[UK-CONTEST] Radcom Contest Reporting

[Dave Cree]

I have also helped filled the Editor's  intray. Presumably  his own ego 
was massaged by his mugshot in this month's issue. -

Giles,

As a keen contest operator, could I express my dismay at the 
presentation of results in the June Radcom. I have persuaded many 
stations particularly in the Grimsby and Lincoln areas to participate in 
RSGB Contest, even though they know they have little chance of achieving 
a high position. A good proportion of these Amateurs hold Foundation and 
Intermediate Licenses. These guys particularly get a great kick from 
seeing their calls tabulated in Radcom.  I hope in future you will be 
persuaded to print the full results.

I would also point out that Radcom is the Journal of the RSGB, not a 
news stand magazine, and I would expect to see the full results of RSGB 
contests, just as I would expect to read the Minutes of the AGM, etc.

It is a matter of continuing regret to Contestors that the Radcom gives 
little enough space to most contest results, unlike some of the other 
European Societies' publications. It is particularly sad that major 
international competitions are rarely reported although many UK amateurs 
take part.

I know of late that the Radcom has seen fit to publish several letters 
denigrating contest and contestors. As a regular operator from DX 
Stations outside the UK (next week I will QRV as J88DR) I can only note 
that I rarely work/hear  UK stations outside Contests, which to me 
indicates that the protesting non-contestors are very in-active on the 
HF Bands.
As an example, out of over 100,000 QSOs made from J8, outside of 
Contests the percentage of UK Stations is less than 1.

Dave G3TBK/J88DR