[UK-CONTEST] GW3NJW Eu Sprint

[Dave Lawley]

Message text written by "Richard Newstead"
>The rules of these contests are so odd that I have stopped calling
>stations as I have no idea what sort of information they will need nor
>whether my call will count and be appreciated or I will get a curt
>rebuffal. In one recent one the station I called immediately QSYed, I
>had no idea whether I had helped him or hindered him and so I refrained
>from calling anyone else. 
>
>Great way to draw new blood in guys.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

Richard

I know that the uk-contest reflector has, sadly, turned into a bit of
a flame-fest and this is a shame, I had hoped it would serve to help
and encourage uk contesting. Perhaps this time I should be grateful
the complaint is not about the RSGB, makes a change.

Maybe you have never listened to the North American sprints.
They have been going for at least fifteen years, and are a supreme
example of contester's skills. In four hours, the top stations on CW
can make in excess of 350 QSOs, while continually QSYing. The
European sprints are based on the NA model, but with *simplified*
rules because we removed the location information. The problem 
at present as I see it is that there isn't enough activity. Another fifty
percent would start to make it much more fun, and would then 
draw in even more participants, at which stage it could be as much
fun as the US events.

Before the October events, I'd be delighted to give you as much
help as you need with the rules, and to try to encourage you to give
it a go. Just get in touch.

I have said that we need more activity in these events but I was
absolutely delighted with the turn-out from the UK. Well done guys,
if we could get this level of activity from some of the other main
European contesting nations we'd be home and dry.

I fully agree with Clive GM3POI's point, he perhaps forgot to mention 
that in a phone call he made to me yesterday morning I gave some 
of the history. The timing would be about right if the event were held
in early Feb, but the calendar is full at that time! After several years
lobbying I managed to get I2UIY OK2FD DL6RAI to agree to move
the CW event from May to April. I think rather than another change
of date we now need to lobby for a two hour delay to the start. The
excellent UK participation this time helps our case (I suppose!)
so you might like to put some appropriate comments in with your
entries.

73, Dave G4BUO