[CQ-Contest] Why I Won't Be in CQWW CW This Year

[Rob Shapiro - ND3A]

Well said Jim.  The fact is that for many U.S. hams, there is a major
conflict when it comes to CQWW CW (U.S. Thanksgiving) and CQWPX CW (U.S.
Memorial Day).  It's not necessarily a simple (or viable) case to have the
turkey on Thursday then get to the radio on Friday.

Sorry ARRL, et. al., but CQ WW SSB and CW are the big ones each year.  If
CW has been found to be taking a major hit participation wise, then it
needs to be fixed.  I'm not being U.S. centric - the fact is the U.S. has
such a large number of participants (and potential participants) that their
situation should weigh heavily when it comes to the scheduling of the two
biggest contests of the year.

I suggest that CQ form a committee of distinguished contesters from around
the world and decide on two appropriate dates for CQWW SSB and CW.  The
reason why I include SSB is that if the CW date is changed, that change may
impact when one would wish the SSB contest to occur.  Come up with a final
decision by the 2002 Dayton Hamvention (if not earlier) then implement it
beginning the 2003 CQ Worldwides.  That gives enough time for people who
don't subscribe to any ham publications, have internet access, etc., etc.
to get the word!  That also gives enough time for other contests to be
rescheduled that are affected by the move of the worldwides.

I'd think about moving both contests UP a week or two to get them both a
bit closer to an equinox.  This should even the propogation across low and
high bands for stations in both hemispheres.  One month is probably a good
separation for the two contests. Any less and it gets more difficult for
individuals to make the commitment for both for a variety of reasons.

Thanks in advance for any constructive feedback/criticism!

Rob - ND3A

At 12:56 AM 10/17/01 -0700, James Neiger wrote:
>
>Just off a plane from Washington National Airport (definitely an interesting
>experience, especially flying over The Pentagon), and was chagrined to read
>all of the missives pertaining to CQ WW CW.
>
>What an utter, abject waste of time.............  Realize that the Wizards
>who make the CQ WW rules do so with absolute impunity as to what might make
>sense.  And even if it "just might make sense", it can't be changed because
>of TRADITION!  I love that one.  That's the way its always been, if it ain't
>broke don't fix it, blah, blah, blah.  I wonder if our ancestors applied the
>same logic to switching from the horse and buggy to the new-fangled
>automobile?
>
>I too love the CQ WW CW, and doubt that I've missed more than one or two
>since 1955. In fact, it's such a high priority in my life, I think I can
>safely say, I've operated EVERY ONE from a DX spot since 1980.  No
>exceptions.  For many of the years, I could not have
> cared less if it was Thanksgiving weekend.  For other years, I realize its
>been a burden on the family, and NO ONE has a more understanding radio-wife
>than I.  (Marilyn loves going on radio contest expeditions, and has even
>been known to schlep ALPHA transformers amongst her airplane carry-ons).
>
>But I understand, too, that especially in the USA, it IS often a conflict
>for those who try and balance their family lives with their radio lives.
>And what was once maybe OK, is perhaps less OK now as our contesters have
>children, grandchildren, and extended families.
>
>Priorities change, and our USA guys are increasingly forced to make the
>decision:  to contest, or to family!
>
>Perhaps that is why some of us are observing a lower percentage of USA QSO's
>in the CQ WW CW (see K1AR's column in September 2001 CQ, reporting my recent
>observations).  Is there a correlation?  Maybe so.
>
>And if perhaps, moving CQ CW off Thanksgiving weekend (this happens
>naturally every 7th year), would result in an INCREASE in USA activity,
>isn't it maybe in everyone's interest to enhance participation?
>
>The argument that the rest of the world "wouldn't get the word" is just so
>much Bravo Swannee.  How long did it take for the DX Contest community to
>realize that the ARRL DX CONTEST was no longer 2 weeekends per mode?  Not
>long, methinks.  With instant world-wide INTERNET communications, how many
>think this would be a problem?
>
>Rather than try and move CQ WW CW in to December, I'd just pull it forward a
>week or two.  Let SS move.
>
>But WHY am I even suggesting this?  It's just more waste of your and my
>time.  Realize it will never happen.  The Contest Wizards have told us
>what's best for us............
>
>Vy 73,
>
>Jim Neiger
>N6TJ
>
>
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