[Elecraft] Re: [QRP-L] ARRL November Sweepstakes CW

[Craig Rairdin]

> Mark's list ***IS*** why I don't operate contests.  

Don't believe everything you read. That's a pretty worst-case scenario. I
thought it went fine. I had one frustrating experience with a station taking
over my QSO (he replied to a report intended for me, confusing both me and
the other op) but I'm sure he thought it was his Q. After he was done and
moved on, I just called the other station and we completed our contact.

I think contesting is reasonable prep for more serious operating -- at least
slightly more than reading the phone book. It helps you learn techniques for
dealing with QRM, QSB, QRN, and lids. It familiarizes you with features of
your rig you might not otherwise use, like narrow filters, RIT, XIT, and
computer I/O. It improves your code skills a little bit. I think SS, with
its lengthy exchange, does all of this moreso than FD and the state QSO
parties.

But... Don't let that tempt you to get into contesting. We each bring
different interests into the hobby and each take different experiences from
it.

Craig
NZ0R
K1 #1966
K2/100 #4941