[CQ-Contest] Level Playing Field - my 2 cents

[Dale Putnam]

Thinking about the "leveling of the field" and the seemingly unending effort to "make it fair". Yes, quotes, because, to me, it is astoundingly clear, that this is not achievable, with any amount of cooking the books, when comparisons are made between stations.   Why? Simple, first of all, the advantages of where you are, are expounded upon us, every time a propagation program forecasts the environment that we play. Second, the geography is rather evident, in the viewing of the maps that the prop program is shown on. 
 Therefore, the supposed leveling would need to take into account, geography, and propagation, and ......  So what really does level the field?  Anyone?   No... it isn't anyone... but that is close... it is someone.  That someone that is operating. And who is the comparison with? That same someone, single or with multiops... it is the score from that particular station, under a specific set of guidelines that effects the specific score that when compared over a period, will provide the totally level field.  Do you have a point of "one-upsmanship" to talk about at the next brag session?Sure you do, and no one can argue it either...absolute statements.And no one currently does it. Not the "big boys" or the little guys... no one. "I improved my score 23.75% this year over last, during - contest name-." And for the folks that want to see their call sign printed above the next fellows.. fine.. there's nothing wrong with that. Understanding all the parameters involved, and there is darn little anyone can do about those parameters.   And when it is all said and done, there still isn't any taking away from the thrill of blowing a pileup, with the "big guns" with a qrp station and wire antennas, and getting the Q, ahead of the million dollar stations located in the ........   The amount of skill you use, have and grow, carefully tended, practiced, and utilized to attain that personal best, is something that no one, can take away.  
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Dale - WC7S in Wyhttp://www.qrpfoxhunt.org