[UK-CONTEST] 21/28 MHz contest

[Ed -- GW3SQX]

Re:  21/28 MHz contest

I don't enter this contest any more, although I used to enter the CW section 
in the early 90s.  The reason, if you want it in a single word, is because 
it's embarrassing.

It's been clear for some time that we can't support "UK works the rest" 
events.  There just aren't enough UK entrants.  It might be interesting for 
UK stations who can work a bit of DX, but for the rest of the world it must 
be excruciating.  This is true even during times that 10m and 15m are wide 
open -- people will always work someone calling CQ contest, but they will 
run out of UK stations very quickly.

The contest fails on a number of counts.  It doesn't encourage activity.  It 
doesn't attract new participants from the UK (or from anywhere else if it 
comes to that).  The "usual suspects" normally don't bother, for good 
reason.  It doesn't do anything that more popular events accomplish --  
normally in an hour or two, rather than an excruciating 12 hours.

I think I'd better stop going on about this contest, because a majority of 
those who subscribe to this reflector are clearly in favour.  Of course, you 
could argue that it does no harm, but it is a waste of resources which 
perhaps ought to be devoted to promoting the more popular RSGB contests.

73,

Ed, GW3SQX