[UK-CONTEST] Paper Logs/Time to Stop!

[Ray Goff]

> To : UK Contest Reflector
> From : Nigel G3TXF
>
> Isn't it time that the "softie approach" towards
> accepting paper logs be dropped for all contests?
>

Electronic logs are no better than paper logs if there is no standardisation
of the log file format. Instead of spending time typing in the logs, the
adjudicator simply spends his/her time reformating the electronic
information.

Also, we are trying to increase contesting activity and any draconian rules
such as 'No paper logs' or 'Elecronic logs only accepted in xyz format' will
only tend to decrease the number of entrants.

Another problem is interpretation, give the same log file specification to a
number of logging software programmers and look at the results you get back!

Keeping the log file format universal is another problem as contests come
and go. The alternative is to specify a log format for each contest.
However, we all know that contesters swear by their particular favourite
logging programme and what happens if the author of the software decides not
to support that particular contest? Do you send in a log file in another
format hoping it will be accepted, or do you simply not take part in the
contest at all?

It sound so simple to abandon paper logs, but I it seems to me that you are
just trading problems. Yes, paper logs are a pain, but so is the diverse
range of log file formats which probably account for more time and effort in
'beating into shape', given the percentage of paper logs is falling.

Just my tuppence worth.

73's

Ray G4FON