[SOC] We need your help!

[Barry]

Dear Unknown Secretary, the CAL (club-at-large) and fellow SOCers...

I don't normally post here, but I have decided to make an exception today,
since a question was asked that maybe I can answer. I am like the "Guardian
of Forever" (see Star Trek TOS late 1st season episode called, "City on the
Edge of Forever" and you will understand).

While I love and care deeply about the SOC and its mission, and certainly
do appreciate all of the informative emails I receive when the barkeepers
change as well as all of the thoughtful replies that they encourage, I must
sadly report that I am closer to the end of my amateur radio "career" than
the beginning, and my HF operating time has decreased to a mere trickle of
what it was during the past 12 years.

I seem to be operating less and less and working more and more at volunteer
jobs in my retirement, which completely baffles and befuddles me.
Hopefully, somebody on this threaded email will know why this happens
because I still haven't found a satisfactory reason for any of this.

So in answer to your question:

*if such a SOC Sprint is brought back to life, would you enter it?*

my answer is "likely not". I also tend to run away from contest- and
sprint-style operations rather than embrace them (although I realize that
those terms used here in this context are somewhat questionable since rag
chews are allowed), but that has been my general HF behavior for the past
60 years so I don't think I will be changing anytime soon.

Might I work a random station in a "contest" or "sprint" to "say hello" or
collect an entity that I "need" (for what is questionable)? Sure I would
and I have actually been known to do that and make a surprise appearance!
But the likelihood of that happening is not too great anymore.

And I believe the negative answer to the question above makes any reply
which this SOCer might have to the remaining questions, completely
impertinent and irrelevant.

But thank you for asking them!

And if this email makes me no longer qualified or worthy to be a member of
this fine organization, then I will leave quietly if told to do so.

73/72 Barry K2MF
SOC #1393
k2mf.bgs at gmail.com
--30--

"Once a task has just begun, never leave it 'til it's done. Be the labor
great or small, do it well or not at all." - Quincy Jones, Sr.


On Thu, Aug 1, 2024 at 9:25 AM SOC HQ <soc at f5pbl.fr> wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> Following a request sent by Leo, #1438, we are considering reactivation of
> the SOC Sprints.
> Cf. https://www.qsl.net/soc/contests.htm
>
> At SOC HQ, we have already done some brainstorming but we now need your
> help. Do not worry, this will be quick and
> painless o:)
>
> Here is the main idea: one or two yearly Marathon Sprints will take place,
> depending on interest shown by this poll. The
> past editions were scheduled on the 2nd Saturday of March and the 2nd
> Saturday of September, from 1800Z till 2359Z.
> Please note that when the sprints were suspended years ago, there was
> definitely NOT enough interest to support two per
> year.
> The main goal will be to make "as much" CW QSOs as possible, in every
> (legal) way it pleases you: quick shots, 30
> minutes chats or whatever. Some bonuses may be gained for using special
> dresses or SOC capabilities (e.g. QLF).
>
> And now comes our call for your help:
>
> - if such a SOC Sprint is brought back to life, would you enter it?
> - would you prefer one Sprint (if so, please indicate your preferred
> Saturday) or two Sprints as originally planned?
> - even if you do not intend to be on air for this Sprint, would you
> eventually be ready to manage it? That means
> collecting logs, checking them, writing up some global report which will
> be posted on our site and, last but not least,
> taking care of the (e-)certificates to be sent?
> As you may see on our website, the activity during the past SOC Sprints
> was rather low. But you know the golden rule:
> "Past performance is not an indication of any future performance."
>
> Feel free to flood us with your answers ; the more they are, the funniest
> it will be.
>
> --
> 73/72!
>
> The unknown SOC Secretary
>
> https://www.qsl.net/soc
>
> Competence is tolerated, but not encouraged
> I demand the right to make a fool of myself in any way I see fit
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