[CQ-Contest] Field Day, is it or isn't?

[Joe Pontek]

Field Day was considered a contest many years ago. And, 
not so far back, Dave, K1ZZ, called it such in QST. Why
do we now call it an "Operating Event?" I don't remember
ever seeing certificates for Field Day, but we are ranked
like any other contest and scores are published. We are not
subjected to close scrutinizing of log checking as we do
not send in logs. But still, we compete.

I would guess we call it an operating event to expose "non-
contesting" and "non-HF" type hams to both of these areas
without scaring them with the stigma of it being a "contest."
It has developed, almost, into a spectator event with the media
and public exposure attempts.

The above said, it is all good. It is what you want to make of
it. It can be a social weekend, a serious contest, a learning/
teaching/exposure event or a publicity occasion. I have participated
in all and enjoyed each. I believe that any improvements should
not be detrimental to any of the above.

Keep it fun and encouraging for for new comers to HF and contesting.
Let an old timer impress the newbies with his high rates and skill.
Then get the newbies in there, tutor and encourage them. There are
wonderful awards for this.

Best regards de K8Joe"Palooka" & Beverly
Joe & Bev Pontek, Sr.
26441 Devaney Road
Arcadia, IN 46030-9532
USA
317-984-7388
FOC 1743  FISTS 7625
K8JP V31JP VP5/K8JP VP5JP K8JP/VA2 ex-K8HKM
Read the "Contest Traveler" in The National Contest Journal
http://sites.netscape.net/v31jp/homepage
also: k8jp at arrl.net & v31jp at contesting.com


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