[CQ-Contest] Thrill gone?

[Jim Idelson]

This is not a difficult question for me . . . while I do consider
myself a 'pretty good' op, I'll never have that world-class
station. So, what are the challenges for me? Where's the thrill?
1. Setting PERSONAL goals - like improving a particular operating
skill or fixing a particular station problem - and seeing the results
in the final standings 2. Being a leader/teacher - getting others to
perform is as satisfying as doing it yourself. Sometimes better.
3. Finding competition in my league . . . local individual
competition, choosing the right category [I've been enjoying placing
in the Top Ten in the Assisted category lately] 4. Trying new things -
I've never done a contest DXpedition, so that's now on my list.
5. Striking the right balance with other parts of my life - I can only
do so much contesting and keep everything else on course. That balance
is not the same for everyone. You have to find your own ideal mix.

Regarding new, young contesters, you have to think about this with an open 
mind. Those of us who started with traffic nets on cw know that was a great 
path. Today, the nets just aren't as hot. So . . . does that mean there's no 
other way? Of course there are other paths; we just have to create 
opportunities for newbies to discover them. And, they may not all lead to the 
same place. As long as they are good places, I have no problems with the 
future. See message below.

Here are my action items for encouraging new contesters to get
involved or improve their skills: 1. Involve my 10-year old, newly
licensed [Tech w/code] son as an op in a few of my major contest
efforts 2. Invite a couple of young, local hams to come over and use
my station in a contest of their choice - although not world-class,
mine is a superstation, as far as they are concerned.

Jim K1IR

---------- Forwarded Message ----------

FROM: 	 Jim Idelson <k1ir at designet.com>
TO: 	 Gary Sutcliffe <ums at nconnect.net>
DATE: 	 Sun, 3 Sep 2000 10:03:57 -0700

RE: 	 Younger contesters

When we were younger, what was it that got us going?

I think a very important part of the mix is the peer-level social interaction 
that was involved. While it is important to have great role models and mentors, 
the other critical element is the excitement of a peer group. So, what we need 
to do is foster younger hams/contesters to get together and operate and compete 
with one another. Contesting should be the source of lifelong relationships 
with peers, as it has been for us oldsters.

Creation and invention are also very important elements of the equation. Young 
people need to establish a high level of independence - and that means doing 
things differently [and perhaps better] than those who preceded them. We need 
to welcome new contest rules, introduction of new technologies and new ways of 
thinking about contesting - invented by a generation of younger, new 
contesters. They need to have the lattitude to experiment - experiencing both 
success and failure - as part of the learning process.

Bottom line for us "established" contesters: Create situations and 
opportunities for younger contesters to do their thing - and just sit back and 
watch what happens, but be available to assist when needed.

73,

Jim K1IR

-------------------------------------------------------
The Information Resource for Conferencing Professionals
-------------------------------------------------------
James S. Idelson
President
DesigNET International, Inc.
96 Morse Road
Sudbury, Massachusetts USA 01776

email	jimi at designet.com
web	http://www.designet.com
tel	978.443.5549
fax	978.443.2034


--
CQ-Contest on WWW:        http://lists.contesting.com/_cq-contest/
Administrative requests:  cq-contest-REQUEST at contesting.com