[Elecraft] Contesting; history?

[N2EY@aol.com]

In a message dated 3/15/03 7:05:15 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
m3mph@hotmail.com writes:

> Can anyone offer an explanation as how (or why) contests evolved into the 
>  format that they have, rather than perhaps "The longest QSO scores the 
most 
>  points, chronologically or geographically.. " or indeed any other format?

Here's my theory:

Two of the most basic purposes of a contest are competitive testing of 
operator skill and rig performance. Results must be easily measurable and 
quantifiable. Also, the event must be challenging enough to be interesting, 
yet easy enough that those with basic skills and simple stations are not too 
frustrated. 

Hams were working 10,000+ mile DX on 40 meters back in the 1920s, using QRP, 
wire antennas and very simple equipment. (Loren G. Windom, W8GZ, was a very 
early QRP advocate, working Aussies with less than a watt about 1928 or so). 
Hams were also doing marathon QSO sessions then, too. 

So the challenge was and is to come up with a set of rules to meet all those 
requirements. You wind up with a simple QSO format and some sort of bonus 
based on geographic variety. 

73 de Jim, N2EY