[VHFcontesting] Picking a Bone with Gene (Part 2)

[Les Rayburn]

As Frank said, I can see both sides of the issue. I also agree that the 
focus on Gene's article was on distance scoring, and his points were being 
made to say that WSJT contacts shouldn't have the same scoring weight as 
contacts made using other modes. He wasn't trying to disparage digital modes 
per se.

My view is that the "World Above 50mhz" is a lofty pulpit and the words 
spoken in those inches of print hold sway over a lot of people. It's not 
some random posting on a blog or e-mail reflector. Therefore, I'd appreciate 
a bit more care when making such blanket statements in the future.

For me, the issue isn't why operators are using WSJT, it's why are they not? 
While it's remarkable abilities may make EME & MS contacts "easy" by 
comparison to a decade ago, that doesn't mean that the challenges are gone. 
It only means that the boundaries have been pushed further back. Isn't that 
the history of amateur radio and VHF in particular?

As I said earlier, I think the pioneers of our bands would have jumped on 
any piece of equipment, software, or technique that could have improved 
their ability to copy weak signals.

BTW, I also like the idea of a "VHF Heritage Night" with only CW or SSB 
allowed. But let's not let nostalgia get in the way of progress.

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
EM63nf