[SECC] 2021 GQP

[John Aeiker]

Scott, 

I love your axioms as well as your son’s advice. I’m coming up on 70 next month and I surely could have used that advice more than once in my life!!  My wife found it wise as well and I think she will reminding me of that one at times. 

73, John
W4ER 




> On Jan 8, 2021, at 8:40 AM, Scott Straw <kb4kbs at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> My thoughts:
> 
> 1. There seems to be a rising tone of defensiveness seeping into this thread.  Let’s step back carefully and read what is presented, remain objective, and then carefully read what is authored (before pressing send) and of course, remain objective.
> 
> 2. State QSO parties should be, and generally are, intended to be FUN operating events that encourage casual operators, both in-state and out-of-state, to get on the air and operate.  Let’s not take this so seriously that we suck the fun out of it.
> 
> 3. Any and all rules should be formed and crafted to push fun into the GQP, not suck it out.  Out-of-state operators chasing 1x1 callsigns and bonus stations are obvious examples of the push, so long as the objectives are reasonably obtained by the casual operator (even though it is an “operating event”, 13 Colonies is presented as Exhibit A).
> 
> 4. As to the “other side of the coin”, there needs to be incentive for the casual in-state operator to be active as well. A crazy idea to encourage in-state activity would be to count each S/P as a multiplier PER BAND.  Of course this would mean a MAJOR contest software re-write, so its likely not practical for 2021.
> 
> 5. The “COVID Concession”, allowing neighbors in the same county to act as a multi-two team from their separate homes with a single callsign seems like a great way to encourage in-state activity also.  Coordination of bands and modes among team members to avoid simultaneous band/mode operation is not insurmountable.  I would like to see this provision extended and encouraged.  If the team is unable to use a single log connected via Internet for scoring, the two separate logs can easily be melded together afterward before submission.
> 
> 6. With every proposed amendment to the rules, the preeminent question should be “will this encourage more activity?”.
> 
> Finally, a personal note. As an AV Field Engineer, I get sent on a lot of service calls.  Here are some of my main axioms:
> - Let’s verify that it’s broken before we jump in and start trying to fix it.
> - The lack of a desired feature doesn’t mean it’s broken.
> - The presence of an undesired feature doesn’t mean it’s broken.
> 
> My main guiding principle was taught to me by my son: “Dad, if it’s not broken anymore, stop fixing it”.
> 
> My calendar is cleared for April 10-11, 2021.
> 
> Scott Straw, KB4KBS
> Roswell, Georgia USA
> (EM74tb)
> 
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