I feel it is necessary to bring the following procedures to your attention so as to run the net as efficiently as possible, to make it pleasurable for all, and to give it consistency. By being consistent in the net procedures our members will always know what to expect. When some of us do things one way and others another then our members will be more apt to become confused.

We all have been guilty of deviating from set procedures but it is important that we make every effort to refrain from deviating.

Please note that there should be no pre-lists taken. Have everyone check in competitively along with everyone else.

• The NCS opening the 8AM and the 12PM noon sessions is to first read the preamble. We don't read the preamble for the 9AM and 1PM sessions.
  
• Our first order of business for each and every hour is to ask if there is any station that has a schedule or would like to call another station and move off frequency for his or her previously scheduled QSO. Let them know that you are NOT taking a check-in list and that they will NOT be placed on the check-in list. Let them get on your regular check-in list by calling in along with everyone else.
  
• Issue a call for anyone with a birthday to check in now.
  
• The next order of business is to take a list consisting of ONLY mobiles. This is particularity necessary on the 8 to 9 AM session each morning.
  Always read back your list of suffixes before proceeding. Don't keep them guessing as to whether you heard them or not.
• You should then take a REGULAR list, anybody, anywhere, including mobiles. Again, read back your list of suffixes before proceeding. If mobiles check in during the taking of a regular check-in list they should be picked up in turn just like everyone else. We ceased giving priority to mobiles who check in during the regular listing some time ago. As of May 25, 2007 we no longer recognize "short time" or "QRP".
  
• Please be sure to alternate the taking of lists between Mobiles and Regular. Some have taken multiple mobile lists at the beginning of their session and have gone nearly to the halfway mark before the first regular list was taken.
  
• Relays have also presented some problems. I try to find someone to ride along with me that I can call upon for help. This works well. I recommend that when you request, or accept an offer from someone to do this, let them know that you would appreciate their taking one list and running it and check with you before taking a second list. This will allow you to maintain control of your session.
  
• I understand that we have to be friendly, congenial, etc., but we need to be brief and keep things moving. We need to announce, periodically, during the net sessions, that "contacts" should be extremely brief otherwise the stations should move off frequency for a QSO.
  
• We all enjoy driving the bus. When an NCS has the opening hour (in other words the 8AM or the 12PM noon hour) it is important to be considerate of the next incoming NCS. We need to make sure that we don't take too many check-ins just before the top of the hour so that you can turn it over to the next driver on time. There is nothing wrong with indicating to the group that it's near the top of the hour and you'll take them one by one so as not to run over into the next station's time. Then stick to that procedure. We need to respect the fact that the incoming NCS is giving his time and is making a point of being on time and, further, is sitting there waiting for you to turn it over to him or to her.

  The second hour sessions can go as long over time as the NCS desires. That's their decision. I have been guilty of this oversight and I intend to correct it as well as to refresh my memory by reviewing these procedures, periodically.

Each and every one of you is GREATLY appreciated. You sacrifice your time, your efforts and in many cases, other personal needs to help make South Cars the great net that it is. Our system isn't broken. We just need to refresh our memories and brush up on procedures.

Your comments and suggestions are not only welcomed but desired. You are the driver during your session. You are in charge. Always keep your session under your control. Our membership understands, for the most part, what we are doing and we don't want to drift away from our standards. I suggest that we should all review our operational procedures continuously and re-read this outline at least monthly.

Your cooperation and help is appreciated tremendously!

by Ron Haltermon WA4HWN
Updated by Bill Morris WD5KAE