I have read with great interest the replies regarding QSLing. After a 20+ year
absence from HF'ing and QSLing, my mentor, Ed, K3IXD, has helped me re-enter
the world of QSLing. It certainly is not like it was back then. I have had to
learn how to look up calls in GoList and other online databases, which bureau
to use, which to send SASE's to, which to send direct to, should I send IRC's
or green stamps, etc. I have found QRZ to work for me. Apparently, because it
is free, more DX stations, and US, provide info on how to QSL with them. Some
say they do not QSL at all, others specifically request SASE's, and so on. I
had one US card sent in reply to one sent saying he felt sorry for me even tho
I did not send a SASE. How was I supposed to know a US station required a SASE
from another US station? He did not indicate this on his QRZ site, even tho he
had pictures and a writeup there. I now check every call that I need to send a
card to thru QRZ now. I wish there was a
common database that all amateurs could keep updated as to how they will QSL.
I would say that at least 80% of QSLs I send out within the US go unanswered.
To me, not to respond in like to a QSL request from another amateur is
blasphemy.
I would venture to say that I may have logged a contest contact or two
erroniously because I replied at the same exact time as another station,
because a lot of stations do not add the other stations call with their
transmission. But it would have been done with the honest thought that the
reply was directed to me. I try to always add my call to every transmission so
there is no mistake. And I always check and do not send to stations multiple
times, nor even to states that I already have.
I am working for several awards, so I am spending a bunch of money on cards,
envelopes, SASE's, and stamps. But then, that is the name of the game.
And Ed, one day we will get LoTW down pat!
Dave, NJ4F
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