[VHFcontesting] ARRL VHF+ contest proposals: input invited

[Nm5m at aol.com]

Tom:

I am glad to hear that the CAC and ARRL leadership are interested in 
expanding participation in VHF + operating events.

I think that the third item on your list (encourage more people to join in 
and participate) will do the most to make all of the ARRL sponsored events more 
successful.  I run into many hams that would participate if they only knew of 
the events beforehand.  I also find that many hams are intimidated by the 
cabrillo logging format.  Finally, perhaps in the past many new hams participate 
in operating events only to find that the results are no longer printed in QST, 
and for the new ham or "little pistol" it is very exciting to see your call 
listed in QST.

You and I have worked many times in HF contests over the years (my call is 
NM5M), and I know you understand how the marketing of operating events is pretty 
fundamental.  Publicity of the event, and more importantly promotion of the 
event by local clubs, is really important to improve activity.  Beyond that you 
have to take a step back and look at the ability to display the results in 
QST in such a way that the casual operation feels recognized for having made a 
few QSOs.

I do hope that the UHF contest does not go away as again that contest is 
useful in promoting operating on the microwave bands.  Perhaps you should consider 
shortening the operating time of the event instead of canceling it.

Regards,

Eric NM5M