[Dx-qsl] Visalia Update DX Forum

[MG]

  "Visalia Update from the DX Forum (by Rich KY6R)

Here is a status update from the Visalia DXCC Forum. This is my 
interpretation of what I heard -- not an official line from the ARRL or 
the DXAC.


      Kosovo

The panel basically said that Kosovo calls into question what defines an 
"entity". They admitted that this is an imperfect situation, and that if 
we just reverted back to using real "countries", somewhere around 50 
entities would have to be completely removed from the list. The audience 
did not like that. But they also mentioned that adding Kosovo opens up a 
real can of worms -- so IMHO -- don't expect it to be added any time 
soon. Changing the definition of what an entity is to add in one entity 
like Kosovo would really cause a ripple effect.

I agree with their assessment.


      DXCC Rules Changes

The DXAC praised the previous DXAC members for drafting the 1999 Rules 
Update. They said it had two typos -- but that the team that produced 
that set of rules designed something that seems to have stood the test 
of time. And I agree -- it has -- amazingly so I might add.


      Remote Operations

Its clear that no matter what is considered, Remote operations rules 
(like running legal power) simply cannot be enforced, and it is really a 
matter of whether or not a person has the conscience to follow the rules 
or not. However, a few rules will most likely be changed -- for example 
-- the use of remote where say -- you are on business in Beijing, and 
you remote into your US station to work a DX-pedition.

I also agree with this -- if we cheat -- we only cheat ourselves, and 
since this is a personal achievement award -- we are only competing with 
ourselves.


      Kingman Reef

Don't expect it to be Deleted -- at least for several years. When I 
asked about its status, the DXAC said: 1.There are no rules that cover 
what happens when an entity disappears because it is under water, and 
what "under water" means. They said nothing could happen until and 
unless they added in a rule to cover this. 2.They also said "What if it 
comes back?" (My response was "What if Maria Teresa Reef comes back?") 
3.Finally, they said that they wished that they could convince me to try 
to activate it. My answer was that it had been rumored that it would be 
deleted since 2000, and that even though a couple of teams have looked 
into activating it -- one team that estimates it would cost $180K to 
activate it said it wasn't worth bothering with -- and instead would 
most likely activate another rare KH based entity.

I agree with everything the DXAC said -- and understand and respect 
their position. But it still is very frustrating nonetheless.

I feel strongly that Kingman Reef will stay on the list but not be 
Deleted for many years. I also expect this to start becoming an issue 
that will be paid more attention to when Kingman Reef enters the Top 10 
-- which will happen maybe in 5 years or so.

Personally, this is fine -- it will take me 10 more years to get to HR 
#1 -- and so -- I would bet something will happen in 5 -- 10 years.

Who knows -- maybe someone will convince the US F&W to issue a permit 
and then have it activated? Or maybe it will eventually be Deleted?

For now, in my mind, its called "Conundrum Reef"...'

(SOURCE: DX COFFEE BULLETIN 4/8/2014