What's behind the hatred of ham radio contests?

[Dr. Detroit]

First of all, I'm no fan of contests. I don't think I've ever participated in one, and I'm bored by the concept. When there's a contest on, I tend to follow the advice that Riley Hollingsworth gave one year in Dayton: "Just go wash the car or cut the grass."

Nevertheless, I am fascinated by some hams' outright hatred of contests, and yes, even the contesters themselves.

What's behind the hatred of contests? Here's what I've been able to come up with (please add to the list):

1. The contest hater feels that they know best what types of discourse or interactions should take place on amateur radio. They believe that there is a model for the ideal QSO, and that they have special insight into this model's definition. They hate contests because these events deviate so far from their perceived ideal.

2. The contest hater is an emotionalist who assigns value to human communication (ham radio-related or not) in direct proportion to how "meaningful" it seems to them. In general, the longer a contest hater is permitted to speak, the more "meaningful" they will find the exchange.

3. The contest hater values a communication partner in direct proportion to how long that partner is willing to listen.

4. The contest hater feels that he deserves to be entertained by the communications he intercepts on amateur radio. He actively resents communication that lacks content that he finds interesting.

5. The contest hater is typically lonely or isolated, and therefore is intensely alienated by a communication exercise that is purposely designed to limit human interaction to the briefest exchange.

Dr. Detroit

[AE1PT]

Doc, the trouble is that _____________ does not fit with an individual's conception of what amateur radio should be about. Fill in the blank with your choice of activity.

I detest ecomm whackery--either informal or FEMA/DHS/ARES/RACES style. For me, the photo in the sig line says it all. Contests? A minor irritation and not something that I would deliberately get all ham horny thinking about. But I have inadvertently gotten caught up in one or two--and added a number of states to my list of places worked. And no, I really don't give a shit about WAS or DXCC either.

But these things are really popular--and a lot of hams enjoy the hell out them. This is a good thing, because there is something for everyone in this avocation. Things I find satisfying others might think are terrible. The trouble is that the complainers take their hobby far too seriously.

[XE1/N5AL]

I don't find the contest itself very interesting; but, if it is a club event, the camaraderie of operating alongside ham friends can make it fun. I'm not into the EmComm thing, but I have friends who get really excited by it. They are very normal people, not the stereotyped nuts, wearing reflective vests, driving around in whackermobiles.

[WØTKX]

This is similar to other passions or interests. The poo flinging is strong with some, even in a hobby or a sport. For instance, I've been an avid alpine skier for almost as long as I've had the radio bug.

Some folks wanna ski powder, some wanna race, some wanna do moguls. Others screw around in the new fangled parks with the snowboarders. Some snowboard, telemark, or snow skate. Who cares? Arc 'em or park 'em. Rip it, don't strip it.

Have fun around here Doc, and welcome to The Island, mon.

[N8YX]

There also exists the possibility that those who cannot successfully compete are insanely envious of those who can, and will vent their frustrations whenever the opportunity arises.

[k1oik]

There also exists the possibility that those who cannot successfully compete are insanely envious of those who can, and will vent their frustrations whenever the opportunity arises.

I would be envious of a loser?
The reason I despise contests is contesters are pigs, they infect a whole band segment and run over all other activities.
They lie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93BRFwOowSo

[W3WN]

There also exists the possibility that those who cannot successfully compete are insanely envious of those who can, and will vent their frustrations whenever the opportunity arises.

All things considered, I'm with Fred on this one.

I would be envious of a loser?
The reason I despise contests is contesters are pigs, they infect a whole band segment and run over all other activities.
They lie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93BRFwOowSo

I am reminded of an old saying that somehow seems to fit the situation:

Those who can, do.
Those who can't, teach.

[KC2UGV]

...
Those who can't, teach...

... and those who can't teach, teach gym

[KC2UGV]

I don't find the contest itself very interesting; but, if it is a club event, the camaraderie of operating alongside ham friends can make it fun. I'm not into the EmComm thing, but I have friends who get really excited by it. They are very normal people, not the stereotyped nuts, wearing reflective vests, driving around in whackermobiles.

Same here. I'm not into contests, but I find it great that a bunch of people interested in radio light up the bands every weekend, even weekends forecasted to be "dead".

And, as you point out, I'm glad it can bring out the camaraderie that is said to exist in the amateur radio hobby.

[ka4dpo]

I was a contester at one time and really enjoyed it but I don't really care to contest anymore. In fact I have absolutely no desire to participate in contests anymore except for field day and I don't consider that a contest. Having said that, I don't hate contests. In fact I don't mind them at all since I can find other things to do. Amateur radio has a lot of facits to it and contesting is only one of them. There is something for everyone in the hobby, more power to the contesters if they enjoy it.