[PaQSO] QSO Party

Sat Jun 2 17:04:30 EDT 2018

Hello PAQP'ers,

I've participated in the PAQP for the last 3-4 years and I finally finished
top of a category. I'm looking forward to receiving an award for my efforts
in the 2017 PAQP.

PAQP is one of the top QPs on the planet. It's log submission numbers have
been strong for many years thanks to the fine job that Mike has done.

I don't really know about the problems facing

Herb raised the question about plaques/awards. Winning a contest award from
one of the most active QPs is something of value to the competitive player,
whether in state or out of state. We all have our reasons for participating
in the PAQP. I don't have ties to PA, but I've been there several times and
enjoyed my visits. For the OOS guys, the awards program does have an impact
on QP participation. What if WPX decided to stop offering awards to their
category winners... would participation increase, stay the same or decline?
I think that I know the answer.

We can't assume that 'most of us have won awards etc." Not everyone who
plays in the PAQP has won a PAQP award.

My personal goal is to achieve a category win in every QSO Party on the
planet. So far my map is filling up nicely, with 15 or so 1st place wins. I
would really like it if every state QP had a plaque with the outline of the
state, so that I could put all of them in the spot on the wall map. I'm
dreaming... Frankly, I love the unique "edible" awards that many QPs
provide.. I've received beef jerky, rice from Minnesota, syrup from Vermont
etc. Y'all could give away something made of steel/iron, like a tower or
something. The Carolina Weekend gives away BBQ dinners and ham store gift
certificate.

As a state QP admin and one who works every QP on the air, I would be glad
to share some of the issues that we faced in the re-tooling of the SCQP
several years ago. We created a balanced awards program. Basically we
offered the same power/mode category awards to in state and out of state
stations, except for mobile/rover awards. Scale back on awards, but keep
them balanced. For example.. instead of having a CW only category, you
could go with Mixed with three power options. There are many ways to do it,
but please make those decisions wisely.  One QP out there offers 1 plaque
to OOS and many to the in-state stations. I see little reason to every
participate in that one.

I hope that the PAQP continues to be one of the best QPs on the planet. I
will be proud to display my PAQP award, when I receive it.

73s Dave WN4AFP
SCQP Team Leader

On Sat, Jun 2, 2018 at 3:24 PM, David Stout via PaQSO <paqso at mailman.qth.net
> wrote:

> Herb
>
> I believe the reason for all the plaques, specifically out of state
> plaques, is to increase interest for out of state participants. Which I
> think everyone would agree is not only true but a lovely idea. However, I
> agree with you. The plaques add a lot of extra work. I think I speak for
> everyone when I say we want the contest to continue even if it means giving
> up awards. At best, I would be quite satisfied if the number of plaque
> categories were reduced. At worst, I would carry on without them at all.
>
> There is no doubt that there are many individuals and small groups that
> simply can't take over. I believe it's going to take a reasonably sized
> club to take it. It pains me that our small team doesn't have the resources
> to do it. But I would if I could and I think many of you feel the same way.
> I can only hope that some club or group picks it up and that group would
> certainly have my blessing if they streamlined the work load.
>
> I need not tell anyone on this reflector that the PA QP is one the most
> participated QSO Parties in the nation. I, for one, will never forget all
> the hard work that Mike and the guys put into it over the years. It would
> be a shame for it to end now after all this effort.
>
> My fingers are crossed.
> Dave
> KY3W
>
> --------------------------------------------
> On Sat, 6/2/18, Herb Krumich via PaQSO <paqso at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
>
>  Subject: [PaQSO] QSO Party
>  To: "paqso at mailman.qth.net" <paqso at mailman.qth.net>
>  Date: Saturday, June 2, 2018, 2:50 PM
>
>  As Mike has communicated, the PA QSO Party
>  has become a massive amount of year long work.I've pondering
>  what the major amount of work is.I believe it's the
>  preparation of awards and the forwarding of them.Here me
>  outWould hams operate the contest if there were no plaques
>  and certificates this year ?I for one would.
>  Most of us are up in age and have won
>  our share of contests in the past.For myself, I enjoy the
>  friendly competition and talking to old friends.Please your
>  thoughts"Screw the awards"73Herb K2LNS
>  Usually use K3 Yellow Traffic Light
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-- 
Dave Edmonds
PK Ministry Webs
864.288.6678
dave at pkministrywebs.com
www.pkministrywebs.com