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

[Peter Bowyer]

Chris GM3WOJ wrote:

> Logging - I'm struggling to understand the arguments against computer
> logging - Peter G4MJS wrote :-
> "<snip> they're just not interested in learning PC skills just to
> enter a contest. Contesting is about doing stuff on the radio, not about
> learning IT skills <snip>"  Sorry to disagree Peter, but I think the
reality
> is that to do well in a contest in 2002 you HAVE to be using a PC - for
dupe
> checking, mult checking, rate checking  etc.  Yes in a minor contest you
> might be able to do these on a sheet of A3 with the alphabet boxes, but
what
> a pain that was.   I know that even now some of the entrants in CQ WW CW,
> for example, still log on paper, then transfer their own logs into
computer
> form, but what a waste of time.

I can't argue with the premise that for a competitive entry, computers are
essential. But those people who log with a PC already submit their entries
electronically (unless they're particularly perverse - I remember VHFCC
leaning on one group who persisted in logging by computer but when it came
to making an entry, sent the printout from their logging program!).

But how does a new operator get the 'bug'? Does he/she get the PC and the
logging software set up, and only then enter their first contest? I don't
believe so - they're much more likely to come across a contest on the band,
dive in with a few QSOs, and only afterwards think 'Hmmm... maybe I should
send an entry in to see how well I've done'.

> Hardware - I think the argument that 'I can't afford a PC' really no
longer
> applies - you can purchase a 486 or similar for 30 pounds, which will run
> CT or NA perfectly well.

Not 'cant afford' - just 'dont care to'. The PC and the skill associated
with operating it at the same time as the radio in a contest is one which we
OFs take for granted, but is a barrier to the newcomer. We shouldn't require
the newcomer to climb that barrier in order to have their entry welcomed and
see their callsign in the table in RadCom.

> On balance, I agree with Nigel - after all, we want to encourage not only
> participation in contests, but techniques which will enhance the
> participant's score, which computer-logging definitely will.

Encourage - definitely. But don't throw the baby out with the bathwater by
putting up any kind of barriers to entry.

Peter G4MJS