On Sat,8/8/2015 12:43 AM, Oliver Dröse wrote:
Com'on, then use the ARRL bureau and DX cards will cost you next to
nothing! We have a superb QSL bureau system in most of this world's
countries ... Yes, it will not work for all DX
If you think the Bureau system is "superb" you probably don't use it.
The Bureau system is essentially broken. MANY hams do not participate,
some countries do not have bureaus, and it is VERY VERY slow. Many hams
who operate in small countries use QSL managers in countries where
return postage is $3, and who do not respond to cards sent via the
Bureau. I know that because I sent them cards through the Bureau. I
receive at least 500 cards a year from the Bureau, 95% of them from
Japan. On average, those cards are for contacts that are 21 months
earlier. Thus, a turnaround time of 3 1/2 years. I've sent thousands of
cards to the Bureau, with very poor return of the cards I needed for an
award.
and yes it depends on your ARRL membership, not a bad thing.
I'm an ARRL member, currently paid until 2020.
But anyway, you said in an earlier mail you won't QSL if the contact
is not on LotW. So what do you do if somebody sends you a card
including return postage and you don't find him on LotW? Through away
his card and keep his money? Is that your definition of "final courtesy"?
If that ham has not given other hams the courtesy of putting his log on
LOTW, I see no reason that I should give him the courtesy of sending a
card in return. Instead, I consider the money a contribution to the
considerable research that I done on ham radio issues and have published
on my website. I choose to do that work and publish it rather than spend
days sending cards to hams who are inconsiderate of other hams.
73, Jim K9YC
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