[CQ-Contest] re-newing the 10 meter contest

[doug smith]

On Dec 10, 2007 6:51 AM, Gary Sutcliffe <w9xt at unifiedmicro.com> wrote:
> I would definitely NOT support going to a grid square based scoring system
> for the ARRL 10M Contest.
>
> While it might seem like a good idea right now, in a few years it will
> transform from a VHF-like contest into a DX-like contest.

I'm with Gary on this.

The joy of the 10M Contest is that it isn't *a* contest -- it's *two*
contests.  You don't really know which one you're going to get until
it starts!

This year, it was indeed a VHF contest.  The victory goes to those
lucky enough to have openings and those with enough stamina to stay in
the chair even if they aren't working anyone.  (one point yesterday I
called CQ for 75 minutes without an answer...)

In a few years, it becomes the CQ WW.  EVERYONE will have plenty of
openings; the winners will be those able to keep the rate up.  We
won't appreciate being saddled with a lengthier exchange ("EM66" is
two characters longer than "TN") and a more complex scoring system.

(y'know, as long as the phrase "VHF contest" has come up...  what's
with the names of the ARRL's VHF contests?  Can anyone remember which
one is the VHF Sweepstakes?  And which is the VHF QSO Party?  They're
all scored the same way, maybe we should just call all three the "VHF
Contest" - that's what all the participants call them anyway!)

==
Doug Smith W9WI
Pleasant View, TN  EM66
http://www.w9wi.com