[Elecraft] RE: Contest anyone ?

[Vic Rosenthal]

"David A. Belsley w1euy" wrote:

<snip>

>  When you really
> stop to think of it, such affairs are a form of arrogance and ego feeding
> that, for most, is rather unfortunate.  I think you will find, for example,
> that there is no contest more despised by a very large number of hams than
> the FOC contest, whose purpose, I must admit, eludes me -- beyond affording
> a rather disgusting ego trip for those self-appointed sorts that, somehow,
> consider themselves "first class."  

<snip>

The FOC Marathon is a once-a-year event (this weekend) that allows the
clubmembers, many of whom know each other quite well and for many years, to
exchange greetings.  For the contesting types the exchange is just 5nn <number>,
and for others it can be longer.  It's a combination of a highly competitive
event with a social one.  The scoring system puts a premium on multiband
operation, fast QSY, and perseverance.  What's elusive here?  Although any
concentrated activity will cause QRM to someone, the FOC members in general do
their best to avoid it.

As far as 'first class' is concerned, the club was formed in the late 1930's to
promote first class operating practices.  That's the significance of the name. 
The only requirement for membership is the ability to carry on a conversation in
Morse code at 25 wpm.  It's not easy to become a member because one has to be
nominated by 5 current members on several continents in a short time frame, so I
suppose the members are 'self-appointed' (but who else could appoint them?). 

Although obviously there are egotistical individuals everywhere (e.g., in
universities), 'disgusting ego trip' and 'arrogance' really don't characterize
FOC or its members.

If you are interested in finding out the actual facts about FOC, its web site
can be found at <http://www.firstclasscw.org.uk>. 

73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA