[NCC] QST to stop posting contest results???

[Nzharps@aol.com]

Hi all..normally I don't like the idea of propagating rumors, but some of the stuff that has appeared lately on the cq-contest reflector deserves our attention and discussion.

Ron, K8NZ

>CONTESTERS PLEASE FORWARD TO YOUR CLUB REFLECTORS
> >
> >
> >There is a rumor afoot regarding some possible changes to be made in the
> >ARRL official journal QST.
> >
> >I am hoping someone in authority with my membership organization who is
> >either addressed above or is on one of these reflectors will step forward
> >and tell me a rumor I have heard is wrong.
> >
> >As I understand it, the rumor is that the SECTION NEWS  AND detailed
> >reporting of CONTESTS are on the table to be cut from QST...perhaps a
> >summary of the high scorers will be still printed but Joe Ham will not see
> >his call in QST.
> >
> >AGAIN this is NOT confirmed but I am very concerned.
> >
> >The measure of operator, not communicator, ability has always been the
> >contest.  During contests, amateurs can focus on developing their skills
and
> >even if they are just starting out they still can see where they rank in
the
> >big picture thanks to QST write-ups.
> >
> >Many MANY contesters have enjoyed watching their scores move higher and
> >higher in their section listings as their operating ability improved, I
know
> >I have over the past 30 years.
> >
> >As I understand it, all the listings may still be available, in obscurity,
> >on the WWW, but not in front of the faces of your average ham...including
> >the newcomer!
> >
> >Is this the beginning of the end of contesting?  Once it is no longer in
> >front of the faces of hams looking for new things to try and only the
> >highest scores are published the guy who gets on to find his 100 QSOs is
> >over a thousand shy of making it into print will undoubtedly say the heck
> >with it.
> >
> >TO QUOTE A LETTER FROM W6OAT IN AN EARLY ISSUE OF NCJ:
> >
> >
> >SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE
> >
> >
> >This time it is my opinion that a very serious signal is about to be sent
> >out by the ARRL as far as its views on the importance of contesting as a
> >means to ensure a community of hams proficient in radio communications.
> >
> >AGAIN this is a rumor I have heard, I encourage clubs that support
> >contesting to contact their members regarding this SHOULD THIS BE AN
> >ACCURATE REPORT.
> >
> >I have gained many many friends in the contesting community over the past
30
> >plus years and value all of my friendships with these hams from all over
the
> >world...if we are about to see contesting get lip service by the ARRL -
the> >largest National membership organization of amateur radio operators -
well,
> >I pray I am having a nightmare and someone will wake me up.
> >
> >HAS ANYONE HEARD ANYTHING ON THIS - I KNOW THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS
SLATED> >TO MEET SHORTLY AND SUSPECT THIS IS ON THE AGENDA - WERE YOU ASKED
FOR
> >INPUT?
> >
> >I do not want ham radio to be clear channels only allowed communication -
I> >have a cell phone and a computer on the web for that...lets keep radio
> >OPERATING a part of ham radio.
> >
> >INFO NEEDED NOW - SOMEONE ENLIGHTEN THE MASSES BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!
> >
> >73,
> >
> >Jim White, K4OJ
> >founder: Florida Contest Group - where operating ability is something we
> >take pride in.
> >
> >


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