During a CDXC discussion thread about the poor standard of operating by some CW DX chasers, Derek G3RAU suggested a new amateur Q-code: QBL.

QBL (pronounced ‘quibble’ on phone) simply means “You are blacklisted”.

No matter what a DX operator sends, some callers are so persistent and rude that they just will not shut up. They keep on calling, blindly sending their own callsigns in the pileups, causing QRM to other callers and slowing the DX op’s QSO rate. Everyone loses out and blood pressures rise.

All of us have probably sent our callsigns at the wrong moment by mistake, perhaps because of QRN, QSB, QRM from lids calling on or too close to the DX frequency or because we (mis-)hear a partial match to our own calls. Occasional transgressions like these do not merit QBL. QBL is reserved for the deliberate alligators (all mouth/tiny ears), particularly those who carry on calling even when there is no possibility that the DX is talking to them. When the DX says “G3? G3? KN KN KN KN KN KN” on CW and, let’s say, a UA comes straight back, for at least the third time, QBL is probably merited.

What does “blacklisted” actually mean? Well that’s for the DX op to decide.  Depending on the caller’s antics, it might mean one or more of the following:

• “Go away - I will not complete a contact with you”
• “I will not send you a QSL”
• “I will erase any previous contacts with you from my log”
• “Shut up, bloody lid!”

The DX op should probably avoid sending the alligator’s full callsign with QBL, sending a partial instead in order not to complete a legitimate QSO. That would defeat the purpose

If you agree with this new Q-code, please pass it on and refer others to this web page.  Please do not start sending QBL unless you are the DX!  We have more than enough pileup cops already, thank you very much.

To any alligators and pileup cops visiting this page, I have a special message just for you.  QBL! There, I feel better already.