That’s what it says on the website, and it is often quoted with ironic intent. So how true is it?
Let us be clear about one thing: SOTA is exactly as competitive as IOTA or DXCC. Not more, not less. Yes, at the core of it is the enjoyment of the hills for the activators, but I doubt that many of them haven’t got their eyes cocked on the table to see if old Joe hasn’t stolen a march on them and moved ahead in the table. SOTA isn’t institutionally competitive in that there are no prizes for first, second and third places in the standings, no podiums, just the glory, and the knowledge that to maintain that glow of achievement you have to keep striving. There is no harm in that, it adds a bit of pep to your efforts, and if you want to do it in a more relaxed way for your own enjoyment, that’s cool, too. It’s only human nature to compete, after all the unofficial table for most contacts in an activation is no part of the original game plan, but it has come about spontaneously and there is room for it in SOTA, and other things, too. What I am trying to say is that it is up to every participant to decide for his or herself whether they are going to compete or coast, SOTA provides the tools for either, it isn’t up to the MT to say “Thou Shalt Not Compete” or “Thou Shall Strive Mightily To Your Utmost”, it is the choice that each participant confronts. And they can change, too, if they so wish, become more or less competitive. It’s all cool.
73
Brian G8ADD