[CQ-Contest] Little Pistols,Big Guns, More entry classes

[km9m-zig at comcast.net]

I've been reading all this since it started.  I'd like to share a few thoughts, perhaps get some flammage (no sweat, I'm a fireman and used to it).

I think Bill K4XS ' last post was right on the money.

I don't know of anyone that started out as a big gun.  I remember reading articles whenI started back in the late 70's about how the Big Guns on the east coast built their stations. (scrounging, begging, etc. Get enough parts, put it up. Repeat the process, etc) The amount of money (even at surplus is staggering)  Then add the real estate to hold the ant farm.  Not all of these guys are rich.  I remember one of the guys (forget name and call right now, and I'm not at home) worked for the US Postal Service.  Don't know of anyone there that's considered rich.

Entry Classes, etc:  There are too many now.  Some contests have classes of tribander/single element 40 .  Who can police this?  Only the guy running the station. How many guys are running the F-12's with seperate feedlines and 2 ele on 40, and go for the above class?  I know of more than a few.  We have gotten so far away from what this hobby was 20+ years ago as far as ethics, and "what about me" comments that it's tiring.  Currently I have a G5RV at 25 feet and preparing to battle a village for a tower.  Will it work?  I don't know.  Will I move if it doesn't go my way?  Can't right now.  It's called dealing with it, and making the best of it with what you've got.  Even with 70 ft and a couple yagi's will not make me a big gun.  I'm currently set for SO2R, but haven't tried it in a contest yet.  Still fumbling around.  Yes, it is complicated, and some will do better with it than others.  That's called Effort.

There have been posts about joining a contest club and getting hooked up with a M/M team/station.  Great Idea!  How about trying (if money/time allows) to be DX during a contest?  I was blessed with this opportunity 3 times in the last 1.5 years going to Antigua at V26DX for 2003 WW SSB and 2004  ARRL DX SSB. Recently this past CQWW SSB I was invited to go to V26B since V26DX is currently without a home.  An awesome time. V26B is a true M/M setup.  First time ever I sat "under a stack", and is something I'll truly remember.  If you can't put up ant's, there are options.  Going to the Carribean is a bit pricey to most..... but it is an option, and the pile-ups are darn near around the clock

It would be nice if the "I need an entry class because of this, or because I don't have that" would stop sometime soon.  I think they are of no use...  If you truly believe we need more classes, I think the bandwidth would be better served contacting the contest sponsors and see what they have to say.  I wonder how many prospective contesters have run away from the thought of jumping into contesting after reading this reflector the past couple weeks........

73 and Happy Holidays,

Zig - KM9M