[UK-CONTEST] GM4FDM (& Radcom)

[G3SJJ]

Don, Nigel, Paul. Thanks.  I have no problem with progress. I was homing in
on two specific aspects of what Don correctly identifies as a fresh and
youthful approach.

I do have an issue with the waste of space on article headings such as
"Noise bridge measurements" and "Technical topics." Three quarters of a page
to say "RSGB IOTA 2002 Contest" really does appear overboard, particularly
when you know that over the years constant pressure has been put on HFCC to
reduce the allocation of space, reduce the amount of wordage in reports and
reduce the amount of space taken up by contest listings. I personally had to
fight very hard at one stage against the strong suggestion that contest
listings should be reduced to show just the top ten because they were
considered boring. I know Dave BUO has had similar battles. Even just a
couple of years ago, with the last IOTA Contest report I submitted, after
spending considerable amount of time during the preparation of listings to
ensure position numbers were correct, the whole column across all sections
was deleted without reference or agreement. I would certainly hope that
reassurance is given to HFCC that with the amount of space now available, as
witnessed by the large font styles, then more, not less, space will be
allocated to contesting and encouragement is given to contest adjudicators
to enlarge their reports.

My second point was circuit diagrams. Yes, I agree it is not a learned
journal and made that point, but I do feel that whilst every effort should
be made to encourage people into the hobby, they should also be given the
impression that it is still a technical hobby requiring skills that include
reading a detailed schematic diagram. Whilst I have a great dislike for the
phrase "dumbing down" because I understand and accept there can be
compelling reasons for change, I have to say I get a strong sense of this
happening with the published diagrams.

Perhaps rather than urge people to complain I should be asking the powers
that be to consider these two points. Chris G3SJJ

-----Original Message-----
From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Don Beattie
Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2003 11:00 AM
To: UK Reflector
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] GM4FDM (& Radcom)


Chris,

On this one, I'm more in line with Nigel, TXF's, thinking. I guess we oldies
have occasional traditionalist tendencies, but I recognise that the new
style is more likely to appear fresh and youthful to those who will carry
the hobby forward long after we are gone. After all's said and done, it's a
hobby, and not a learned profession ! The mag needs to show life and
dynamism.  I have (like you, I expect) RadComs going back to 1961 in the
loft, and the change in style over the 40+ years is dramatic. I think when
we look back on the now superseded style in a year or two, we will find it
old and unexciting.  I am in favour of a "white space" style, with bolder
use of colour. I agree with Nigel that some of the photos are far too dark,
and Steve tells me (he's here this weekend for WPX as G5W) that this is
being taken up with the new production company. There are also issue like
the positioning of captions for photos, which I am sure will get addressed.

Let's give it a chance.

Pity about HF conditions this weekend - it seems rather slow in WPX (hence
time to do the e-mail !)

73

Don, G3BJ (and G5W in WPX)




----- Original Message -----
From: "G3SJJ" <g3sjj at btinternet.com>
To: "UK Reflector" <uk-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, March 28, 2003 9:23 PM
Subject: RE: [UK-CONTEST] GM4FDM (& Radcom)


> Further to my comments, I understand the new look is not the idea of
Steve,
> the current editor. It certainly doesn't reflect his professional style.
> Thanks goodness, I would not wish my comments to be taken as a personal
> attack against him. This new look is abominable I hope there are many
> complaints to the RSGB management. Chris G3SJJ
>
> _______________________________________________
> UK-Contest mailing list
> UK-Contest at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/uk-contest

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