[CQ-Contest] The Insanity of Cut Numbers in Serial Number Contests

[Joe]

It is my pleasure every time I get a cut number other than the typical 
5NN like using them in a serial number I AGN?  ,,, AGN?  AGN,,,  till I 
get actual numbers.

I hate them, they slow me down terribly and if they want my QSO I'll 
slow them down till I get real numbers.

Joe WB9SBD
Sig
The Original Rolling Ball Clock
Idle Tyme
Idle-Tyme.com
http://www.idle-tyme.com
On 12/14/2014 9:56 AM, Mike Ritz, W7VO wrote:
> I noticed the same thing yesterday. I had to listen twice or even three times to a few guys to figure out what they were doing! Trying to copy a 4 digit serial number right the first time with QRM in a crowded band is hard enough, but then throw in a A4NT instead of 1490 and it is REALLY confusing. Sounds more like a callsign!
>
> 73;
>
> Mike, W7VO
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> From: "Pete Smith N4ZR" <n4zr at contesting.com>
> To: "reflector cq-contest" <CQ-Contest at Contesting.COM>
> Sent: Sunday, December 14, 2014 6:50:54 AM
> Subject: [CQ-Contest] The Insanity of Cut Numbers in Serial Number Contests
>
> Please, please don'tuse cut numbers when transmitting a serial number.
> I've even heard some Es and As today - that's just absurd, and
> counterproductive..
>
> There is good information science behind this plea. When you really
> need to get a number right, particularly with weak signals, even the
> most common cut numbers, like N and T, are more trouble than they are
> worth in time saving. Why? Because each full number has five elements,
> grouped together - that is consecutive dots or dashes. Your brain can
> use this fact to copy confidently, even if QRM or QSB causes you not to
> hear a dit or dah, because of spacing *between* numbers. If you send a
> cut number, you deprive the receiving op of this aid - he asks for a
> fill, and you've lost more time than the cut number would save you in 5
> QSOs.
>