On Wed, Apr 14, 1999 at 12:08:22PM -0400, baack@maine.edu wrote:
> > > Kenneth E. Harker wrote:
> >
> > > Subject: [WSVHF] VHF Sprints
> > > It is clear to me that the current format of the Spring Sprints is
> > > broken. Participation and interest in the sprints is at an all-time
> > > low, and without heavy-duty sponsorship, the contests are destined to
> > > die out.
>
> Ken, I disagree.
> I think the Sprints should not be turned into another full blown "let-me-work-
> you-on-nine-bands" contest.
> Let me explain.
> The sprints as I see them, are a tune up to what lies ahead in June and
> September. A time to try new things, see if the antenna(s) are working
> correctly, smoke testing your amps, pre-amps and associated gear.
> Check to see what other folks are working and who they are hearing, plus
> only have to set aside a 4 hour block of time to do it in. Such a deal!
I guess I don't understand why we need a "contest" to do this. If you
need to find out whether an antenna or amp is working, just get on the
air. Why have a "it's-almost-a-real-contest" contest just to get ready for
the "now-it's-the-real-thing-contest" contest?
...
> YES we could turn the Sprints into a full blown contest event and work the
> same 20/30/50/100 people over and over, band to band,
There are only a few spots in the country (New England being one of them)
where there are more than 20 stations to work in the current sprints!
> OR we can take the time and bring in someone new. Give them a chance
> to see what this "contesting thing" is all about. Plus still have time
> left over to get right into the thick of things.
So, do I interpret this as a desire to have a "contest" but have it
be "casual" with _expected_ long periods between contacts? I think
K2TXB was expressing the same sort of sentiment. If there's a desire for
that sort of operating event, then that's exactly what the current
format of the Spring Sprints is, and maybe they should stay as they are.
But I would like to see a multi-band VHF contest on a weekend evening that
is 4 hours long. Let's say that it has nothing to do with the old "sprints."
Let's say the old "sprints" stay in business for those who want them.
I think such a new contest would be more fun.
--
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Kenneth E. Harker "Vox Clamantis in Deserto" kharker@cs.utexas.edu
University of Texas at Austin Amateur Radio Callsign: KM5FA
Department of the Computer Sciences President, UT Amateur Radio Club
Taylor Hall TAY 2.124 Maintainer of the Linux Laptop Home Page
Austin, TX 78712-1188 USA http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/kharker/
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