[PaQSO] Things I've learned

[Bill - KB3GUN]

Some things I've learned about contesting:

1.  I have a lot to learn
2.  Some people don't like contests
3.  Some that don't like contests do their best to ruin your contest
4.  Full legal power is popular with some contest stations
5.  Full legal power is even more popular with those trying to ruin your
contest
6.  High receive volume in a headset and people tuning up can cause bleeding
in the ears
7.  Repeatedly tuning up over a QSO is a popular hobby for a lot of folks
8.  Some contesters don't like scheduled nets
9.  There are a lot of really unique Phonetic Alphabets used on the bands
10. A year is a long time to wait until the next PA QSO Party


This year was my first attempt at the PA QSO Party and I'm really looking
forward to next year. Although I didn't call CQ, I had fun bouncing around
the band(s) answering calls of CQ. Most Op's were willing to go the extra
mile to pull out a weak station and many were sharing the frequency when one
of the harder to get counties popped up. I was impressed with the
professionalism displayed by the stations I heard. Now I know why the PA QSO
Party is known as the best State party anywhere.

With all the mobiles and rovers, it seemed every County was well covered.
You guys (and gals) deserve a pat on the back.

73
Bill kb3gun