[UK-CONTEST] Unwelcome new rules for the 160m Tests

[David Ferrington, M0XDF]

You have hit the nail on the head, at least in my case - now 57, trying to learn morse, run a scout troop, teach radio and spend time with my family. Not to mention hold down a job that is far from 9-5.
Oh and believe it or not, dyslexia doesn't help either :-(

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year with good DX
73 de M0XDF

On 29 Dec 2010, at 09:33, QUENTIN COLLIER wrote:

> Just responding to Roger's point about laziness (below).....just a personal 
> view, but I do find that a bit harsh.
> 
> Firstly, I learnt CW when I was 14 or 15 years old (which is probably the case 
> for many amateurs of my generation and earlier) , and it's quite easy to learn 
> stuff and pick up new skills at that age. But as we get older, it becomes more 
> and more difficult (at least I'm finding that  to be the case!). Recognising 
> that many (probably most) of today's new amateurs are not in the first flush of 
> youth, we have to accept that the "barriers to entry" (to use a buzz term from 
> the days before I retired) for CW competence are higher than they used to be.
> 
> Secondly, and I guess this feeds on from the first point, many new amateurs have 
> heavy calls on their time (and dare I suggest interests?) other than amateur 
> radio, and to put the effort in to gain CW proficiency may be more than they are 
> able to manage.
> 
> Personally I think folks who don't make the effort are missing out on something 
> good (but as a firm CW man I would say that wouldn't I?) - however that's their 
> choice based on their individual circumstances.
> 
> Lest  I seem to be having a minor rant here, let me conclude by wishing you all 
> a happy 2011 and see you on the bands (probably on CW.....)