[CQ-Contest] Get out of jail free card

Wed Mar 12 12:35:28 EDT 2008

Dick,

Having watched this thread for some time now...I will say this.
Compete in a manner that you enjoy and have FUN.

At least that is what I try and do and so far that method has served me well.

-73-

-- 

Jeff Embry, K3OQ
FM19je
ARCI #11643, FPQRP #-696,
QRP-L # 67, NAQCC #25, ARS #1733
AMSAT LM-2263

On the web at http://k3oq.net

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No trees were harmed in the sending of this message, however a large
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On Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 11:51 AM, Dick Dievendorff <dieven at comcast.net> wrote:
> You caught me.
>
>  I would argue that memory keyers and computer logging programs (and SO2R)
>  are technical developments that have changed contesting forever. These
>  developments were not universally embraced at the time of introduction. The
>  same "this will ruin contesting forever" arguments were voiced.
>
>  Your argument about paper logs is exactly how I feel.  You want to paper log
>  and paper dupe? Go for it!  You want to operate only with a manual key?  Go
>  for it!  You want to use (or not use) CWSkimmer? Go for it!
>
>  I agree with you that proposed rules requiring recording go way too far.
>
>  Not every technological advance requires a category change or a rule
>  prohibiting its use because it's a disruptive change.  Some disruptive
>  changes are good for a competitive hobby that advances the art.  Some
>  changes really do require rule changes.
>
>  The debate is healthy.  I agree that this technology has the potential to be
>  disruptive.
>
>  I just don't want to too quickly jump onto the "let's outlaw this" bandwagon
>  just because it's disruptive.  One man's "operating aid" is another's "this
>  will ruin contesting and should be disallowed".
>
>  73 de Dick, K6KR
>
>
>
>
>  -----Original Message-----
>  From: cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com
>  [mailto:cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Ron Notarius W3WN
>  Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 9:26 PM
>  To: cq-contest at contesting.com
>  Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Get out of jail free card
>
>  C'mon Dick.  You're being silly... and trvializing the point.
>
>  The items you mention are all operating aids that make the operator more
>  effcient so that he can concentrate on, well, operating.  Having said that,
>  remember that no one is forced to use them.  (You really want to paper log
>  and paper dupe?  Go for it!)
>
>  It has already been pointed out that contest logging software already exists
>  that has some of the capabilities of the skimmer.  Some will choose to use
>  this, some won't.  If it's enough of a competitive advantage, and if it is
>  the word will get around, more will adopt it.  That's the nature of the
>  game.
>
>  But -- other technological improvements are not operating aids and do not
>  make the operator more efficient.  If anything, they become a distraction.
>  Mandatory 48 hour contest recording comes to mind.  Mandatory recording of
>  the exact transmit frequency at all times, which in turn requires otherwise
>  unneccesary operating equipment purchases (rig, computer, software, or some
>  combination thereof) is another.  To say nothing of the ethical question
>  that those two imply... and to be blunt, I resent the implication that I can
>  not de facto be trusted to be honest before I even turn the rig on,
>  something both of those mandates imply.
>
>  Operating aids that make you a better and more efficient operator will prove
>  themselves and in turn be accepted.  Forcing unneeded gagets down people's
>  throats is a different matter altogether.
>
>  -----Original Message-----
>  From: Dick Dievendorff [mailto:dieven at comcast.net]
>  Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 12:14 AM
>  To: cbrakob at earthlink.net; 'Jim George'; 'Kelly Taylor';
>  wn3vaw at verizon.net; cq-contest at contesting.com
>  Subject: RE: [CQ-Contest] Get out of jail free card
>
>
>  Right.  While we're at it, we should ban those pesky memory keyers, it makes
>  redundant the important contesting skill of manually operating a Morse key.
>
>  And while we're at it, get rid of those pesky computer logging programs, it
>  makes redundant the important contesting skill of writing legibly and
>  maintaining a dupe sheet in real time.
>
>  And those durned microcontroller computers that are essential to every
>  modern transceiver should also be banned. No software power, just people
>  skills.
>
>  Dick, K6KR
>
>  -----Original Message-----
>  From: cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com
>  [mailto:cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Colleen Brakob
>  Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 6:59 PM
>  To: Jim George; Kelly Taylor; wn3vaw at verizon.net; cq-contest at contesting.com
>  Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Get out of jail free card
>
>  > For me, personally, I think that would end competitive contesting. It
>  > has to come sooner or later, I suppose, but I don't want it to end this
>  way.
>  >
>  > Therefore I would propose that all CW (and SSB) contests include
>  > prohibitions against any form of artificial CW (or voice) detection and
>  > copying.
>
>  I second the motion.  People should win radiosport contests based on
>  "people powered skills", not software power.
>
>  73, de Hans, K0HB/W7
>  "Just a boy and his radio."
>
>
>
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