We have had a pretty lively discussion in recent weeks on what really
constitutes assistance and what does not. For some live scoreboards
and propagation tools are bad. For others, the spotting networks
cause too many problems. (I won't even get into directional CQ'ing.)
So my thought is pretty simple - if you are a single op - you are a single
op.
No category for assisted or unassisted.
How often have I read on this reflector on how the best unassisted ops
will beat the best assisted ops almost every time. If that's the case,
then we shouldn't worry about having an Assisted category....because
those same unassisted guys will still prevail.
I look at what's happening in terms of contest tools and software right now.
The advances are integrating computer logging with propagation, spotting
networks and more. Many are using instant messaging as well. The shack
table is getting more and more crowded.
When you get rid of the Assisted category, then the only thing you have
to worry about on spots is self-spotting - and that can be detected as
K1TTT has repeatedly shown. Spotting isn't going away, just like
the internet isn't going away, just like hi-tech propagation tools aren't
going away.
Just a thought.
73 Jamie NS3T
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