[SOC] Thoughts on the NA QSO Party

[Quikhooligan]

Exchanging first names in addition to State/Province/Country is a what
really makes NAQP great.  It's like you just get on the air and say
hello to all the ham friends that you contact.  Anyone can do it.  And
by exchanging first names there is that personal connection for every
QSO you make.  It's a great celebration of Ham Radio camaraderie

But the NCJ is really missing a great opportunity to make that contest
even more interesting.  Instead of using the State/Province/Country as a
score multiplier, why not use the number of unique first names as your
score multiplier?  For example, we all know that there are few hams in
Vermont and therefore Vermont Q's are more prized than say California
Q's.  It's the same for most contests.  But if you had a really scarce
first name like Hugo or Ichabod instead of Bob, John, Steve or Dave,
your QSO would be as highly prized as if you were in Vermont. There are
only so many State/Province/Country multipliers but with unique first
names there could be an unlimited number of multipliers. Think of the
opportunities to push the scores to high levels and the pileups that
might ensue over someone with those super rare first names.  Now that's
contesting!

P.S.  Maybe even give bonus points for someone named Hiram or Percy.