothing but true poetry leaping off my key. Millions of years from now aliens will pick up these signals and marvel at the brilliance of the human mind.
I don't insist upon poetry in ordinary, spoken conversation. I'm certainly not going to insist upon it with CW QSOs. And I hope no one will expect it of me because I'm no poet!
Not very helpful I think to confuse some sort of falsely elevated literary attitude with the real, practical, expressive nature of Morse Code. I do understand that many hams are not particularly good at reading, writing or speaking English or another language. Poetry has to do with language that has musical and other expressive qualities. Well-sent Morse Code definitely can be musically expressive. It can also, if poorly sent, be very unmusical. Other poetic expressive characteristics of Morse Code conversations have to do with all the possibilities for efficient abbreviated words and other kinds of character groups. Bottom line is that poetry is where you find it. Even in ordinary conversation, most people can appreciate a rhythmic, witty, poignant phrase. That's poetry. Popular songs are poetic. Then there are those folks with tin ears. They miss out on a lot.
I'm open to working anyone. I hope they're not disappointed. If they are, they can cut the QSO short and there'll be no hard feelings on my end.
