[CQ-Contest] And the Oscar goes to.....

[TOMK5RC at aol.com]

Geez, guys, what it the point of this thread? Is it a rating system, a 
popularity contest or a stroll down memory lane? Any of these themes is 
great, but let's call it what it is, "Contesters that I admire." It is 
definitely not a quantitative or qualitative rating system. 

I am a business consultant and facilitator by trade. One of the first 
exercises I conduct at client companies is called "What is the definition of 
quality?" The word is used every day, but it has many meanings and they can 
vary just in the context of its use. Is it "goodness," meeting 
specifications, excellence, fitness for use, minimal compliance, reliability, 
value for the money, or do you have your own definitions? Until "quality" is 
defined clearly in the culture and context of its use, it is meaningless.

Segway to "the best of...." What is the definition of "the best operator?" 
Score, speed, stamina, accuracy, longevity, operating, technical knowledge, 
personality, contributions to contesting or....? For as long as I can 
remember (42 years in contesting), we have been trying to classify contesting 
and contesters but have achieved only limited success because of the lack of 
definition of what we are classifying. The contest sponsors and WRTC 
committees have given a valiant effort to categorizing, classifying and 
rating contesters and their efforts. Again, only limited success has been 
achieved because of the lack of clear definition of what we are attempting to 
rate.

Let's own up to the fact that there is too much variability in contesting and 
contesters to pragmatically rate them (sorry Virginia, there is no level 
playing field). Instead, let's commission the NCJ to start an award system 
based on the motion picture OSCAR awards. The nominating system is based on 
both ability and perceived contribution to the art. Voting is conducted among 
the peers. There are many categories allowing recognition in all areas of the 
art. 

I suggest we call the award "The Don" (W9WNV, K7ZZ, N4ZZ, K5AAD, K8MFO, 
etc.). Some potential categories and nominees might be:
Most prolific multi-multi station builder - W3LPL
Most colorful character, domestic contesting - K5LZO, N5RZ
Most divorces directly related to contesting - (I won't touch that one!)
Highest power ever run during a DX Contest, top ten finish - (that one 
either)!
Most domestic top ten finishes from a home station - K6LL
Lifetime QRP Contest achievement award - KU7Y
Most Zones operated from in CQ WW DX - N6AA
Most athletic contester - AA6TT (Bill just placed second in the Ironman CEO 
Challenge)

Let's get creative guys. Forget the best picture, best actor and best actress 
awards for now and concentrate on creating meaningful categories (with clear 
definitions) to honor our "best" contesters.

Tom, K5RC
Winner, "Most ham towers lost in one hurricane - 13" (Alicia, 1983)


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