[CQ-Contest] A new "DX cluster" experience for contesters

[Robert Chudek - K0RC]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul O'Kane" <pokane at ei5di.com>
To: <CQ-Contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 5:37 PM
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] A new "DX cluster" experience for contesters


> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Pete Smith" <n4zr at contesting.com>
>
>
>> Metaphorical loom-smashing aside, I think that this
>> development will have little impact in the world of
>> single-op contesting, given the rules that have been
>> put in place in the last couple of years.
>
>
> This development is, in terms of amateur radio contesting,
> a weapon of mass destruction which, rather than being
> subject to stringent controls, has been put into the hands
> of anyone with an internet connection - in effect, all of
> us.
>
> The fact that something can be done does not always mean
> that it is worth doing.  The people who have developed
> this technology can congratulate themselves on the
> introduction of a fundamental change in the nature of
> contesting, to the extent that it has been largely
> debased.
>
> They may argue it's just a natural extension of existing
> technology - the cluster.  If so, doesn't that raise a
> question about the legitimacy of the cluster?
>
> Regardless of how we got here, or how well-intentioned
> the developers were/are, we should not be here.  The
> internet serves only to undermine amateur radio - by
> putting the wires back into wireless.
>
> 73,
> Paul EI5DI


Well the same principle holds true for cellphones, Twitter, Skype, Facebook, 
and other technologies that have displaced hard-wired, centralized switching 
systems operated by young ladies wielding cords across a large patch panel.

What's the point? Technology changes everything, whether you like it or not.

The Reverse Beacon Network is in a position to eventually replace the old 
spotting network paradigm. Why do I want some 'bozo' who thinks they can 
copy CW, posting spots for BY1V on 20 meters at noon local time?

Technology will not undermine amateur radio. Operators unable to adapt and 
take advantage of newer technologies will undermine amateur radio.

73 de Bob - KØRC in MN