[CQ-Contest] How many hours do SOAB entrants actually operate?

[David Gilbert]

Cause that sounds like so much fun?

I like contesting because I find it enjoyable, but I don't find trying 
to stay awake for the majority of 48 hours fun at all.  It's painful at 
best and leaves me feeling hungover afterward, and often weakens me to 
the point of being more susceptible to colds and such.   I just don't 
bother to compete aggressively anymore as a result ... it simply isn't 
worth it.

There is a HUGE difference between a skill-based competition and an 
endurance-based competition.  Some people gravitate more toward one than 
the other, and a very select few are good at both.  Having different 
categories based upon operating time merely provides opportunity for a 
greater number of participants to focus on whichever aspect they find 
enjoyable.

Merely outlasting a more skilled op doesn't sound all that gratifying to 
me anyway.

Dave   AB7E




On 3/29/2013 10:09 AM, N1MM wrote:
> If you want to win, place or show in a contest, a long contest is your 
> friend.  Except for one of us, there is an op out there that can beat 
> us.  If he has to go into work on Saturday morning, you might have a 
> chance.
>
> My point is that if you have any illusions that you might win a 
> contest because it is shorter, just the opposite is true.  You are 
> more likely to win if you can stay in the chair for close to the full 
> contest, while better contesters have to sit on the sidelines.
>
> If you really want to do well, stay in the chair during miserable 
> conditions.  Some good ops will throw in the towel, and your rank will 
> likely go up.
>
> 73,
> Tom - N1MM