[UK-CONTEST] Fwd: Contest Committee

[mm0bqi]

Hi Colin
I am sure your offer of help will be seized upon by the CC and certainly
will be appreciated by the thousands of IOTA contest supporters throughout
the world.
Last week in my note to Ed advising of my resignation I mentioned I felt
the Committee needed to look at reorganising as the workload had become
excessive.  My take on this would be to have a group who would look after
strategy, planning and development of RSGB contests, if you like looking
into the future to see where we want to be and laying the groundworks to
get there. (Due consultation etc etc of course)
Then there would be the group who implement these strategic decisions and
turn them into contests and formulate appropriate rules.  Last but not
least would be the adjudicators who follow the directions as laid down in
the newly formed contest procedures.
It is the way any company should operate in order to meet the demands of
today and develop into the future.  I believe change is coming and will be
good for the RSGB and UK contesting but please do not brush aside the huge
amount of expertise and experience currently within the CC.

The IOTA contest.  I am confused by your statement *"rule changes that
incidently fit in nicely with your modus operandi." *
The only real rule change in the SO section is the use of beam antennas and
there is not much chance of that happening on the Summer Isles! (Although I
live in hope)
The multi-op multiplier radio rule changes will not only effect the
multi-ops but any single-ops operating from an island will be similarly
disadvantaged.   As a single op from a rare island I usually seek out some
of the multi-op stations when it is quiet and QSY to make a number of Qs.
This will not be happening this year due to the rule changes so my mult
total will be down.  Not exactly unfair as we are all in the same boat
within our chosen IOTA section.  I am not totally comfortable with these
changes but as part of the Committee I accept my collective
responsibility.  I did propose a change to allow multi-ops to move the
same new multiplier consecutively through the bands/modes and this would
only count as one QSY.  This would have got round the main criticism that
the number of band changes were too restrictive.  However the idea came too
late in the day but it is maybe something to take forward for future years.

Not sure if the following refers to me?  "Seems like the easy option is to
quit, its not what a contester would do.....  "
My decision to leave the contest Committee was prompted by a number of
factors.  As those of us working will know we are expected to work harder
and longer hours during this very difficult time.  With an ageing family
and close relatives needing more care, time becomes very precious and you
have to use it as best you can. Therefore a good time to quit and
re-arrange priorities and have some fun with the hobby I love!

73 and see you in the contest.
Jim,  MM0BQI / GM1J






On 19 April 2012 00:14, Colin <colin at gm0rlz.entadsl.com> wrote:

> **
> Hi Jim
>
>
> Please see my offer of help to Don 2 days ago after criticising the IOTA
> rule changes at this late date, rule changes that incidently fit in nicely
> with your modus operandi.
>
> *"Just because I express an opinion doesn't mean I am all talk and no
> action. "*
> *
> *
> *"I reiterate I am willing to help out with the IOTA contest let me know
> how I can assist."*
> *
> *
> This offer of help has gone *unanswered *to date.
>
> There seems to be a lot of talk of "the poor unloved committee and the
> self sacrifice"
>
> Surely the roll of the contest committee is to *serve* its"customers" ?
>
> basic rule of marketing is *listen* to your customers and don't take
> their opinions for granted.
>
> I cannot help but feel criticism and opinions are not tolerated well by
> the Contest committee
>
> There is a perceived "we know best attitude"
>
> I only commented on the IOTA rule changes after questions from Jim GM0NAI
> and Chris GM3WOJ went completely unanswered. It is this contempt for the
> "customers" that upsets me.
>
> Can I suggest that the contest committee canvass the opinions of UK
> contesters with a survey with results published. Then you would have a
> snapshot of opinions and feelings of your "customers" and a baseline of
> data on which to base any fundemental rule changes.
>
> In addition to this there needs to be an active communications by the
> committee outlining the strategic thinking of the committee for the next
> few years ie what is planned, what are the objectives? what are you
> intending to do to increase contest activity? plans to introduce new
> technology, new thinking?
>
> Jim in answer to your diatribe
>
> surely the object of this forum is debate and discussion about UK
> contesting?
>
>
> If you make crass decisions you have got to expect a certain degree of
> flak!
>
> Respect has to be earned
>
> Seems like the easy option is to quit, its not what a contester would
> do.....
>
>
> 73 Colin GM0RLZ
>
> Ed my offer of help still stands.
>