[Elecraft] RE: ARRL November Sweepstakes CW

[N2EY at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/7/05 12:49:29 PM Eastern Standard Time, ae6uj at yahoo.com 
writes:


> I was
> really put off this weekend by the sweepstakes. 
> "Noise" from one side of the band to the other...not a
> ragchew to be found.  

That "noise" is the glorious sound of hundreds of hams using Morse Code.
I never found the bands to be completely full.
> 
> 
> Is this really the kind of stuff that helps the hobby?

Yes! 

Look at the features and performance of today's rigs vs. those of 20-30 years 

ago. Many of the things we take for granted are there because contesters and
DXers wanted them, developed them and paid for them. They first appeared in
the expensive rigs and worked their way down to the low-priced stuff. 

And for many of us, contesting is a way to develop and improve operating
skills and have fun at the same time.

73 de Jim, N2EY