[PaQSO] Need your input on PSK31, RTTY, 2+6M - thanks

[Mark Wheeler]

Well put, Goody.  As the VP and Events Coordinator for our club I try to ensure that there is “something in it for every ham” in every contest and event we participate in or plan.  I know that the primary reason for the popularity of the PAQP among our members is just that…. whatever your ham radio “thing” there are one or more aspects of PAQP that is likely to be of interest.  So I’m glad to see that you intend to continue to embrace the “something for everyone” and “friendly QSO party” approach.
- Mark KZ3MW
VP, Wayne Co Amateur Radio Club

> On Oct 18, 2018, at 12:13 PM, Goody K3NG <goody.k3ng at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Historically digital modes have had tepid usage in the Party.  I would love
> to see us grow this segment while keeping the same level of activity in and
> focus on phone and CW.
> 
> In the Newsline interview I mentioned FT8.  The question about "what do we
> have planned for the Party going into the future" honestly caught me a
> little off guard as I didn't have a "canned" response in my pocket (hi
> hi).  The PA QSO PA team has been so focused on picking up management of
> the Party and tending to the numerous tasks required to make the event
> happen that we admittedly haven't had much to discuss the future.  The FT8
> thought came into my head out of nowhere, and after the interview I was
> worried that folks may be upset by the comment, based on comments and some
> angst years ago when PSK was introduced to the Party.  However, I do feel
> it's something we should discuss and ultimately embrace.  Looking back, PSK
> adoption had little effect on the Party, negatively or positively.  I think
> FT8 will be different considering propagation conditions we're in and will
> likely be in for the foreseeable future, and with the trends we're seeing
> with usage of the mode across amateur radio.
> 
> My Newsline comments about keeping the tradition of the Party alive while
> looking forward can't be stressed enough.  I truly believe this and would
> like to grow digital participation and keep phone and CW activity at the
> same or increased levels.  Today we have participants who do mixed phone
> and CW, all phone, and all CW.  I love CW and the past few Parties I've
> operated exclusively CW.  I'm not a crusty curmudgeon clinging to CW, nor
> do I subscribe to mode wars, it's just *my thing*.  It's fun for me.
> Everyone has "their thing".  If we can attract a large enough group of
> folks who have FT8 as "their thing" and there is enough activity to support
> dedicated awards and operating classes, great, I say.  We've just broadened
> the appeal of the Party and we can keep this good thing going, long after
> we're SK.
> 
> I should add a disclaimer that my views don't necessarily represent the PA
> QSO Party Association's position or the views of other team members.  After
> the dust settles with log scoring, awards, and all the other stuff we do
> after the Party, there will be lots of discussion and formulating the
> future, here and within the PA QSO PA team.  As usual, I would just ask we
> keep discussions civil, thoughtful, and factual, and would urge everyone,
> while passionate in your opinions, keep an open mind and above all, listen
> before you transmit.  :-)
> 
> 73
> Goody
> K3NG