Well I made 3 successful QSO's in PA, TX and IL on 40m. It was terrifying, but I am now over my fear. As far as experienced operators wanting to understand our difficulties, I would have to say I had no issues with the ops that came back to me. They were very patient and wonderful.

My only gripe was having my frequency taken over. Naturally I would move, because I had no clue what they were saying at that speed. Only to have it taken over again. This kept happening the entire time I was on 40 meters. About 6-8 times in 45 minutes. I had a great signal too. Only 1 guy had the courtesy to send a question mark, the others did not. The one that did send a question mark, sent is so fast. By time I comprehended what he sent, he was already CQing. Perhaps when checking to see if a frequency is open everyone could send the question mark a bit slower, so every level CW operator has a chance to know what you sent and respond.  ~ Valerie 

Good luck Valerie...!

I sent somewhat slower than i can copy. I think that was a very good idea. If i had sent as fast as i can copy,
i don't think i could have completed the qso. Better to have some margin i think. My counterpart did send a little faster than i did so...

But, best of luck. You will love it :-)

Dennis
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That's great advice on sending slower than I can receive. We have to learn using a straight key (while my brand new paddle collects dust) so sending slow should be easy. Not loving it...yet. The word right now is terrified. I think I will always enjoy phone, since SSB give me that 5db YL advantage. 

Congratulations! Well I am taking that very bold leap tomorrow night. I am a CW acedemy student with the CW Ops group and we're supposed to call CQ in their CWT bi-monthly contest. I wish I could hear as fast as I can send. It will probably be a crash and burn experience here too. Glad to see I will not be alone in my adventure. Or should I say mis-adventure? 

Valerie ~ NV9L