[CQ-Contest] Rule Change Debate on Skimmer

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Scott, 

> >From the rules:
> -----------
> 1. Single Operator High:  Those stations at which one person 
> performs all of the operating, logging, and spotting functions.  
> -----------
> 
> Those stations at which one PERSON performs ... SPOTTING functions.  
> 
> A piece of computer software decoding CW signals is not a 
> person performing a spotting function.  If the callsign is 
> decoded by a method other than the human ear, that is not a 
> person spotting a callsign, it's a machine.  A computer.  A 
> computer is not a person.  The rule says PERSON.  Not person 
> operating a computer that spots the callsigns for you.   

You have all the "words" but you are not parsing them correctly.   

The computer is not a person, therefore skimmer (so long as it 
is local) fits entirely within the single operator category 
since there is NO OTHER person (no second, third, etc. person) 
performing any of the required functions. 

If skimmer to violates the "single operator" criteria, memory 
keyers - particularly automatically repeating or dueling CQs 
violates the "person" criteria.  Similarly, it can be argued 
that computer logging also violates the single "person" criteria.  

Where the rules say "single person" the emphasis is on SINGLE 
not on person - particularly in this technological age where 
computers are able to perform many tasks that once could only 
be accomplished by a skilled operator.