[UK-CONTEST] Websites and all that

[Ray James]

--- On Sun, 28/6/09, Don Field <don.field at gmail.com> wrote:

> I see that Ray, once again, chooses wilfully to misrepresent what I have
> said.
 
> But in the post Ray is referring to, where I said “don’t hold your breath” I was very specifically referring to a revamp of the website structure...

Dear Don,
I have certainly not chosen wilfully to misrepresent what you have said on this occasion or any other.

Your message contained numerous matters.
Broken links.
Websites
Contests
Sniping (your words) located here on this reflector
RSGB/Magazine subscription
RSGB membership benefits
Volunteers
How RSGB raises funds

You finish this with "So, to go back to the beginning. If you find obvious broken links, let someone know. On other matters, don’t hold your breath.

We're not mind readers.

> I won’t revert to Ray’s myriad postings about VHF contest rules. 

All written with the best interests of UK VHF+ contesting and activity in mind. I'm grateful a number of experienced contesters and fellow DX'ers have written here in total agreement with the suggestions put forward though it would also be nice to see further input from those who have written privately.  

>I take a lead from the VHF members of my Committee on that one and
we have stuck with what we have, for better or worse. 

Sticking with what we have is not an option surely?

1. Areas of the UK and that includes England that are devoid of either contest or general activity. 
2. Another period of fresh blood appearing into the hobby and having no idea of the potential enjoyment to made from VHF+ contesting and DX'ing.
3. Contest rules that do nothing to inspire national participation of any great substance unless one lives in the higher density south/south east of England.
4. Reduced consistent participation in UK contests. Too many only appearing for one or two UKAC's because of item 3.
5. Due to 3 and 4, UK participation in IARU events at all time low.

> What I take as good news is that you all feel strongly enough about RSGB
contests to make these points.

Good, then please don't look upon postings as being antagonistic but as concerned about a decline that requires action to reverse. Not all rests on the shoulders of the CC but they have a part to play.  

>After all, RSGB has no monopoly of UK contesting. UKSMG, BARTG and PW all run contests and ISWL used to. If there are perceived gaps in the programme, particularly at VHF, I would be quite comfortable with others stepping into the breach. But as a Committee we are already heavily loaded. 

I don't believe there are any gaps that spring to mind, simply making the existing RSGB contests of more interest/fun to UK operators is all that is required. Give foundation and intermediate licensees a playing field that encourages new and consistent participation upon which to build on. Rules that actually benefit inter-UK activity and don't inhibit non-UK contacts but without a bonus for doing so. An assisted category for those who wish to share the same modern technical resources as the rest of Europe currently do.  


> I will step down as Chairman of the CC at the end of this year and, in
> accordance with RSGB regulations, the post will be advertised in RadCom. >We can all hope that a suitable successor steps forward.

I would suggest you therefore have an opportunity prior to standing down and before the 2010 rules/calendar is arranged, to initiate the start required to turn things around. If this doesn't occur then we'll only have one year (2011) to start bedding anything in as 2012 will be something of a write off with a number of areas of the UK having an enforced closedown to numerous bands due to preparation for the Olympic Games, the games themselves and also the Paraplegic games.

73 Ray GM4CXM