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[CQ-Contest] Surveys, chairs and more Surveys

To: "cq-contest@contesting.com" <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Surveys, chairs and more Surveys
From: Stan Stockton <wa5rtg@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2013 00:18:53 -0500
List-post: <cq-contest@contesting.com">mailto:cq-contest@contesting.com>
I realize only a very small percentage of contesters read the traffic on this 
reflector but it is one avenue to discuss  contest related issues whether it be 
comfortable chairs or the future of contesting. The Internet is great!

As those of you who read everything on this reflector know, a survey is being 
conducted to see what the response will be (from those who respond) regarding 
whether the single operator category should be eliminated completely in favor 
of one category (assisted) that is already in place for ones who want to use 
assistance to find the DX to work. 

I see another survey on the contesting.com website that asks whether there 
should be an open discussion as to whether to "merge" the two categories in 
light of the fact that it is difficult and expensive to catch the cheaters.  I 
am at a loss as to how to answer that question.  Certainly want it to be 
discussed if the alternative is to eliminate Single Operator category without 
discussion.  Don't want it discussed if wanting it to be discussed means I am 
in favor of the proposed change. 

1.   However hard to imagine, the thought of eliminating the standard single 
operator category in which 2/3 of entrants choose to enter is seriously being 
considered and seemingly everyone's opinion will be counted regardless of how 
much thought you give it.

There are two reasons I can think of why 2/3 would choose to not use 
"assistance":

     A.  They want to compete in a category where they have developed skills to 
find and copy the stations they work without having remote receivers all over 
the world do it for them, and they want to compete with others who want to do 
the same.  Seems like a valid reason for some to not choose assisted. It is fun 
to find and work DX.  Many have forgotten how fun that activity can be.

    B.  They do not have access to the Internet at their station.

I suspect most are in A above.

2.  Elimination of Single Operator category would result in cutting the awards 
and recognition for outstanding efforts by 50% unless replaced with yet another 
category over which adjudication would be difficult - similar to low power, 
high power, QRP, Tribanders and wires, etc.

3. There will be an impact on expeditions where serious operators can currently 
choose a category and compete for winning without having to secure reliable 
Internet service.  Since it would not possible to win without the RBN giving 
you a list of every station in the world calling CQ, those who are serious and 
either do not want to compete on that basis or who cannot secure Internet 
service will perhaps choose to not go on that expedition.  More expeditions -  
I doubt.  Fewer expeditions - probably.

The only reason I have heard for this to even be discussed is that the contest 
sponsors spend a lot of time and expense trying to verify whether someone might 
be cheating.

If 2/3 choose to enter a category, knowing full well that in that category 
along with all other categories a possibility exists for someone to cheat and 
get away with it, is there good reason to even discuss eliminating that most 
popular category?

I would rather not see anyone's rights or freedoms be taken away if exercising 
those rights does not adversely impact others. 

Saying you still have the option to not use assistance is fine for those who 
want to play for a few hours of fun but not for those who are serious 
competitors. 

Most contesters worldwide who did not submit an entry under their call sign in 
the last contest with their email included are unaware this discussion is 
taking place.  Many avid contesters in the USA are unaware because they were 
part of a multi-operator group or don't subscribe to this reflector and read it 
carefully.  This is one matter where an opinion may actually count.

I think the real question is whether there is real and serious detriment to the 
"minority" who already have a category allowing them to use assistance because 
those in the vast majority who don't choose to use it are allowed to compete 
with others who feel the same way?

I urge everyone to take the various surveys regardless of your opinions but 
consider the question in the paragraph above before forming an opinion. When I 
looked earlier there were fewer than 20 responses to the survey on 
contesting.com.

Let's take this subject up in a few years if the percentages "naturally" 
reverse and the number of Single Operator entries are only 1/3 - same as 
current level of Single Operator Assisted.  Sound fair?

73...Stan, K5GO


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