[CQ-Contest] Logbook of the World as substitute for bureau QSLing

[Joe Subich, K4IK]

> Pete Smith wrote: 
> 
> Having started this thread, I feel a need to chime in here 
> and disagree, at least in part.  I have received a lot of 
> mail cautioning that many casual contest participants are 
> in it mainly for the QSL card, and not for awards either, 
> but for the pleasure of the cards themselves.  I have no idea 
> how representative this is, but don't want to be the one to 
> pull the plug.  As a consequence, I have decided to do at 
> least one more batch of pre-emptive DX QSLs via the bureau 
> system, as before strictly limited to 1 per station per 
> band/mode combination since 12/1/94.  I keep hoping that 
> there'll be a dramatic dropoff in the number that meet that 
> standard, but so far it has been gradual at best.  I will 
> continue to respond to domestic QSLs, as before (which is 
> to say, not quickly, but surely).

I will never replace all QSLing with LotW, that is, I will 
continue to respond to bureau cards via the bureau and direct 
cards (with SASE) direct.  However, I see no reason for any 
"premptive" QSLing at this point ... the preemptive QSLs will 
be LotW uploads.  

If someone needs a paper card for their own reason, that's fine 
but the ca. $2-$3 per card cost is no longer justified.  I hope 
LotW will someday support a printable card for those who want 
to either store an electronic image or print a hard copy.  Who 
knows, I may even use eQSL.cc just to allow someone to have a 
tangible card as opposed to an electronic record but LotW will 
be my "standard." 

73, 

   ... Joe, K4IK