[CQ-Contest] US/VE Hams: QST - Do we have a say in it?

[Dick Pechie - KB1H]

I hope this idea was floated only to confirm that it would be a mistake.
Sometimes decision makers need to be reaffirmed that an option would be a poor
choice.

I believe most Section Managers would welcome an increase in available space in
QST not an elimination.

I know that the internet has provided a valuable resource for most DXers and
contesters but let's also face the fact that it is the internet that has kept
our hobby from attracting younger new amateurs. I don't think it is a bad thing
to keep some features isolated and/or included in a journal where one is exposed
to all the varied aspects of amateur radio.

Finally, it's not easy surfing the web on a plane or taking your laptop into the
"office". Reading a magazine is.

Dick - KB1H


The only positive I can see out of this is my yearly membership/subscription
costs would be reduced to the NCJ, CQ, and local club dues.

"Jim White, K4OJ" wrote:

> CONTESTERS PLEASE FORWARD TO YOUR CLUB REFLECTORS
>
> There is a rumor afoot regarding some possible changes to be made in the
> ARRL official journal QST.
>
> I am hoping someone in authority with my membership organization who is
> either addressed above or is on one of these reflectors will step forward
> and tell me a rumor I have heard is wrong.
>
> As I understand it, the rumor is that the SECTION NEWS  AND detailed
> reporting of CONTESTS are on the table to be cut from QST...perhaps a
> summary of the high scorers will be still printed but Joe Ham will not see
> his call in QST.
>
> AGAIN this is NOT confirmed but I am very concerned.
>
> The measure of operator, not communicator, ability has always been the
> contest.  During contests, amateurs can focus on developing their skills and
> even if they are just starting out they still can see where they rank in the
> big picture thanks to QST write-ups.
>
> Many MANY contesters have enjoyed watching their scores move higher and
> higher in their section listings as their operating ability improved, I know
> I have over the past 30 years.
>
> As I understand it, all the listings may still be available, in obscurity,
> on the WWW, but not in front of the faces of your average ham...including
> the newcomer!
>
> Is this the beginning of the end of contesting?  Once it is no longer in
> front of the faces of hams looking for new things to try and only the
> highest scores are published the guy who gets on to find his 100 QSOs is
> over a thousand shy of making it into print will undoubtedly say the heck
> with it.
>
> TO QUOTE A LETTER FROM W6OAT IN AN EARLY ISSUE OF NCJ:
>
> SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE
>
> This time it is my opinion that a very serious signal is about to be sent
> out by the ARRL as far as its views on the importance of contesting as a
> means to ensure a community of hams proficient in radio communications.
>
> AGAIN this is a rumor I have heard, I encourage clubs that support
> contesting to contact their members regarding this SHOULD THIS BE AN
> ACCURATE REPORT.
>
> I have gained many many friends in the contesting community over the past 30
> plus years and value all of my friendships with these hams from all over the
> world...if we are about to see contesting get lip service by the ARRL - the
> largest National membership organization of amateur radio operators - well,
> I pray I am having a nightmare and someone will wake me up.
>
> HAS ANYONE HEARD ANYTHING ON THIS - I KNOW THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS SLATED
> TO MEET SHORTLY AND SUSPECT THIS IS ON THE AGENDA - WERE YOU ASKED FOR
> INPUT?
>
> I do not want ham radio to be clear channels only allowed communication - I
> have a cell phone and a computer on the web for that...lets keep radio
> OPERATING a part of ham radio.
>
> INFO NEEDED NOW - SOMEONE ENLIGHTEN THE MASSES BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!
>
> 73,
>
> Jim White, K4OJ
> founder: Florida Contest Group - where operating ability is something we
> take pride in.
>
> --
> CQ-Contest on WWW: http://lists.contesting.com/_cq-contest/
> Administrative requests: cq-contest-REQUEST at contesting.com


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