Do

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

• Set a good example especially for short wave listeners who may be thinking about becoming a ham.

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

• Reply to a CQ, or call CQ yourself.  It helps keep alive the magic of ham radio.

• Speak clearly and slowly, especially when giving your call sign to someone you have never worked before.

• Promote friendship and goodwill to DX contacts.  Look for ways to get to know each other rather than simply exchanging signal reports and 73s!

• Try to keep track of everyone in the QSO.  Hopefully someone has assumed the role of "traffic director" to make sure everyone has a chance to contribute to the discussion.  If not, don't hesitate to do it yourself.

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

• Operate on frequencies that are in whole KHz (e.g. 18.130 Khz). This alleviates ambiguity and makes it easier for everyone to be on the same frequency.

• Openly praise other hams when you observe them doing something that you feel is especially deserving. e.g., helping demonstrate ham radio to a group of scouts.

• 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 hams are unwelcome in your QSO.

• Consider using the Internet to enrich your QSO.    Many hams have developed their own comprehensive websites which you can usually find through QRZ.COM.

• Respect the privileges of hams operating in other modes on the HF bands including those who enjoy AM.

• Make a point to try 17 and 60 meters.  Good operating practices are especially prevalent on these bands.

• Look for opportunities to "Elmer" newly licensed hams when you hear them on the HF bands.   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 Amateur 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.