Do

Always be polite regardless of the circumstances.  If not, avoid transmitting.

Set a good example especially for new listeners who may be thinking about becoming a part of our network.

Be a good listener.  It will help you better organize your thoughts before transmitting.

Reply to a Radio Check, or call Radio Check yourself.  It helps keep alive the magic of our radio network. 

Speak clearly and slowly, especially when giving information to someone you have never chatted with before.

Promote friendship and goodwill.  Look for ways to get to know each other rather than simply exchanging Radio checks!

Make it clear at the end of each transmission which person is expected to transmit next.  Try to do this even when operating VOX.

Operate on channels that are in your best interest. This alleviates ambiguity and makes it easier for everyone to be on the same channel.

Openly praise other members when you observe them doing something that you feel is especially deserving. e.g., helping demonstrate the talk2me  radio.

Always be ready to quickly and calmly respond to emergency situations.  Rehearse what you would do if presented with various scenarios.

Pause between transmissions.  “Quick keying” gives the appearance that other members are unwelcome in your QSO.

Consider using the Internet to enrich your QSO.    Many members have developed their own comprehensive usage methods.  

Respect the privileges of mod operating in channels  including those who enjoy listening.

Make a point to try all channels.  Good operating practices are especially prevalent on these channels.

Look for opportunities to “Elmer” newly licensed members when you hear them on the channels.   Welcome them, solicit their questions  and give them pointers on  good operating practices.

Remember that no one country can proclaim to be the leader of the Radio world.   Likewise, no one country’s foreign policy is any more right or wrong than that of another country. 

Develop good operating practices.  You will be doing your part in helping insure the  continuance of our long and proud tradition of self-regulation.

Avoid

Act like some sort of Broadcast Radio station.  Your fellow members  will most likely not appreciate such a blatant display of personal ego.

Acknowledge the presence of deliberate interference.  After all, that’s most likely the overall objective of the person doing the interfering.

Be excessively long winded especially when in a round-table discussion and during times when band conditions are changing.

Just talk about ham radio.  Most members have many more interests.

Operate when you are in a bad mood.   You will be that much more vulnerable to losing your temper.

Overuse 10-codes and other radio jargon on the channels. 

Claim or homestead any particular channel.  If your designated channel is already in use, simply move up or down as necessary.

Transmit before first determining that the channel is clear.  This includes transmitting within 3Khz of other known QSOs.

Break into an ongoing QSO unless you can hear the majority of the participants.

Ignore someone new to a round table QSO.  We should all do our part to make everyone feel welcome.   Avoid making the discussion appear exclusive to your particular circle of friends.

Test your transmitter over the air.  It is far better to use a dummy load.

Cough, sneeze or clear your throat into your microphone.  

Operate VOX except when in a QSO with three or less participants.  It tends to foster “quick keying” which may give the appearance that you don’t welcome  breakers.

Become a “Band Policeman” quick to tell others what you feel they are doing wrong.  In instances where it may be called for, always be polite and constructive.

Turn up your microphone gain or resort to excessive speech processing in order to be heard.  Such practices will most likely result in diminished audio quality and increased likelihood of interference to nearby QSOs.

Use the word “break” when wanting to join an on-going QSO.   Simply give your call sign between transmissions and reserve the use of the word “break” for more urgent situations.

Join an ongoing QSO unless you have something to contribute to the discussion.  It is especially rude to interrupt  other members with a  request  for audio checks,  signal reports, etc. 

Operate in any fashion that is not in keeping with good member practice.  Be certain to always comply with the  rules.

Knowingly interfere with an ongoing QSO just because you are working DX, especially split channel. 

Say that the frequency “is not” in use when you hear someone inquire.  Refrain from responding at all unless you know for certain that the frequency or one nearby “is” in use.

Ridicule other members or express any negative views of the overall state of  Radio.  If you don’t have something positive and constructive to say, avoid saying anything at all.