[SMCARA] Field Day Aftermath

[Chris Ordiway]

Thanks A.J., that's about the same way I feel about the contest-like 
aspect of FD. I think it gives us that little push to drag ourselves out 
of the shack and do things a different way for a day. I thought it was a 
good turnout, especially considering the weather. Maybe next year it 
will be a little more mild and we'll see some more of the public and 
maybe one of those fair-weather public officials.

And I hope that photo-bomb picture ends up on Facebook. That was 
hilarious. LOL

Chris Ordiway - KC3DIG

On 06/28/2015 09:19 PM, farmer.aj at gmail.com wrote:
> Field day means different things to different people.  Standing back and watching the activity, both from being there and seeing the pictures, I would say it was a success for the simple fact that it brings everyone together to share thoughts, ideas, and experiences.  To me the contest is secondary and the excuse for doing what we do.  Not everyone feels that way, but that's how it is for me.
>
> One thing I would like to say is typical ham emcomm call up is after the disaster.   It's not typical to set up in the eye of the storm or ahead of the tornado. While the severe storm set a backdrop for the event this year, in my experience, that's really not the way it goes in real life. We have our role when the storm is over. Part of my emcomm training back in the day was to take care of your life, family, and property first. If and when those are safe and well, then you go help those in need. In real life, we will assist those near us that have had the bad day. Those that are safe and well will assist us when we have had the bad day.
>
> I'm not sure if this directly answers your post, but it's just my take away from field day.  I had a great time.
>
> A.J. Farmer
> AJ3U
>
>
>
>
>> On Jun 28, 2015, at 1:23 PM, Chris Ordiway <kc3dig at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> 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
>>
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> .
>