[Elecraft] RE: Contest anyone ?

[David A. Belsley]

Ah, yes.  Of course.

best wishes, Vic; I'm sure you're right.

dave belsley, w1euy

--On Thursday, January 31, 2002 6:11 PM -0800 Vic Rosenthal 
<rakefet@rakefet.com> wrote:

> "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



----------------------------
David A. Belsley
Professor of Economics