[CQ-Contest] L.O.T.W.

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

W6WRT writes: 

> It was earlier postulated that someone at the ARRL DX desk 
> had been burned by fake QSL cards at some time and as a result, 
> has gone overboard with security. 

The DXCC program has fought forged QSL cards since nearly the 
very beginning.  One only need have spent time with the late 
W1CW to have heard some of the stories.  There is a story 
(after Bob's time) about a 160 meter DXCC that was "earned" 
with modified 17 meter QSLs - which is one reason that 160 
meter cards cannot be "field checked."   

I'm sure that part of the LotW structure is designed to prevent 
forged and/or altered "electronic confirmations."  

> If you would like LoTW to be simplified and yet remain secure, 
> please write your Division Director. 

You are not going to maintain security by eliminating the 
security ... that's like killing the patient to "cure the 
disease" (if there is even a disease at all).  On the other 
hand, you can certainly urge the Board of Directors to:  

  1) provide more resources to assist developers in providing 
     LotW support in their software, 
  2) improve the sign-up process for non-US stations, 
  3) improve documentation 
  4) improve visibility among DX stations - articles in national 
     amateur publications and documentation in multiple languages.  

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV