The latest press release about the remote contest operation has generated
some controversy and consternation in some quarters.
I got an e-mail from a person who wishes to remain anonymous, claiming to
be on the ARRL staff, concerning a new award that is apparently
generating
some controversy at HQ.
The League wants to give recognition to those who expand and promote
these
new ways of operating, so an award is being devised for contacting
oneself
in various configurations, to be known as the Worked All Yourself, or
WAY.
It would be given for confirmed contact with yourself in various
combinations, from all states, all counties, all grid squares, all bands,
etc.
This was inspired by two big guns, one from CA, the other from NJ, at
Dayton working each other with their iPads from their respective home
stations, while across the table from each other over a pitcher of beer.
DXCCY, or "Dixie," would require proof of contacts with yourself from 100
different countries. The cost of traveling to these remote areas to work
yourself, and vice versa, will be offset by the savings of QSLing
yourself.
You work yourself from everywhere you go. County hunting, grids, states,
countries, band, modes, 5 Bands, 9 Bands, whatever, no pile ups, no
waiting, no chance of NIL.
Purists on the staff seem to be vehemently opposed, and have taken to
wearing lapel buttons saying "No WAY!", or with "WAY" in a slashed
circle. Some
apparently prefer the Worked All Me, or WAM!
Old-timers worry that working yourself may lead to moral hazards as the
pressure to earn awards increases, merely filling out the log and
claiming
credit. "I'm in my log!"
This is going to be a very popular award, as most hams love to hear
themselves talk. Many of them talk to themselves anyway, and can now get
credit for it!
