[CQ-Contest] cheating with packet

[Kerr, Prof. K.M.]

This particular thread is becoming an annual event. So be it. I generally don't rise to this bait but on this occasion I must.
I love contesting. 
I love finding and working multipliers.
I don't have cluster or internet in my shack.
I have never used any cluster as a SO but have seen and used it in a multi-op environment. There is just NO COMPARISON between point and shoot at cluster spots and finding them for yourself (my opinion).
I know there is NEVER going to be a level playing field in this game, even within realistic geographic limits. I get my ass kicked every year by other EU stations in my category (SOAB or occasional single band outings) who are also unassisted. Nonetheless, I wish to be and try very hard to remain reasonably competitive at this level. It is getting very tough.
I DO NOT WANT to have to start using the cluster to remain competitive. This would completely change the nature and feel of the contest for me. I am dismayed that some prominent contests like WAE 'allow' spotting assistance but that is the sponsor's choice and they are popular well-supported events. They are just not for me, as serious competition.
What I am 'afraid of' is having more premier events taking this default position. For me it would completely ruin a wonderful 'radio experience'...again, my opinion.
For those who wish to use it, the cluster is great. It is unrealistic to imagine it could be 'switched off' during major contest weekends. Imagine what that would do to our standing among non-contesters, who like a bit of DXing, especially during contests. Indeed, we need to keep these guys on the air chasing spots and maybe working us as well. 
 
Please don't force me to use the cluster in order to remain competitive.
 
Keith GM4YXI (GM7V)

________________________________

From: cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com on behalf of Yuri VE3DZ
Sent: Wed 12/12/2007 19:08
To: cq-contest at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] cheating with packet



I don't like Dx Cluster, but the reality is - like it or not - almost
everyone is using it nowadays, one way or another. I mean 99.9 % of the HAM
stations have the capability of using Dx Cluster today.
So, why not just allow it for all categories, like it was done for WAE or
Russian DX long time ago?

What are we afraid of here?


Yuri  VE3DZ



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