[CQ-Contest] Annoying trend

[Kjboasi at aol.com]

Steve,

The duping feature in logging programs doesn't give you the exchange before 
it's sent.  That's how it's different.  Sure, you can dupe on paper.  
Personally, I've done it and don't want to go back to it.  Maybe for SKN.  

So what's to say that someone with lots of time and motivation couldn't take 
his logs from a few years worth of SS, write all the calls, checks and 
sections down in a big notebook, and organize it so he can flip back and forth 
quickly?  You don't need a computer for that.  That could have been done 30 years 
ago.  So logging software or paper dupe sheets have nothing to do with making a 
searchable database.  It just makes it easier.

Like I said, I had people questioning me in last year's SS as to what my 
check was.  Multiple times during the same QSO, too.  One guy even asked me 
"...are you sure?".  Like I wasn't sure what I just said.

I just don't understand why people can't/won't copy what is sent.  If you 
need a repeat on the exchange, just ask.  I've never denied anybody (multiple) 
repeats if necessary.  Come to think of it, I can't remember anybody ever 
denying me repeats, either, regardless what the guy's rate was.

And I think names are much more recognizable.than checks, but I wonder how 
many people could name the year I was first licensed off the top of their head.  
Probably not many.  I know I can't do it, regardless of who it is and how 
many years I've worked them.  My memory isn't THAT good.  I doubt many people's 
are, either.

As far as SCP, I have no idea.  I've never used it during a contest; if I 
blow a call, it's my own fault for bad copy, or for not asking for a repeat.

-Ken, N2ZN



> how is this any different that using SCP or the dupe feature in the logging 
> software.  both of those features help to make it easier to operate in the 
> contest.  sure there is a point when you have to believe what you hear, but 
> sometimes the QRM is 20 over and you don't know what you heard because you were 
> expecting something else.
> 
> all the guys who know you casually - are they going to be confused when you 
> give them some random check number if they know you were licensed in 1994?  
> what is the point of purposefully using a random check every year - there must 
> be a motive - seems petty to do it just to confuse the guy on the other end 
> using a dB.  i sure hope you are able to keep up with your dupe sheet and you 
> don't get a sore wrist from hand logging the calls.
> 
>