[RTTY] Why send 599 report

[Wa3frp]

This talk about dropping RST from RTTY contest exchanges and contest exchanges in general
made me think about the earliest RTTY contest. This was held by the RTTY Society of Southern 
California from October 31 to November 1, 1953.  Named the RTTY Sweepstakes Contest, twenty 
nine participants exchanged messages that contained a serial number, originating station call, check 
or RST report of two or three numbers, ARRL section of originator, local time (0000-2400 preferred) 
and date. Example: NR 23 W0BP CK MINN 1325 FEB 15. 

By the late 1950s, the contest exchange was expanded to include band used. 
Example: NR 23 W0BP CK MINN 1325 FEB 15 FORTY METERS

Back then, no computers and no macros, no logging programs.   All hand typed on a teleprinter.

73
Russ WA3FRP