You caught me.
I would argue that memory keyers and computer logging programs (and SO2R)
are technical developments that have changed contesting forever. These
developments were not universally embraced at the time of introduction. The
same "this will ruin contesting forever" arguments were voiced.
Your argument about paper logs is exactly how I feel. You want to paper log
and paper dupe? Go for it! You want to operate only with a manual key? Go
for it! You want to use (or not use) CWSkimmer? Go for it!
I agree with you that proposed rules requiring recording go way too far.
Not every technological advance requires a category change or a rule
prohibiting its use because it's a disruptive change. Some disruptive
changes are good for a competitive hobby that advances the art. Some
changes really do require rule changes.
The debate is healthy. I agree that this technology has the potential to be
disruptive.
I just don't want to too quickly jump onto the "let's outlaw this" bandwagon
just because it's disruptive. One man's "operating aid" is another's "this
will ruin contesting and should be disallowed".
73 de Dick, K6KR
-----Original Message-----
From: cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Ron Notarius W3WN
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 9:26 PM
To: cq-contest@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Get out of jail free card
C'mon Dick. You're being silly... and trvializing the point.
The items you mention are all operating aids that make the operator more
effcient so that he can concentrate on, well, operating. Having said that,
remember that no one is forced to use them. (You really want to paper log
and paper dupe? Go for it!)
It has already been pointed out that contest logging software already exists
that has some of the capabilities of the skimmer. Some will choose to use
this, some won't. If it's enough of a competitive advantage, and if it is
the word will get around, more will adopt it. That's the nature of the
game.
But -- other technological improvements are not operating aids and do not
make the operator more efficient. If anything, they become a distraction.
Mandatory 48 hour contest recording comes to mind. Mandatory recording of
the exact transmit frequency at all times, which in turn requires otherwise
unneccesary operating equipment purchases (rig, computer, software, or some
combination thereof) is another. To say nothing of the ethical question
that those two imply... and to be blunt, I resent the implication that I can
not de facto be trusted to be honest before I even turn the rig on,
something both of those mandates imply.
Operating aids that make you a better and more efficient operator will prove
themselves and in turn be accepted. Forcing unneeded gagets down people's
throats is a different matter altogether.
-----Original Message-----
From: Dick Dievendorff [mailto:dieven@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 12:14 AM
To: cbrakob@earthlink.net; 'Jim George'; 'Kelly Taylor';
wn3vaw@verizon.net; cq-contest@contesting.com
Subject: RE: [CQ-Contest] Get out of jail free card
Right. While we're at it, we should ban those pesky memory keyers, it makes
redundant the important contesting skill of manually operating a Morse key.
And while we're at it, get rid of those pesky computer logging programs, it
makes redundant the important contesting skill of writing legibly and
maintaining a dupe sheet in real time.
And those durned microcontroller computers that are essential to every
modern transceiver should also be banned. No software power, just people
skills.
Dick, K6KR
-----Original Message-----
From: cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Colleen Brakob
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 6:59 PM
To: Jim George; Kelly Taylor; wn3vaw@verizon.net; cq-contest@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Get out of jail free card
> For me, personally, I think that would end competitive contesting. It
> has to come sooner or later, I suppose, but I don't want it to end this
way.
>
> Therefore I would propose that all CW (and SSB) contests include
> prohibitions against any form of artificial CW (or voice) detection and
> copying.
I second the motion. People should win radiosport contests based on
"people powered skills", not software power.
73, de Hans, K0HB/W7
"Just a boy and his radio."
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