[SMCARA] Field Day Aftermath

[Chris Ordiway]

All,

With Field Day fresh in our minds I'm wondering about something... Ham 
radio Facebook pages are abuzz with complaints about FD being nothing 
more than an annoying contest clogging up the airwaves. I've seen 
several comments that it is supposed to be a way to practice emergency 
communications (etc., etc.) and that the ARRL has ruined it by making it 
contest-like. Soooo.... If I'm not telling the other guy "3A MDC" what 
am I supposed to say on FD? The points system is clearly just a way to 
encourage participation. If the argument is that we shouldn't have the 
points system then how is it any different than any other day of playing 
radio? And why would I set up in the pouring rain, blistering heat or 
nearby tornado when I can be safe and dry at home to test my gear? The 
points and awards don't actually mean anything in the grand scheme but 
they are motivation to give it a go. Do these guys actually work FD 
style at other times, with all of the effort it takes, because they 
*really* think emcomm is important? I know what I think about that...

So what do you think? Is FD too contest-y? How would you do it different 
so we can collectively practice emcomm? I'm curious to hear other points 
of view because so far those comments I'm seeing just don't make much 
sense to me.

Chris Ordiway - KC3DIG