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[CQ-Contest] Another long DOs and DONTs of QSLing

To: <georgek5kg@aol.com>, <cq-contest@contesting.com>, <fcg@kkn.net>
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Another long DOs and DONTs of QSLing
From: Charles Harpole <k4vud@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2008 22:19:29 +0000
List-post: <mailto:cq-contest@contesting.com>
SUCCESSFUL QSLing
de HS0ZCW
 
Steps in sending a direct QSL to a DX station:
 
1.     Obtain correct address via qrz.com or use the GO List for QSL manager 
addresses, or search the Web via Google.
2.     Consult the DX station’s web site or web information for special 
instructions (such as “direct only,” “no IRC,” or whatever).
3.     Send via Air Mail.  If you know the DX station has postal theft 
problems, send via Registered Mail (or via FedEx if you are really 
desperate—one good FedEx is better than three lost Air Mails).
4.     Write your own QSL card clearly in permanent black ink.
5.     Use UTC/GMT times and dates only.  Be sure to label which number is the 
date and which number is the month and year (for example, is  9/2/03-- Sept. 2, 
2003 or is it Feb. 9, 2003 or maybe March 2, 1999 or Feb. 3, 2003?).
6.     Clearly mark if your contact was a QSO or if you are a SWL.
7.     Be sure your own call sign is printed clearly ON THE SAME SIDE OF YOUR 
CARD as the contact information (YOUR CALL SIGN ALONG WITH time, date, band, 
mode, etc.).
8.     Use very clear type face for your printed call sign.  No Old English 
type;  no cute curlicues, etc.  Put a slash in all zeros.  Be sure your number 
one, your I and your lower case l (L) are clearly different (note problems with 
1, I and l, can you tell the difference?). Oh and Zero and V and U are 
problems.  Use upper case block letters only.
9.     If you are THANKING receipt of a QSL, mark that clearly or you will get 
a second card and will waste time and money.
10. Always enclose a self-addressed return envelope (sae) that has:
a.     Your complete address, printed CLEARLY, and include your 
country (not everyone knows AK is in the USA !).
b.    Do not affix postage to this envelope* unless you are absolutely sure the 
DX guy can use it at his point of mailing.  (I get USA postage affixed, but I 
want to mail it from Thailand… duh!)
c.     Try to avoid folding your sae;  use nesting envelopes.  If you just must 
fold the sae, never fold it exactly in half !
d.    Use press-on/self-stick envelopes and fold the flap open--that is, back 
over the address side so that the envelope is fully open.  OR, if you use 
wet-to-seal glue envelopes, which are stronger, be aware that these may 
self-seal in humid environments.  ALWAYS fold wet-to-seal envelopes open to 
avoid self-sealing.
e.     Place the non-info side of your card against the sticky part of your sae 
or place the green stamp against the sticky part of your sae.
f.      Do not put anything inside your sae.
g.     Write your call sign on the sae where that writing will be covered when 
the sae is sealed by the DX operator—in the place where the glue will stick.  
This allows finding your envelope and your card when the two have been 
accidentally separated.
h.     Because almost all mail today is air mail,  use pre-printed air mail 
envelopes or print “air mail” on your sae.
i.       Envelopes that are pre-printed with “return postage paid” are GREAT !
11.  The outer envelope:
a.      Do not seal your outer envelope so that a finger can not get into the 
flap to open it.
b.    Use “security envelope” which has colored printing inside to retard 
seeing through the outer envelope.
c.     You can not configure your envelope to stop postal theft so just use 
normal sealing methods and skip inserting extra paper hoping to stop postal 
people seeing through your envelope.  Super sealing jobs invite attention of 
postal thieves.
d.     Do not write any ham radio information, like call signs, on the outside 
of your envelopes.  Use non-smear permanent ink.
e.     Use post office frank for postage.  If you affix real stamps, you invite 
theft of the whole envelope and contents so that the thief can steal the stamps.
12. Also enclose:
a.      USA currency ($1 is almost enough these days, $2 is better, more 
if you feel generous)**.
b.     Try to avoid IRCs because of problems cashing them in**.
c.     *Loose postage for the DX operator’s country, if you want to do an extra 
favor.
d.     Do NOT fold the currency bills EXACTLY in half.
e.      If you send no sae, no currency, nor stamps, expect a card back via the 
buro, if you get one at all.
f.       **If you are sure that the DX operator’s country forbids its citizens 
from having USD, it is best to include postage for that country or, in last 
resort, use IRCs.
13.Note that 
a.  Some operators like to get a separate card for each contact, and it 
is probably best to QSL in this way.
b.     If you send cards in one envelop for more than one call sign (generally, 
not a good practice), be sure to increase your donation for return postage due 
to increased effort and cost.  
c.     The best envelopes are made of Tyvek which is very water resistant, 
almost impossible to tear or puncture, but can be cut easily with a knife for 
opening.  Write on Tyvek only with permanent markers to avoid wet smears.  
Tyvek does not take sticky labels well and needs extra long runs of good tape.
14.Look at the mail you have prepared and mentally try to use what you 
have created.  That is, put yourself in the recipient’s place and test 
your methods.
 
**Do not expect a return card just because you sent money.  Any money you send 
is a free gift.  If you think otherwise, then you are purchasing a QSL card 
which is contrary to the ham spirit.
 
Do not send a second request until 6 months have passed since the first 
request.  Mark your second request with “second request.”
 
Do not email the DX operator to inquire about your QSL or your contact until a 
year has past.  But, be guided by his web site info.
 
Be sure you have envelopes on file with your buro. 
 
Look at http://www.ac6v.com/qsltips.htm, too.
 
Enjoy old fashioned paper… it is so personal and fun !
 
A note about postal theft:  Thieves who steal mail on a regular basis seek 
envelopes that form a pattern:  (a) many similar ones to the same address, (b) 
thickness more than 1 paper sheet, and (c) from rich countries.  Thieves doing 
this regularly can not be stopped by inserted carbon paper, valuables hidden 
inside inner envelopes, or other “tricks” because they simply open ALL 
envelopes fitting the pattern, take the valuables, and destroy the rest (thus 
destroying the evidence of their theft).  Some thieves steal only for rare or 
odd stamps.  Ham radio QSL mail makes a very easily identifiable pattern that 
simply can not be defeated by the usual tricks, so skip the tricks.  Instead, 
try Registered Mail or, if desperate, use FedEx, UPS, or DHL.  Even if you 
disguise your mail to look like an advertisement or typewritten official mail, 
the determined regular thieves may well steal EVERYTHING to an address known to 
get QSLs.
 
 
WHAT SHOULD BE PRINTED ON A GOOD QSL CARD?
 
Front of Card:
1.     The call sign in clear type face (see #8 above).
2.     The DXCC entity as given in DXCC list, not just the name of a country***.
3.     ITU zone number
4.     CQ Magazine zone number
5.     Grid locator 
6.     Notation if this is an island (and IOTA number if possible).
7.     If USA, give county
8.     Latitude and longitude of the station location.
9.     Operator name and address*** or qrz.com notation.
 
 
On the front or rear of the card, this info needs to be added:
10. PSE or TNX QSL marked.
11. Use the standard info box with the info stated in this order, left to right 
or on two lines:
a.     Confirming QSO with
b.    Day
c.     Month
d.    Year
e.     Time in UTC or GMT only
f.      Frequency or Band (band is all DXCC wants, but lots of ops like to 
state the exact operating frequency in MHz—I like to put a freq that implies 
either SSB, CW, or RTTY;  for example, I use 14.2 for 20meter SSB and 14.0 for 
20meter CW contacts as a second indicator of the mode.
g.     RS(T)
h.     2-Way Mode.
11. If a computer printed label is used, try to format the label with these 
same words and order of the information.
12. Sign the card with your name or initials.  For labels, make the strokes of 
your pen signature touch a part of your label or use a uniquely shaped rubber 
stamp stating “Verified by <your call sign>” that touches part of the label.
13. Repeat your call sign on both sides of a double sided card.  
14. If you must use information formats that allow marking a choice of band and 
mode, circle the correct band and mode words rather than marking out what does 
not apply.  Be clear!  
15. If you have more than one call sign on your card, clearly mark which call 
sign applies to this specific contact.
16.  ***If your card is for a DXCC entity that is a different country from  the 
mailing address, be sure to clearly state the DXCC entity for which this card 
applies.
17. The most appealing art on a QSL is, first, an operator photo; second, 
something personal and unique about the operator (family photo, pet, other 
hobby, etc.) and otherwise pictures of unique local items.  A QTH locator map 
is a nice touch.  I have seen rigs and antennas before—omit if not really 
unique.  Pose your face turned toward the camera in front of your rig or stand 
by your antenna to get it all in one photo.Charles Harpolek4vud@hotmail.com > 
From: Georgek5kg@aol.com> Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2008 14:16:46 -0500> To: 
CQ-Contest@CONTESTING.COM; fcg@kkn.net> Subject: [FCG] DOs and DONTs of QSLing> 
> Having just completed the answering of 1300+ E51 cards that have been > 
received, I offer the following DOs and DONTs of QSLing:> > DO use envelopes 
with peel and stick flaps. They speed up sealing of > envelopes.> > DO put your 
call sign in bold, large print on the same side as the QSO > information.> > DO 
enclose enough postage or an IRC to cover the cost of return postage. IF > this 
isn't possible, send the card anyway with a self addressed envelope. > > DO not 
enclose small address labels instead of envelopes.> > DO avoid extraneous 
enclosures. Personal notes, canceled stamps, etc. should > be avoided unless 
critical. Sometimes they are nice, but they slow down the > process.> > DO NOT 
use envelopes without glue. They have to be taped shut, and that is a > real 
pain!> > DO NOT seal envelopes so tightly that they can't be quickly opened 
with a > letter opener.> > DO NOT mix cards to or from different call signs. 
They really slow down the > processing of cards.> > DO NOT fold or "hide" IRCs 
or Green Stamps so intricately that they are hard > to unfold when opening.> > 
73, George, K5KG / E51MMM> > > George Wagner, K5KG> 941-312-9420> 941-400-1960 
cell> > > > **************Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL 
Music. > 
(http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp003000000025>
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