Why Do You Contest?

WJ4U · Nov 20, 2014

Depends on your category! I saw someone with a single contact in the top ten in one contest. I've taken first place in another with just a few contacts.

W6SA · Nov 20, 2014

It brings joy and satisfaction into my life, Plus it is fun.

I contest. Therefore I am!

WA6MHZ · Nov 20, 2014

KJ4VTH said: ↑

Depends on your category! I saw someone with a single contact in the top ten in one contest. I've taken first place in another with just a few contacts.
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we have some of the top contesters in the country active in all these contests. SAN DIEGO Section is always well represented. Look for W6Yi or NX6T in ANY contest. The SAn Diego DX club members LIVE to Contest and were even represented in the WRTC contest

WZ9O · Nov 20, 2014

I contest because Northern New York is a very underrepresented ARRL section. When my elmer told me about the thrill of making as many contacts as possible in a short period of time, I had a blast doing it the first time when the 2012 Sweepstakes rolled around, as I felt that Field day was a drag to me because of working with others, as I feel in control of things. However, this year was a little different as I worked with Phil on the CW and SSB sweepstakes and it felt good to mentor another ham into the thrill of the contest

VK5OHR · Nov 25, 2014

I've tried it...

Was amazed that with no international language skills the 'Q' code still said it all!

My IC-7000 REC/PLAY for messages does automate the call/report process nicely...

W4JFA · Nov 25, 2014

N4UM said: ↑

Question: K9RUF - "Why do you contest?"

Answer: N4UM

I've seldom operated contests very much for the past 30 years and on those rare occasions when I still do, it is a very casual effort. I can tell you, however, why I did operate contests in the previous 30 years - but you're not gonna like it... simply because it was fun and I enjoyed doing it. I thought it was fun because I thought it was fun... kind of a Zen thing. I don't think anyone owes you an explanation of why they think it's fun especially after you pontificate with a lengthy diatribe about an activity that so many hams enjoy under the pretext of seeking enlightenment and understanding. Get serious and go back under your bridge

At about 2 AM one morning about 30 years ago during a contest I asked myself why I was sitting there struggling with QRM, QRN and lack of sleep when it wasn't fun any more. So, I turned the rig off, got up and walked away from any sort of serious contesting for the next 3 decades. For me, it just wasn't fun any more. But, not everybody feels that way.

My son enjoys contesting. Some of my best friends are very serious about contesting. I understand why they feel that way even though I no longer do. I don't watch NASCAR racing, football, or reality TV but I understand why others do. I don't like rap music, Hawaiian music or romance novels but I understand why others do. You don't have to have a Ph.D. in Empathy to understand that, do you? I smoked 3 packs of Luckies a day for 25 years. Then I quit - but I still understand why people smoke.

You attack an activity that thousands of your fellow hams enjoy under the guise of saying that you "genuinely want to know." I don't believe you. Have you no adaptive skills? Does it always have to be your way or the highway? If it's a phone contest, can't you go on CW? If it's a CW contest, can't you go on phone? Can't you go on the WARC bands. Surely you must realize that non-WARC bands only fill up with contesters 3 or 4 times a year. Learn to go with the flow. You're not 3 years old any more.

I suspect that deep down inside, you may be rather puritanical and it just bothers you to see other people enjoying themselves. If you don't like ham radio the way that it is .. find another hobby or try to change what it is that you don't like. If you're seriously trying to change things you would do well to go about it somewhat differently. Are you seriously trying to change things? I genuinely want to know. Not really.
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Well said!

Why Do You Contest?

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