Or alternatively titled: The Great Pissing Contest.
There's a thread on another forum regarding 3XY1T. Those threads always start out innocuous enough in that they are meant to inform forum users of an upcoming DXpendtion. However, such posts invariably manifest into an ugly creature of chest beating and bragging. Why is this?
I can understand mentioning that you've worked an entity and want to share the accomplishment, but the majority of what I see is repugnant and at times, hurtful to the little pistols that struggle (this is why I have issue with the subject being discussed). During the Sandwich Island DXpendtion, some unfortunate op posted that he was unable to make a contact despite his best efforts and hours spent attempting to do so. The followup posts included such gems as "I worked them seven times with 100 watts (not verbatim)"
I'm not resentful or jealous. I will be glad to share with you the bands and modes I've worked this particular DXpedition if asked. I also have a competent station and am not begrudged due to my own shortcomings.
In reference to the title, a contact demonstrates to me that my antenna systems work well and that I have everything configured adequately (conditions permitting). It's not a competition for me. I also cherish QSL cards from the entities I've contacted. They're similar to postcards from exotic places I know I'll never get to physically visit.
There's a thread on another forum regarding 3XY1T. Those threads always start out innocuous enough in that they are meant to inform forum users of an upcoming DXpendtion. However, such posts invariably manifest into an ugly creature of chest beating and bragging. Why is this?
I can understand mentioning that you've worked an entity and want to share the accomplishment, but the majority of what I see is repugnant and at times, hurtful to the little pistols that struggle (this is why I have issue with the subject being discussed). During the Sandwich Island DXpendtion, some unfortunate op posted that he was unable to make a contact despite his best efforts and hours spent attempting to do so. The followup posts included such gems as "I worked them seven times with 100 watts (not verbatim)"
I'm not resentful or jealous. I will be glad to share with you the bands and modes I've worked this particular DXpedition if asked. I also have a competent station and am not begrudged due to my own shortcomings.
In reference to the title, a contact demonstrates to me that my antenna systems work well and that I have everything configured adequately (conditions permitting). It's not a competition for me. I also cherish QSL cards from the entities I've contacted. They're similar to postcards from exotic places I know I'll never get to physically visit.