[PaQSO] PAQP future

[Ralph Matheny]

As an out of state participant I've kept quiet but feel I should

drop in a few thoughts re PAQP, plaques, etc.


First.....the people who have managed the party for the

last several years have done a great job.  Everyone I have had

contact with in PAQP has been top flight.  Thus these comments

are NOT criticisms of how things have been, but suggestions for

how to move to the future.


Now...Plaques:  I think they add to the dimensions of the party

BUT they should be limited in number.  They should be given in

fairly broad categories.  For example, I don't think there should

be separate plaques for rover high-power, low power, etc. when

there are so few rovers in the game.  Plaques should be sponsored

and paid for in advance of posting contest rules.  Certificates are

good for encouraging beginners but I have no wall space for them.


Management:   The party should be administered by a club which

is generally devoted to contesting.  Unless PA clubs are different from

clubs here there are not many members with deep interest in such

a thing as PAQP.   The PAQP should be managed by a SMALL committee

with "all decisions are final" power.  I do  not know if there is such a

group available.


Scoring:  PAQP should invest in whatever software and skills needed

to make the operation of the party as simple as possible.  This is the

age of the computer and, I as the last man to give in, accept the value

of computer robot scoring systems.  ALL THOSE WHO HAVE STATED

support for PAQP....be prepared to donate to a fund to save the party.

I am willing to do that.  Good software costs money.


A plan of action...if not already in process...is needed.  Perhaps ARRL

contest manager might be able to help or perhaps ideas from other

successful parties might be of value.


My two cents worth....



de K8RYU