I don't think we can be sure that participation is down. I'm a newbie;
I've participated in four contests since 1 January; I'll be in the
microwave sprint this weekend; and I don't send entries in to the ARRL.
And I know at least a few other folks in this area who don't get counted
because they don't submit stuff.
It's too much of a pain. Some may sneer at this attitude, but I'm in
the contests for the fun of it, and spending time on ARRL paperwork and
the nitpicking requirements is not part of the fun. The fun is in
making the contacts. And it would be fun to see my results published in
QST, but that's not worth the effort.
But my main point is: from what I see around here, contest
participation is up. Only the ARRL numbers are down.
... Rich
Bill Seabreeze wrote:
>
> Hey Guys,
> While I agree, that it's nice to see your call in the magazine,
> let's not forget that the biggest problem we are facing is dropping
> activity.
> We all need to try hard to help potential newcomers, FM converts, etc to
> discover SSB/CW on the higher bands. I have run across many hams
> on FM who tell me they tried 2/432 SSB and couldn't find anybody to work.
> Many of these guys think 2m is only good for a 50 mile radius or so.
> I think we really need a grass roots effort to try and point these guys
> towards
> some local nets, etc. to let them see how much fun the higher bands can be.
>
> We should all be salesmen, to try and keep the bands alive. There are real
> serious threats out there to our bands. There are also many interested
> bystanders who need some good advice about how to find some activity.
> Even a guy with a 706 and a gringo-stranger antenna can be shown the
> "light" of narrowband communications. Please help these guys out. Spread
> the word about our activities. GET ON and show these guys what is possible
> with weak-signal equipment. Many of us old farts are becoming less active,
> and we need to find several young replacements for each of ourselves. They
> are out there.
>
> While I have sent my suggestions to the ARRL, it's not up to them to bring
> activity to your door (although they're trying hard!)...it's up to us. I
> think we
> also need to realize that contests can be intimidating to newcomers, and
> they
> need a chance to get their feet wet by finding some local activity. Maybe
> we
> can get some more nets going, or at least help new guys to find the existing
> nets. When I first got on 2m AM, I really enjoyed rag chewing with local
> guys about equipment building, parts availability, antenna options, etc. We
> just need to hook up with the many like-minded hams who are out there,
> waiting to be discovered.
>
> The bands you help save may be your own. Let's get busy! We need more
> RF savvy guys in industry in the USA, and we can help grow some right here
> within our beloved hobby. VHF & up hamming is lots more fun with more
> participants!
>
> If you're not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem!
> Your enthusiasm can really be contagious. So can your apathy.
> Make the choice! Let's roll!
>
> 73,
> Bill W3IY
>
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