[RTTY] An open letter to Shelby, K4WW

[Barry]

Comments interspersed below...

ws7i wrote:
> Hmmm, I think that would make SOMR just like M/M.  One is a small class, and the other quite a bit larger.  Never did mind winning either, personnally.  Then they added M2 because its hard to build a real M/M.
>
> There is no difference in making Single Operator classes, what-so-ever, when the hordes demand a change, perhaps there is a reason.  Frankly, I like SOSB, that's a real contest, but then again, my old friend Ron just gets to bored as the rate isn't high enough for him without two radios going.
>   
The reason I'm against the rule change, and I'm sure others agree, is I 
built my station to be as competitive as can be *within the context of 
the rules*.  Now, that I've succeeded, you want to change those rules.  
Kinda like retroactive taxes...

> Different strokes for different folks, I see no reason that any of this makes a big difference, the only interesting thing I have ever seen is the huge outcrying by those who do choose to run SOMR, in some cases, against the concept.  What is most humourous to me is that one of the kings of SOMR and Low Power to boot just sits back and enjoys it.
>
> When someone beats Don in Low Power Roundup he will probably try another class or retire, but then again, it seems that no one can.  Well, it does seem like it has been done, just not for a long time.
>   
I've never been a Roundup fan, but more of a DX contester.  I usually do 
CQWW RTTY HP or SOA, but in 1990, I decided to operate CQWW RTTY Low 
Power to see if I could beat Don.  The only one I told ahead of time was 
Ron, K5DJ, and I asked him not to mention it to Don.  When the smoke 
settled, I did beat him by about 20% ( 2M vs. 2.4M, only 50 more QSOs, 
but many more mults.)  In a DX contest, I definitely had a propagation 
advantage.  I wouldn't even think of trying to compete with him in Roundup.

> Frankly I'm old, tired, and out of practice and I think I will go back to doing M/M as they are much more relaxing.  Besides you can get a lot more socializing in during the contest.
>
>   
I haven't operated a RTTY contest in about 3 years.  I got bored (and 
have been concentrating more on CW) even with SO2R.  In SO1R, there's so 
much down time, I couldn't imagine doing it, unless I was watching TV at 
the same time :.)

> When is the next contest, oh to have towers again.....and be able just to do one.  Moving to antenna restricted property is for the birds.
>
> Regards
>
> --
> ws7i at ewarg.org
>
>   
Well, I'll be making a similar move in about 3 years, so it will be 
multi time for me, as well.
73,
Barry W2UP

-- 

Barry Kutner, W2UP             
Newtown, PA