I'm going to get into a topic that will probably aggravate a few people but its of amateur radio courtesy. I've never quite understood the need for some hams to start to talk over other stations trying to have a QSO or work DX. Especially when in many cases there are plenty of openings on each band unless its contest time or an emergency.
Good amateur practice and FCC rules state that there should be 3 khz spacing between every conversation and contact on the amateur bands. Yet somehow, some amateurs think that they should move 1.5 khz away from another QSO and start firing up the radio and either tuning up or trying to hold a contact or group.
My personal opinion is that you must listen prior to starting your conversation or at least ask if anyone is using the frequency. If there is no contact for a couple of minutes prior to your attempts, then by all means feel free to throw your call and comments out there.
Recently on 20 meters, I was in the middle of a QSO with a station in South Carolina and a call from the 5 call area here in the USA was involved in being very close to the conversation I was having as his station was splattering all over the established contact I was having. When I moved over to his frequency to ask what was going on, all I heard was no response even though signal wise he was easily being received at my QTH. After about 5 minutes of asking and being polite, he decided to finally act like he was hearing my comments. Strange that basic common sense and decency can't be practiced by all amateurs. It's a great hobby but there are some who seem to be bothered with following basic rules.
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