[NLRS] Lunch time UHF (Rovermania) contest analysis, Part II

[Todd Sprinkmann]

   Thanks to all the NLRS'ers, all the rovers and fixed ops for creating so 
much activity in the UHF contest last August.

   Jon says it's not too soon to think about Rovermania II, provided the 
ARRL doesn't let the UHF contest die.  My question is what does ARRL have to 
do with Rovermania?  Why (and/or should) ARRL decide whether a given contest 
happens or not?  Did ARRL provide the spark for Rovermania?  Did ARRL spend 
hours and weekends decking out Rovermobiles?  Did ARRL buy you or me our 
rigs?  Did ARRL sign the checks that got my tower and beams installed 
properly?  Did ARRL call up UHF ops nationwide and tell them to participate 
in the August 'test?

   Of course ARRL didn't.  *HAMS* did.  Individual hams, who needed each 
other so that there would be enough activity for an enjoyable contest.

   Please don't think that I am bashing ARRL.  I couldn't really care less 
about ARRL one way or the other.  What I am asking is why would Rovermania 
have to die, even if ARRL decided not to sponsor subsequent UHF contests?

   Mind you, I haven't spent much time on the operating end of ham radio --  
just under 2 years.  So the whole ARRL tradition thing kind of escapes me. 
But the reason I scrounged for a tower, spent hundreds of hours scouring the 
internet for antenna and rig advice, etc... the whole reason I did all that 
was for ME.  I wanted to get a first-rate V/UHF station on the air and work 
distant grids.  I didn't do it for ARRL.  If other hams benefit because I 
have a good signal, great!  I benefit from their signals as well.  So yes, 
we all need each other to make operating more enjoyable.  Rovers, fixed 
stations, rag chewers, DX'ers -- everyone.

   But are hams who have been doing contests much longer than I, are they so 
ARRL-oriented that if ARRL doesn't sponsor a contest or activity, then those 
hams won't participate??  If that's the case, I guess I'm a maverick, and 
not a lemming.

   Again, I am not bashing ARRL at all.  I'm simply wondering what ARRL does 
for contests that makes their stamp of approval so essential to some.  I may 
need some educating on this point.  If it's just about some ops needing some 
pieces of paper for their shack walls, I'll be happy to contribute $5 or 10 
toward the prize kitty.  :)

   73 and congrats again to everyone associated with Rovermania,
   Todd Sprinkmann   KC9BQA  EN63ao


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <jcplatt1 at mmm.com>
To: <nlrs at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 12:55 PM
Subject: [NLRS] Lunch time UHF (Rovermania) contest analysis, Part II


>
>
>
>
> I forgot to mention growth.   Here is a brief chart comparing the number 
> of
> 2003 logs to 2004 logs for NLRS land.
>
>                                          2003     2004    Change
> Dakota Division             12         21          +9
> Central Division                     12         14          +2
> Midwest Division                     4         11          +7
>              Total       26         46         +20
>
> Total Logs                            140      169         +29
>
>
> While NLRS cannot take "credit" for the entire Dakota, Central, and 
> Midwest
> Divisions, we do significantly influence this region.   Regarding growth
> from last year, this region provided 20 of the 29 logs, or nearly 70% of
> the growth.   The Dakota Division alone, the Division that we most heavily
> influence, was up 175%.
>
> Nice job anyone.    I can say with the greatest of confidence that if the
> UHF contest dies, it isn't because we didn't give it a go to make it work.
>
> Now, in looking forward, assuming that there is going to be a contest in
> August, yes its time to start thinking about your plans for Rovermania II.
> While Rovermania I was a huge success, we were without some of  our 
> highest
> powered, best equipped, most experience rovers for a variety of very good
> reasons.    Can Rovermania II entice WA2VOI/R out of rover retirement ?
> We miss you Donn.   Can the famous Frank Zappa slash Rover plan his
> vacation time to cover ALL the important stuff ?   Can that famous rover 
> in
> our Rovermania I picture avoid birds while he drives (perhaps use a
> scarecrow as a maidenhead Gene ?).     How about rover newbies .... the 
> UHF
> contest is THE BEST contest for roving, so start thinking about it.
>
> 73, Jon
> W0ZQ
>
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>