Some may question why we use the "visual sight rule" in determining valid lighthouse/lightship operations. Some maintain that this makes it "too easy" to work
or activate a light and a cinch to acquire awards. Here is our reasoning:

First, when I founded this organization, only a few months ago, I did so with the firm commitment and belief that this was to be a service organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of lights, and in every way possible to give recognition to the service that they and their keepers have given to maritime safety. NOWHERE in our statement of purposes does it state that one of the functions of this society is to grant awards. The fact that we do so is more to gain the attention of the non-ham public and to serve as an incentive to hams to participate in their local lighthouse restoration projects. It is NOT the function of this Society to serve as an award-granting agency.

Next, for several years, as a sponsor of the International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend, Mike, GM4SUC, was constantly being bombarded by requests to turn the event into a contest. Both Mike and I steadfastly avoided doing so. We were adamant in maintaining the event as a "fun" time -- fun for the whole family -- and not a contest. I often stated in our event guidelines that hams ought to take their families to the beach that day and have a picnic at the lighthouse. Working the event would be an added bonus.

As the popularity and membership of the ARLHS began to grow by leaps and bounds, so did the requests for more and more activities; thus I created the "Lighthouse Christmas Lights" event in December, still maintaining that it was to be a "Special Event" and NOT a contest. We got many requests for certificates from those working that event; and that inevitably led to a type of award, with a demand for more. I relented and an awards committee was created, but I stipulated that any awards must be easy enough for the average ham to participate in and achieve. I even added, half humorously, that semaphore flags could be used to communicate with lights, as well as smoke signals, repeaters, satellites, and any means or mode! Again, the purpose was to draw attention and give recognition to the lights and their keepers, NOT to give awards to hams. Eventually, again based on the unprecedented popularity of the Christmas event, I bowed to the contest idea and created the "Lighthouse Spring Lites QSO Party." Ever insistent on the "fun" aspect of our hobby, I particularly liked calling it a PARTY, rather than a contest.

Now, to the point of "visual sightings": A group of us considered the fact that the "service area" of a light was its effective range and its dedication to the mariners that it serves; we concluded that the service area is the range of the beacon's light during the night and its visual appearance on the horizon or its sight during the day. Some may not agree with that and think we are too liberal or too easy, but it was a fair way to decide; and, more importantly, it is consistent with our stated purposes of affording as many as possible the opportunity to honor these lights and their staff, and to pay tribute to them and the area they serve.

In my ARLHS December 2000 newsletter, members of the society were made aware of this philosophy. In this editorial I invited comments. Overwhelmingly, the membership agreed with the Society's stated purposes and with my interpretation. With this reassurance, I continue to maintain that we are not the DXCC, WLH, or any other contest/award-granting group. Moreover, we strive to serve, protect, preserve, and have fun with our hobby while doing so. When this becomes a dog-eat-dog competitive brouhaha, I will find another outlet for my enthusiasm and dedication to ham radio and lighthouses.

For those who are not members of the Society, I urge you to at least read our statement of purposes on our web page, which is on page 1, the "Welcome Page." If you join, you too will receive the newsletter and have an opportunity to participate and serve.

I write this on the eve of the first and only contest event (Spring Lites) that our society currently sponsors. I will participate in it fervently, not so much to earn awards or win points and the prizes, but to meet many of my friends in the ham fraternity who have joined together in a common goal. I hope you will share our own interest and enthusiasm.

Keep the Beacons Burning!
Jim, K2JXW, founder & president, ARLHS