I think I'll put my 2 cents in. If you want to increase activity you can try
some of the things we are doing. For the January contest (a club activity) a
bet was placed years ago between local clubs. Losing president was awarded a
pie in the face. Stupid yes, but activity definitely increased. Currently, I
offer an open house to any and all interested in the June contest. I provide
food and drink (removes necessity of arm twisting for contacts) and anyone
that wishes to try a band or mode is more than welcome. More than one person
has gotten hooked after making a 2 meter qso of 200 + miles or working
europe on 6 meters. I know of very few people that will invest the money for
SSB/microwave without trying it first. If they can't afford or have antenna
restrictions entice them to multi-op or rover with someone. Try having local
repeater ops put an announcement on the repeater of the simplex freq you
will operate during the contest. The name of the game is occupying the bands
or losing them. 73 de Keith N8KOL
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