So: HF Flash Mobs? Might be fun. (Has it been done already?)
A flash mob is a spontaneous gathering of some kind, usually in the spirit of
community or fun. The ham equivalent would be an excuse to get on the air when
lots of other stations are present, to simulate an emergency, open a "dead"
band, etc.
Thanks to the element of randomness, it's not the same as a contest. It's also
not like a DX "spot," because everyone isn't trying to work just one station.
It's more like the unpredictable appearance of an exciting new thread on the
reflector :)
Guidelines might be something like this:
1. Announce maybe a few hours in advance, then re-announce a few minutes before
the gathering. Spontaneity is the name of the game. Daytime and evening mobs
should be alternated to give us working stiffs a chance.
2. Specify a target frequency (+/- 5 kHz) to improve chances of working a few
stations. If conditions are good, the gang could spread out from there.
General-class allocations should be used to be inclusive.
3. Contest times should be avoided, as well as net times/frequencies. Avoid
QRMing stations already in the target range.
4. To ensure that everyone isn't calling CQ, or that everyone isn't listening,
a rule could be announced each time, such as:
a. Everyone whose call sign ends in A through L initially calls CQ
b. Everyone whose call sign ends in M through Z initially answers CQs
These could be flipped for alternate events.
5. I don't think exchanges are needed. This is about getting on the air; it's
not a contest. Feel free to rag chew or just give a signal report.
If you're interested in taking on the role of mob master, or if you think this
idea is nuts, please respond to the list. And yes, this is very much on-topic;
it's about community.
Wayne
N6KR
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