[KCDXC] Club Meeting

[Tom Baugh]

KCDXC

Now that the fan is spinning full blast...
Let's take a look at where we were a year ago, where we are now, and where
we might want to be in another year.
A year ago AE9B signed up for the first time to be a member of the KCDXC
After having been warned from more than one source that the club was dead.
In a meeting about a year ago I asked if there was much interest in the club
for contesting.
There was NO resounding yes... there was a mumble under the breath response
"oh yea we used to contest alot"
There were some fond memories spoken of some reminicing but the overall
opinion was (there was nobody really doing it except a few individuals)
I was a little disapointed to say the least.. I was a new guy in town and
was hoping for some guidance in the contest arena by a once well known, once
well respected club..  but continued to bang my head against the wall.
I was volunteered to help with the newsletter. "Maybe if we have a little
contest column there might be some renewed interest"
I have fullfilled my obligation every month so far, even the month that it
did not make it into print.
I had the opportunity to travel down to PJ2 with Marty and really enjoyed
the other side of the DX both in and out of the contest.
I continued to pursue new challenges operating more CW, Single Operator 2
radio, short and long contest , singly and multi single.
I decided to put together a multi multi team for the experience and
commaraderie.
It took a lot of effort.. way more than anyone who helped me will realize.
Because the individual days or weekends I received help were only a part of
the continual effort it took on my part.
Nevertheless I enjoyed it. I enjoy being able to say that I put together a 4
square array in one of the only snow storms we had this year.
My timeline was pretty tight.. and I was scrambling up to good friday before
the contest. I do appreciate the help I got from this clubs members as well
as several non members and Johnson county club guys.
After the contest there was excitement and pride in having accomplished
something that people tell me hasn't been done around here for many years.
I guess I feel a little let down... I would have really enjoyed operating in
someone elses multi multi before having put together my own.
I have no idea if this is the way other multi's do it.. I've never been at
one, I have been a ham for 5 years, and only 1 as a KCDXC member.
I do realized this.. It takes a whole lot of EFFORT to put together one
contest of this magnitude.
Nobody made me do it... when it's all said and done I'll always have the
memory.
I can't say I'm real excited about doing it again under the same
circumstances.
I'll take the full blame for the club controversy. Somewhere when all of the
planning was taking place we never discussed team competition its my fault.
I apologize to those of you who (helped in some way) feel I let you down.
Those who didn't help or participate I have stronger words for but that's
not necessary right now.Some felt it was an SMC operation some a KCDXC
operation so I did what I felt was best and gave neither credit.
I find it interesting that some people are so outspoken about something they
provided no help or participation in.
Through all of this I kept the "family matters" in the family.
I exposed (contesting.com article etc.) only the good news to the public,
never defamed the KCDXC but implied alot here on the refector.
I hope it made everyone think... I hope some people reach deep in the depths
of their competitive souls to say (at least internally) we SHOULD be a
contest club.
If there is going to be a contest segment of the club, there will need to be
leadership.
Alex has expessed that he will be willing to help whoever chooses to lead.
I promise my assistance, and loyalty to this individual also.
If a contest club under KCDXC is going to happen, someone must step up at
the next meeting.
If this does not happen, you will have to excuse me from any KCDXC "contest
club" participation. If it doesn't happen, then the KCDXC (in my opinion)
does not have a contest club. I will pledge my full undivided loyalty to the
Society of Midwest Contesters and any other club I feel like pledging to.
Someone must be accountable for planning, scheduling, implementing and
organizing club contest efforts, it doesn't just happen.
I look forward to the meeting, I look forward to next years contest season
and I look forward to Dayton.

See you a week from Monday

Tom
AE9B