Ed, I feel exactly the same way you do. Real DXing is operator (person) to operator (person). FT8 is the same as using the internet to make a contact. The end of amateur radio as it was intended.
Doug "The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." Albert Einstein -----Original Message----- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Edward Sawyer Sent: January-31-19 12:27 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: JA's came in droves today on 160 Such is the new trend. No offense to KV4FZ whatsoever but if you provide the easy path.most will take it. The only way to affect the "easy way out" is to not provide it. I remember year's ago doing CQ WW CW ABLP as C6ARS in 2001. I ended the contest on 15M running a couple of hundred JAs. I thought, this is amazing because I am just as loud from W1 and I couldn't imagine having so many JA stations call. Clearly they are much more DXers than full contesters - most of them. Still feel that way today. I have heard piles of JAs calling right before a contest only to dry up in the contest. Its fascinating that the above has now shifted to FT8 vs the more traditional modes in just DXing. Herb, it would be a very interesting experiment to shift to CW mid pile-up and see if the group stays with you to catch the DX opening or does it dwindle to nothing. I am guessing it goes to nothing despite the opening. But would love to hear. FT8 is changing the "easiness factor" in DXing. And like technology assisted driving, once that genie is out of the bottle it ain't never goin back. Just try and find an actual stick shift in a new car - almost impossible. Why? It doesn't mesh with the computer driving the car. 73 Ed N1UR _________________ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus _________________ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector