Always call controllers first, it confirms with whom you're talking. Billy doesn't extend this courtesy to ATC and it takes longer to get the transition they desire. Doug likens an initial call up to entering a party. One doesn't just walk into a room talking without getting someones attention first and making sure they are not otherwise engaged. The same rules apply.

View from the pilot in training. What I learned...

"I sure used my low time accent on this leg. If you want good service from ATC, sound like you deserve it by speaking aviation, not slow english."

BW