[UK-CONTEST] WAE

[Ed - G3SQX/GW3SQX]

Several correspondents have explained that the decision of the DARC to allow cluster in all categories of entry in the WAE contest explain why the entry level from the UK is low.  I have to agree, although I suspect the "Not Invented Here" syndrome comes into play as well.  There is also the factor that entrants no longer receive the (I suppose, expensive) booklet of results, and that you get your certificate by downloading and printing a PDF.  

In fact, virtually anyone can get a certificate, which devalues even further the doubtful excitement of (in my case) being 62nd in Europe.  The low activity levels in recent years also mean that the second day has much less activity than it used to, when DX stations would be desperate to unload QTCs.  All comments to the DARC are met with a polite acknowledgement and nothing more, but radical changes are obviously needed.

All in all, the DARC contest committee have lost the plot on this one -- a shame, because it used to be one of the most interesting events on the calendar.  

73,

Ed, GW3SQX