I posed a set of simple questions to the DX lurking on the topband reflector
regarding LOTW. Of the DX stations monitoring Topband:
1) Have you uploaded your log to LOTW?
2) Do you intend to upload your log?
3) If no to both questions, is there a reason why?
Although this poll lacks statistical accuracy, the results are about what would
be expected.
The responses have slowed to a trickle. There were about 30 responses, but
only 24 answered the questions. The rest were commentary on LOTW. 17 of the
24 were DX. The remaining 7 were US stations.
17 DX provided answers to the questions. 8 (~ 47%) said they already upload
logs. 4 (~ 24%) indicated that they intend to upload their logs. 5 (~ 29%)
said they would never upload their logs to LOTW. It is this last group that is
interesting. Here is a summary of their reasons:
D-Invasion of privacy. Prefers paper QSLs
D-Worked all countries on all bands. No need for QSLs. Prefers
paper QSLs
W-Hand logs on paper. Too much work
W-Wants paper QSL cards
W-Paper logs. Needs software to load Qs
D-Paper logs. Can't locate good software. Multiple QTHs pose
problems
D-Paper logs. Prefers to receive paper QSLs
D-Paper logs. Computer log only records unique Qs. Not complete
W-Has attempted to load many times and gave up.
(note: this is summary of all the "Never" responses. 5 were DX responses
(D) and 4 were USA calls (W)
All of the responses that indicated they would not be using LOTW also
indicated that they do QSL 100%.
5 of the 9 above indicate paper logging.
2 prefer to receive paper QSLs
5 indicated trouble with software & computers
This straw poll does illustrate one point, which is the reason I wanted
to conduct the poll. That is, roughly 50% of the population has already
embraced LOTW. 25% will never adopt LOTW. This is quite good news actually.
If these ratios hold true in the rest of the population, then 75% of our Qs may
someday be confirmed the next day.
Ford-N0FP
ford@cmgate.com
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