[ILQSO] Illinois QSO Party Participation by QRP ops

[Hank Greeb]

There has been a discussion in the Illinois QSO Party reflector about 
the low turnout for the Illinois QSO Party in recent years.  I advised 
that the folks in that reflector were "preaching to the choir."  In 2006 
there was only 1 QRP entrant from Illinois, and a paucity of QRP'ers 
from outside the state.

This QSO Party presents a certificate to the top QRP operator in state 
and out of state.

I commented that, whilst a certificate was nice, other state QSO parties 
provide a plaque for the Top QRP op, and some provide a plaque for the 
Top QRP op In-State and Out-of-State.

The event is held on the Sunday of the third full weekend in October.  
Last year it was October 22nd, in 2007 it will be October 21st.

The question to the assembled multitude is:  Why is there such a paucity 
of participation by the QRP contingent in the ILQP?  What, if anything, 
would make the contest have more appeal to the QRP crowd?  Would a 
plaque for QRP top score be an incentive?  Are folks worn out after 
operating the QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party, which is held on Saturday before 
this contest?

I personally had a great amount of fun operating at a four county corner 
site - though I almost froze my b)... off in 40ish temperature.  I 
operated with about 100 W output, but most of the time signals were 
strong enough so that I probably could have been heard at <5 watts.

Your comments are cordially invited.  Please send a copy of your reply 
to Jim N9JF, n9jf at arrl.net

Tnx es 73 de n8xx Hg