[NLRS] Contest proposals

[billd@2z.net]

Hi Guys

  I feel VERY out of place when trying to address this topic. There are large 
numbers of you that have put FAR more thought into this than I.

  Long ago I decided that other than the ACTIVITY, that trying to improve 
upon MY old scores are the only contests "hooks" for me. Even IF I had 
K2DRH's station HERE, I would not be a player in the bigger game.

 For ME ... a distance based scoring should  reduce the difference in the 
scores posted by some Metro stations and myself. I doubt that there is 
anyway to "equalize" the scoring system, but this would help. Would I 
EVER work more EN34/35 stations because of this change ... NO. The only 
way I'll work more EN34/35 stations is upgrades on that end. Something 
like distance scoring AND the new 6-432 category could do that. I very well 
may work more fellows from the "Badger Contest Country" and that would 
be very welcomed.

 New CATEGORIES being added seems to be an easy way to encourage 
more stations to participate.  I fear that it will reduce the desire to upgrade 
the station for some, but if we gain more 6-432 stations great. Bummer that 
222 isn't included. But I understand why.

  I hate to see anything that reduces the desire to attempt to work stations 
on higher and higher frequencies!! I think a 1296 contact SHOULD be 
worth more pts than the same contact on 6m. The same should be said 
about other SHF and above bands. I loved trying to coordinate a 6m QSO 
on 1296 last summer .... :>)))

 IF one ever thought of adding bands for contesting, taking above 1296 out 
of any contest sure will not help that. It sure looks like many are adding 
bands for that reason now. So adding a category to include SHF in a 
cumulate contest category might be pretty neat. 

  As far as ROVERs are concerned ... I have no idea. Few are normally 
"inrange". 10% of my score in Jan were rovers. I'm guessing that it will be 
less with the scoring system that will follow. 

  I added 1296 three years ago, thinking that it would be a FUN band to 
play with and learn from. The impact on contest score was an after thought. 
I have since learned, that other than Gary W0GHZ and less often Barry 
VE4MA, saddly, I almost never have a chance to use the band other than 
contesting. I can't see adding a single band after 10Ghz. 

  Personally, I wonder what will keep me in the hobby after 10Ghz ... Am I 
going to have to QSY to HF?  Thank you Joe Taylor for  WSJT!!!!!!!!!!

Bill K0AWU