[CQ-Contest] SECRETS OF CONTESTING, CHAPTER 9

[Jeff Clarke]

N6TJ wrote :

Secrets of Contesting, Chapter 9

Real Contesters don't cry about perceived (1) slights, (2) dis-advantages,
or (3) the eternal non-level playing field.

Or, as a wise, old sage once wrote in a 1974 NCJ, (paraphrased here, because
the sage can no longer remember), "Realize that some locations (or, uh,
opportunities) will ALWAYS have the advantage.  If you don't like your
location, MOVE"

Expeditions for contests and DXing have been around since the days of
Marconi.  Always have been; always will be.

Fraternally yours,

Jim Neiger N6TJ
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 Jim,

  It would be interesting to hear why you subscribe to this theory ???

  I have had the opportunity to do several contest efforts from the Caribbean in CQWW with groups that were serious
about winning their category. (from both zone 8 and 9)  To tell you the truth I don't see why the zone 9 guys should get 3
points to work the USA, while those in zone 8 get 2 , when the propagation is essentially the same to the USA (and EU). I'm sure
the same argument could be made for other places on the border of continents that have a points advantage as well.

I have only been a ham (and contester) for 27 years so I am not old enough to know why CQ wrote the rules the way they
did back when it started. I agree with you that everyone has some type of advantage, one time or another depending on what contest it is. For example : for many years the northern part of South America (PJ2,P40) was the place to be for CQWW and recently that has shifted to North Africa.

Personally, I would like to see the rules changed (in CQWW) to get rid of the point handicap system that they have. Reward the guy (or team) that has the most QSO's/multipliers. This would also encourage those that are serious about winning to go to places other than PJ,P40, EA8, CT3 etc.... Everyone benefits by having more multipliers to work....

Also, please define what a "real contester" is so I can check to see if I am one ????


               Regards, Jeff  KU8E -  past opr at PJ2Z, PJ2T,VP5FXB,J6DX,VP2E,VP9AD, etc....