[UK-CONTEST] IOTA Contest Scoring

[Chris Tran GM3WOJ]

Hello Don et al

Firstly, I applaud Don's decision to review the points rule and I hope he
will also now review the '6 band changes' per hour rule. With modern
communications and 17 weeks to go before the contest weekend, there is no
reason why further rule mprovements cannot be made.

I wish the Contest Committee would consider a 'Green paper/White paper'
system. Consultation and inviting comments is all very well, but it is much
better practice to then publicise proposed detailed rule changes in advance
and invite further comments. This would avoid several situations that seem
to have developed recently, where rule changes have not been well thought
out before being published, or there have been unexpected consequences of
these rule changes.

I also do not think there is any valid reason for not having a Multi-Multi
section in the 'Island DXpedition' category. The intention of the IOTA
contest is to give as many stations as possible the opportunity to work
island stations, so a Multi-Multi Island DXpedition section would contribute
considerably to this aim.

Considering the existing Multi-op section, technology has advanced
considerably since I entered the first (?) IOTA contest in 1993 (signing
GB0SI from the Summer Isles and unable to send in a valid entry cos my
software was dud!)  With an auto-tune amp, automatic filters and automatic
antenna-switching, a mult station can change band/mode in a couple of
seconds or less.

Lastly, the IOTA contest has gone from strength to strength in recent
years - unfortunately I don't think these rule changes will encourage more
participation - possibly the reverse.

73
Chris
GM3WOJ / ZL1CT