This is what I mean when I ask, "how is a HAM to know"?
Like it or not, the FCC says that those HAMs (and clubs) who build repeaters and operate them get to choose who they will allow on their system(s), as well as how and for what purposes repeater(s) will be used.
In reading the enforcement letters that go out to the bozos who don't get this, the FCC seems to be consistent in framing the fact that the HAM was told not to use the repeater (citing date and other info) and then stating that the HAM used the repeater again on a date/time after being told not to, regardless of which box was checked when the repeater coordination papers were originally filed or last updated.
I too have noticed that the .11 guys list their repeater as "open" in coordination papers, yet their practice is "closed", at least it sure feels as such everytime I hear about it. This is why I have never used it. It's theirs and there are many other open systems around, though maybe not exactly where theirs is.
Yet I have the benefit of having been licensed locally and active enough (barely) to pick up on this over time.
So how does a new HAM, or one who is new to the area, know what is right, if the listings available show open, yet the practice is closed?
Personally I am an open repeater type of HAM. The first HAMs I got to know on the air are some of the most gracious folks you will ever meet, and they spent huge personal bank and much personal time to build systems for all HAMs to use. So my personal opinion mirrors many of the comments seen here.
Remember though that the expense and effort required to build and maintain repeaters is huge. I figure if the folks who spent that money and effort don't want me or you on their repeater, I will not be there.
The issue of "how nice" they tell us to get off their system is another matter. Ideally we would welcome new HAMs to our ranks in a more pleasant manner. First impressions, etc...
I don't let a grumpy HAM get me down. :D
Please don't view a slight towards the owners and users of this system. I don't know any of them personally, but my exposure has left me with the impression the KCSAR guys are serious about their stuff, and also pretty good at what they do. Some may comment "too serious", but if they are good, who am I to judge?
73,
Nick
N7QOR
(And in the continuing the saga of the HAM, pondering the Chicken, and then the Egg, and then the Chicken, and then the Egg, and then the HAM, and then the Egg... We find an omelette, a HAM and cheese OMELETTE. Wait, where did this cheese come from???)
Breakfast anyone? join FWARC for HAMs and Eggs breakfast once a month. See
http://www.fwarc.org (A shameless plug ... purely shameless.....)