[CQ-Contest] Why few "odd" mults around

[James]

Charly -- Perhaps some of your "boredom" happens because there are
fewer western U.S. stations on the air during ARRL DX than during CQ
WW DX?  In 2011, logs received from the western U.S.:

CQ WW DX = 346
ARRL DX = 296

And logs received from our friends in Japan:

CQ WW DX = 501
ARRL DX = 256

Which precipitates the obvious question, why are 50 western U.S.
stations active during CQWW but dark during ARRL DX? Why do half of
the JA stations choose to skip ARRL DX?

I can't speak for those many stations but like you I am much more
enthusiastic about the upcoming CQ WPX CW in May than I was for ARRL
DX.  Much of my lack of enthusiasm for ARRL DX comes from the scoring
rules -- 3 points per QSO regardless of band or distance.  It is
illogical to me that 10000 km earns the same points as 1000 km. If
ARRL adopted a more modern scoring system (like CQ WW has) that would
give more points to long distance than short distance, and more points
for low bands than high bands, then perhaps more western US and non-EU
stations would participate in ARRL DX.

Hope to work you in CQ WPX CW in May! -- 73 Jim K6OK


> In all ARRL DX contests, I am an "odd" mult here in Thailand.  I would like
> to work these contests more, and feel my semi-rare mult status would be
> especially appreciated to work, but I operate these contests very little
> due to boredom.  I suspect other "wanted" mults in my situation react the
> same way.
>
> To enjoy ARRL contests, I have to be heard in the USA.  Even with some
> positive propagation, USA is beaming exclusively to EU and I can not be
> heard.
> Too, few USA look for and beam my way except for short times, usually late
> in the contest.  Well, I must tell you, it is no fun to wait around for the
> occasional USA station to work because of these trends.  Thus, I just go
> off to the WARC bands and skip ARRL contests.
>
> I think my situation is similar to all of SA, Africa, VK/ZL, and parts of
> Asia.  So, USA operators, if you miss we "odd" mults, you will find us on
> the WARC bands actually making contacts instead of snoozing and waiting for
> an ARRL contest contact.

> C U in the CQ contests.  73,
>
> --
> Charly, HS0ZCW
>