[UK-CONTEST] GM4FDM (& Radcom)

Steve Jones steve at rjtraining.fsnet.co.uk
Sun Mar 30 04:25:11 EST 2003 

I'd like to add my congratulations to Don for an excellent IOTA contest article too. We need to build up the contesting side of RadCom, in order to encourage the new M3s into contesting - the work Don and Tim Kirby have been undertaking is a good step forward, in addition to the fine example of high standards and targets being set by contesters such as Andy PIQ.

We are at last seeing an influx of new blood into local radio clubs, and it is up to all contesters to give them some encouragement to try contesting and to pass on hints and tips. Every club needs a contesting "champion" to promote this side of the hobby, and to nurture any early interest shown by new members. 

As to the new look radcom, a change is as good as a rest - and the content has to be somewhat slanted towards newcomers, as they are the future of the hobby.

73

Steve GW0GEI
--- 
Protected by Norton Internet Security 2002
All outgoing and incoming emails are scanned for viruses. 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Donald Field 
  To: UK Reflector 
  Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2003 3:22 PM
  Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] GM4FDM (& Radcom)


  Chris et al

  Just to set the record straight re. the IOTA write-up. It's not a case of
  having space to spare. Indeed, it almost didn't happen, as the Jubilee
  write-up had taken quite a bit of "contest" space in the previous RadCom,
  and the April issue was slated to carry the Band Plans (an annual event).
  Fortunately, wise heads at HQ were able to secure sponsorship from Yaesu
  (who have long been associated with IOTA) for a self-contained supplement.
  This obviously has to be in multiples of four pages (as G3SEK rightly
  spotted) - nothing was actually
  missed from my write-up, and we were able to use most of the pics I had
  received from entrants. And the sponsorship means that non-contesters in the
  membership can't complain that their membership fees were being used for
  something they weren't interested in. I'm pretty pleased at the way it's
  turned out, and appreciate the positive feedback I have seen here and
  elsewhere.

  73 Don G3XTT
  IOTA Contest Manager

  ----- Original Message -----
  From: "G3SJJ" <g3sjj at btinternet.com>
  To: "UK Reflector" <uk-contest at contesting.com>
  Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2003 12:33 PM
  Subject: RE: [UK-CONTEST] GM4FDM (& Radcom)


  > 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
  > >
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