[CQ-Contest] Consider This

[aa4ga at hemc.net]

On 23 Apr 2002 at 13:46, w0uo at cs.com wrote:

> The quickest way to expose an advantage, or lack thereof, is to
> include it in contest reporting. It should be obvious whether such an
> advantage exists within just a few months. 

Uh, who says SO2R isn't an advantage?  Of course it is to those doing 
it, or they wouldn't be doing it.

Having computer logging is an advantage over paper logging and a 
memory keyer.

A memory keyer is an advantage over a non-memory keyer.

A non-memory keyer is an advantage over a bug.

A bug is an advantage over a straight key.

A straight key is an advantage over jamming two wires together.

Some folks don't have the typing skills to utilize the computer 
logging advantage, and some folks don't have the multi-tasking skills 
to utilize the SO2R advantage.

Why should there be separate categories for SO2R if not for different 
keying methods?

If we try hard enough, I'm sure we could come up with enough 
categories so that everyone can win one!

SO2R isn't new...it's just that it's easier to implement with off-the-
shelf tools than it ever has been.  I wonder if early contesters 
fought over whether or not there should be different classes based on 
homebrew vs. commercial radios?  They probably would have if they'd 
had the CQ-Contest reflector!

We've been through all this before, and I'm sure we will again.

73 de Lee