[CQ-Contest] And the Oscar goes to.....
TOMK5RC at aol.com
TOMK5RC at aol.com
Wed Aug 8 12:29:02 EDT 2001
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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