"Harry George" wrote in message
...
More newbie questions. Of course the answers will probably come after
the contest is over, but it would be information for next time.

I stumbled onto the North American QSO party and responded to 3 CQ's
before I realized what was happening. Then I found and read the rules
on the web. What I can't figure out is:

a) I have no intention of competing. Should I just stay out of this,
and go find other places in the spectrum? Or should I dive in, and
respond to any stations I can reach?

Respond to as many or as few as you want. The serious contestants want as
many points as they can get and NEED the casual contestors. Without the
casual contesters, the scores would stay pretty low. I think I worked 20
stations and then decided I'd rather watch old movies this weekend.


b) Do I need to turn in a log for those 3 contacts (and any more if
"a" is "go for it"), so that the other guys' logs can be confirmed?


You don't have to but with only three, you probably should. This prevents
your contact from being tossed out or their logs as "unique." If a couple
of those three got it wrong, it would not only be tossed out of those two
for errors but out of the third one as it becomes a "unique".

c) I heard some people asking for QSLs. I've just been reading about
WAS and see that NAQP could be a great way to get some states. But I
also realize that a contest is a hectic time for anything as civilized
as QSL cards. What's considered proper form here?


Many do not send QSL cards automatically. However proper etiquette is that
if you send them one with an SASE, they should send one back. Now some of
these people may not actually have cards since they do not QSL regularly.
The really conscientious ones (if they do not have cards) will write the
info on a blank 3.5" x 5" card or an interesting postcard or just a sheet of
paper and reply that way. For the various awards available, it only has to
be written/printed document not specifically a card. The cards are more
convenient to file and handle however.

Here is the actual definition of QSL.

QSL? - Do you acknowledge receipt?
QSL - I acknowledge receipt.

The use QSL is to confirm that the information has been sent or received.
It doesn't really refer to a card in its basic definition. Thus, a "QSL
card" means written confirmation.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE