[SFDXA] DXer Levels?

[Bill Marx]

Found by Norm W4QN on another site:

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CADXA:
I have observed that DXers go through a metamorphosis in their DXing career. Here are my definitions of the stages I have observed based upon
40 years or so in the game. My definitions are for those who operate non-QRP and have decent antennas. I have no experience at working QRP or with severe antenna restrictions, so I do not want to mix those groups in to this discussion since their challenges are far different. So, on with my definitions. ..

Rookie - 0 to 99 DXCC confirmed
DX is everywhere. Steady progress in your DXCC totals. You pick up the game when you can.

Contender - 100 to 249 DXCC confirmed
You have made DXCC and understand how it works and what to do. You watch for DXpeditions and schedule your day-to-day life around announced DXpeditions or known active operators in needed DXCC.

Expert - 250 to 299 confirmed
You have upgraded to the best antennas you can muster. You have traded in your lightweight amplifier for one much larger and heavier. You make friends with DXpeditioners and are not shy to ask for schedules. You make modest donations to DXpeditions that make you happy.

Mad Dog - 300 to 330 confirmed
You have decided that you can sleep after you die. You schedule divorce proceedings for times when the bands are closed in certain critical directions. You use PayPal regularly to "expedite" QSLs.

Honor Roll - 331 to 339 confirmed
You take a short breather. You make sacrifices to the deity of your choosing to prevent any of your current DXCC from being deleted and your subsequent disappearance from the list. You keep friends with people with big stations that you might use in case your setup falls through a crack in the earth into the abyss at an inappropriate time.

King of the Hill - 340 confirmed
You contemplate another phase in the hobby, such as DXCC Challenge or another mode. You contemplate other hobbies. You read brochures for assisted living centers to see if they have ham radio stations.

Just so you know I am coning from, here is my current status

AA7A Status:

Mixed DXCC: KOTH
CW DXCC: HR
Phone DXCC: KOTH
RTTY DXCC: MD
Satellite DXCC: C

Being in the Mad Dog phase has a price. I have a decent size amp in the shop that did not survive a couple of hours of calling 7O6T on 17m RTTY. 
I am contemplating repairing it (again), modifying it or replacing it with an even bigger box. Being in this Mad Dog state has me looking at what it will take to make Honor Roll on RTTY and adjusting my ham radio budget accordingly.

Good luck to you in whatever phase you are in!
Ned
AA7A

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