[UK-CONTEST] More on these websites

[Don Beattie]

Callum does have a point in one regard, I think.

I don't agree that the BERU contest information is unclear. The RSGB Website
(sport radio - HF) has clear rules for all contests (including also IOTA).
But there is nothing to stop anyone from running an "unofficial" site in
addition - that is the beauty of  the web. The core contest info is on the
RSGB site. I regard the site run by G3PJT and others as having very useful,
entertaining addditional anecdotal and reference material, for those who
have already developed an interest in the contest. It is not really designed
(Bob, correct me if you think this is wrong) as an expose of the contest
rules.

However, I think the position on IOTA is different. RSGB's premier award
programme does not even feature on the RSGB home page (unless I've missed
it) and you have to dig into "award programmes" to get there. And when you
do, there is no description on the IOTA homepage of the award programme.
That page seems to comprise details of activations and the "honour roll".
The newcomer would be entitled to ask "of what ?". I would have expected as
a starter a few paragraphs describing the program. I am sure it is buried
somewhere, but it's not very visible (unless I've missed something).

But the overall point Callum is making about consistency and access to data
needs to be viewed in the context of the sort of thing the www is. It is a
web - where anyone can put up information. You can't blame RSGB for non-RSGB
sites. The web encourages the strategy of "let a thousand flowers bloom" and
long may it do so.

But I do agree that some basic information should be immediately accessible
and I think the IOTA  program (not the contest) fails on this. BERU does
not, in my view. It has exactly the same basic data as any other contest,
and in the same place.

73

Don, G3BJ




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Callum MØMCX" <callum at mccormick.uk.com>
To: <uk-contest at contesting.com>
Cc: "'Dave Lawley'" <g4buo at compuserve.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 6:50 PM
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] More on these websites


Goodness me chaps, you don't half make it difficult for people who have only
been in this game for half a dozen years. Dave (G4BUO) just tells me
off-line that I'm wrong. Which bit have I got wrong, both or part - and
what's the explanation? I still don't know. Dave, I emailed you back a
one-liner, but I just had to go public again, apologies.

I've been on official websites for both BERU and IOTA. The information is
not presented in a clear and concise way. In neither case, do the websites
explain what the real objectives are to a new visitor. New entrants to the
hobby, won't understand anyway and they'll need something very clear. How
the heck am I to teach 14 year-olds about these contests when the websites
delivering the information could be better written by the kids at the local
junior school (really!)? I know this might hurt one or two people, but it's
the truth and eventually someone has to realise this and sort it out.

Now.. I had the impression originally (when this thread started) that BERU
and IOTA were RSGB contests, then I was told they were not. Now I don't
know. I cannot understand what the issue is. It's like the Krypton Factor.
What I was originally trying to work out was if these are RSGB contests, why
do we look like complete numbskulls? Perhaps I should be asking someone else
who isn't here?

So, all I need to know right now is who really is in charge and why all
these domains?

With respect, I recognise I may be writing to the wrong place, so I'll
direct my communication to the right place if someone can tell me who it is.

(BTW, I had a missed call today by an unknown number, maybe that was Dave..?
Sorry I missed you. I TXT you back (whoever you are) so feel free to call
again, but not tonight - I'm out shortly!)

All the very best to you and remember, it's not a hobby - it's your life :)
!!

Callum McCormick
http://www.m0mcx.co.uk/
t: 07976 631881
65 Glendon Way, B93 8SY


-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Lawley [mailto:dave at g4buo.com]
Sent: 27 June 2009 17:58
To: Callum MØMCX
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] More on these websites

Dunno where you got that from Callum, because you're wrong.

Dave G4BUO


Callum MØMCX wrote:
> I have now found out that the BERU (Commonwealth) contest has nothing to
do
> with RSGB.
>
>
>
> What about IOTA, who "owns" that?
>
>
>
>
>
> Callum McCormick
>
>  <http://www.m0mcx.co.uk/> http://www.m0mcx.co.uk/
>
> t: 07976 631881
>
> 65 Glendon Way, B93 8SY
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> UK-Contest mailing list
> UK-Contest at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/uk-contest
>

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