[CQ-Contest] Event Consolidation

[Ron Wetjen]

Mark Beckwith wrote:

> As a hypothetical for-instance, imagine getting all the sponsors of 
> state QSO parties to agree to hold their annual QSO parties during 
> the exact same period (and of course standardizing the exchanges).  
> I can think of good reasons to do this:

<snip>

> What is the downside?

State QSO Parties bring out a lot of "casual" contesters.  These are
typically folks who don't work a lot (if any) other contests.  Folks "in
state" are the wanted people, and they can have fun with running
stations in a more relaxed and laid back style.  This might get them
comfortable enough to take on the challenge of giving a "major" contest
a try ... a new contester is born!

Combining QSO Parties produces just another "Sweepstakes" or other
domestic contest ... which we already have.  The activity levels (and
frustration) will be more than the "casual" contester would want, so he
keeps his radio off ... a potential "new" contester is lost.

Of course, if there are several smaller State QSO Parties struggling to
stay alive, I see no no problem with them combining efforts to help
boost activity ... but combining 50 QSO Parties, plus the VE's ... is a
bit much.

Ron