[aprssig] CQ FD shame on you

[The Bland Ranch]

Quoting "Greg D." <ko6th_greg at hotmail.com>:
> Participation in Field Day, as currently defined, is massively successful. 
> When every band, every satellite, and every mode light up with activity for
> 24 hours, bringing hams and the general public out of their cloisters and
> together in conversation, that's good enough for me.  

Quoting "Wes" <wes at ai4px.com>:
> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:07:12 -0400
> From: wes at ai4px.com
> Unfortunately, FD isn't about emergency preparedness.  It's about POINTS.

I have yet to figure out how the idea has come around that Field Day is
(only)about points. I realize it is a contest, but even the rules make it clear
about what is more important by virtue of assigning points to emphasize the
activity.

I have said before, I have no gripe with groups that mount their FD as a contest
and going after the score. That's fine and dandy. I just ask that you remember
there are more reasons than just contesting for doing Field Day.

I also agree WE are the ARRL and we can mold and shape how things are run. At
the same time, I think, more and more, we have lost site of why are are in this
hobby.

I offer for consideration this quote from the Field Day information packet
greeting letter from Dan Henderson, N1ND.

Chuck

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And while it serves a wide array of interests and purposes, there is no greater
FUN-damental goal for Field Day than to HAVE FUN! While it encompasses a broad
range of amateur radio interests – CW, Phone, Digital, emergency preparedness,
public service, satellites, recruitment, antennas, new and vintage equipment,
and so many more – Field Day is, above all else, a chance for us to have some
fun with our hobby. After all, while it is a regulated service and there are
serious aspects to our use of the bands, the true “amateur spirit” of our hobby
(defined by Paul Segal, W9EEA, back in 1928 in “The Amateur’s Code”) is found in
“slow and patient operating when requested; friendly advice and counsel to the
beginner; kindly assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of
others.”

Fun is where YOU find it in this hobby. Some will discover the fun by operating
overnight building up their club’s total number of QSOs. Others will never make
a single Field Day contact but will derive their fun by helping set-up antennas
and generators. The joy of sharing your radio knowledge to a newcomer will be
fun for many old-timers while other old-timers will experience the “Field Day
high” when they make their very first QSO using a new digital mode or via one
of the amateur radio satellites. The camaraderie of the annual club Field Day
picnic covered dish supper will be a fun highlight for many, while still others
will find the joy in the hobby by simply being able to spend a couple of hours
from home on an otherwise busy weekend tuning the bands and making a few
contacts.
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