[UK-CONTEST] RSGB 21/28 MHz Contest

[steve@g3vmw.demon.co.uk]

I was active in the 21/28 CW contest from here in Cyprus over the weekend and
sadly, it proved to be an almost dire experience.  Why?

Simply, the level of activity from G stations was very low, therefore my
incentive to remain active was very much reduced.  The WAG contest was another major nuisance factor and in the end, I decided to work Germans as well as any UK stations I could find.  The ratio of DL to G stations was about 20 to 1, which must give a clue.

I can only suggest that it is time to consider some changes to the contest to
give people the incentive to be active.  The most obvious change I can suggest is to combine the SSB and CW legs of this event for the first weekend in October, i.e what is now just the SSB leg.  There appear to be few other contents going on during this weekend, particularly on CW.  There could be awards or trophies for SSB, CW and Mixed as well as for Overseas entrants.
The impact on the rest of the amateur radio world, i.e. the non-combatants is minimal since this contest covers only 21 and 28 MHz.  

However, more needs to be done to provide an incentive for people to make the effort to work G stations.  For example, if everyone worked everyone, with extra points and multipliers for working UK postcodes and countries, I think the activity levels would reach levels to make the contest worth entering.  In addition, I would suggest that Gs be allowed to work other Gs for points to help keep things moving along.  I heard several G stations calling CQ for long periods of time with absolutely no replies.  Even the most hardened contester must find that very discouraging?

In the end, if nothing is done then I feel this contest will go the same way as the 7MHz DX contest because of lack of interest.  Maybe the answer is to pension the contest off, but I feel that would be a very poor way to deal with the problem.

Just my 2c worth!

Steve G3VMW 
(5B/G3VMW until tomorrow)