I agree that absolute fairness and an absolutely level playing field
shouldn't be the goal.
I do think the scoring system can be adjusted to *improve* fairness and to
level the playing field *a little*. Even if it's not perfect, if it's
better, that should be a good thing.
However, that's not the main point.
The point is, for me and many other DX ops, that the contest isn't fun
anymore. It's turned into a big US/EU slugfest, and those of us outside
those areas often have a very hard time getting anyone to hear us. IT'S NOT
FUN, and the current rules are discouraging DX ops like me.
The biggest reason for making a rule is to find a way to encourage EU and
Eastern US ops to point their antennas away from each other, and toward the
rest of the world. Distance-based scoring using grid square exchanges is one
solution.
As a side-effect, I believe it would significantly change the whole "buy a
property in the right place and spend $100,000 on equipment" thing -- and do
so in a way that would be good for the sport.
73, Rick ZL2HAM / ZM1G
-----Original Message-----
From: CQ-Contest [mailto:cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of
John Boudreau
Sent: Wednesday, December 04, 2013 4:57 AM
To: CQ-Contest@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] CQ WW Scoring System needs revision?
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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