[CQ-Contest] Be careful

[Bill Coleman]

On Nov 30, 2004, at 11:55 AM, Richard Detweiler wrote:

> Some of us ,  really don't have that kind of funding, land or local 
> permissions, even we may have the skills.

I doubt it.

Seriously. Back in 1995, I thought I was a pretty good phone operator. 
The late W4AN invited me to take the helm of his budding superstation 
in Dahlonegah, GA for SS Phone. I thought it would be the answer -- I'd 
no longer be station-limited, and I'd be able to show off my skills.

Boy, was I wrong.

I was completely inadequate. I couldn't use the superstation to its 
full effectiveness.

We often harp on geographic, station and propagation inequities in 
contesting. The reality is, there's a heck of a lot more skill involved 
than any of us is willing to admit. Just look at WRTC! Here are the 100 
best operators in the world, and yet their scores reflect a 3-4 fold 
difference!

It's better to embrace the limitations. Just how well can you do with 
your limited budget, land or permissions? Can you beat last year? Can 
you beat your personal best? Can you beat that guy upstate with a 
bigger budget, land and no restrictions? Are you using your modest 
station to its fullest potential?

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901