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Re: [CQ-Contest] CQ WW Scoring System needs revision?

To: "CQ-Contest@contesting.com" <CQ-Contest@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] CQ WW Scoring System needs revision?
From: John Boudreau <John_Boudreau@gov.nt.ca>
Reply-to: "ve8ev@arrl.net" <ve8ev@arrl.net>
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2013 15:56:47 +0000
List-post: <cq-contest@contesting.com">mailto:cq-contest@contesting.com>
I've been following this thread with interest but I strongly feel there seems 
to be a basic misconception about amateur radio contesting in general and that 
has to do with the issue of "fairness".  There should never be ANY expectation 
of fairness in this game because it just isn't possible.  The overriding 
factors of location, location, and location preclude any attempts to make a 
"level playing field".  Even reasonable sounding ideas like distance based 
scoring still cannot erase the overwhelming advantage of being in the "right" 
place, depending on which contest we're talking about.  "Fairness" is not a 
part of radio contesting (or DXing for that matter).  Once people can get past 
that they'll have a lot more fun.  It's not that its un-fair to anyone, it's 
just that fairness isn't part of the equation.

For CQWW, the current timing, rules, and scoring has resulted in the most 
popular radiosport event in the world.  Why would anyone want to change 
anything?  The implementation of the overlay categories is a stroke of genius 
that allows for unlimited possibilities for a "contests within a contest" so 
why not make full use of this excellent feature.  Distance scoring overlays, 
limited time categories, QRP-only, easter eggs, whatever.  It is perfect for 
satisfying whatever perceived needs there are for modifications to the basic 
contest rules.

If you want to "win" CQWW it is not a secret how it is done.  Learn how to be a 
first-rate contest operator, buy property in the right place, and spend 
$100,000 on equipment and antennas.  Make this investment and you -might- just 
have a shot at winning...a $50 plaque and the fleeting admiration of your 
peers.  The good news is that anyone and everyone can just jump in and have fun 
regardless of their skill level, location, or setup, and have a blast.  And 
they do, in absolutely astounding numbers.  Did I mention that it is the most 
popular contest in the world?  Why change a thing?

73
John VE8EV
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