[Mldxcc] [Fwd: [The Daily DX] DXCC Pushes to Get Ahead]

[Ken Anderson]

--------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
Subject: [The Daily DX] DXCC Pushes to Get Ahead
From:    "Bernie McClenny, W3UR" <bernie at dailydx.com>
Date:    Wed, February 6, 2008 4:44 pm
To:      "The Daily DX mailing list" <dailydx at kkn.net>
         "Weekly DX mailing List" <weeklydx at kkn.net>
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The following is from the ARRL Web

Due to several factors, including greater activity from new and reactivated
DXCC entities, the ARRL DXCC Desk has been experiencing QSL card processing
delays. According to ARRL DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, there are
approximately 2300 applications currently on the list of received
applications, resulting in a processing backlog of more than 12 weeks.
"People usually have to wait 4-6 weeks from the time they send in their
application to the time they receive their cards back," Moore said.

Even with the low sunspot numbers of the now defunct Solar Cycle 23, there
has been an increase in DXCC activity, Dave Patton, NN1N, Manager of the
ARRL Membership and Volunteer Services Department, said; DXCC is a division
of this department. "We've added or reactivated new entities like
Scarborough Reef, Swains Island and Montenegro," he said. "ARRL membership
is up, and more people out there have HF privileges." DXCC rules state that
US hams must be ARRL members to participate in DXCC; there is no membership
requirement for foreign participants. Moore estimates that one-third of the
DXCC applications come from outside the US. Sharon Taratula, Membership and
Volunteer Programs Supervisor, said that approximately 500 DXCC applications
are processed each month.

ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, said that a new full-time
person has just been added to the DXCC staff. "We are actively looking for
an additional full-time employee for DXCC. By adding more staff, we can
definitely cut down on the time it takes to process applications."

"While we are not happy with the delayed turnaround time for DXCC
applications, I can assure everyone that we are maintaining our high level
of concern for accuracy in processing and care for our customers QSLs and
awards," Patton said. "I'm pleased that interest in operating awards is so
high, and indeed there is evidence that new and returning ops are
participating in ever increasing numbers. In the near future, as we continue
to refine and improve LoTW and our processes, turnaround time will improve,
the quality of our awards will improve and we can hopefully offer new and
expanded awards programs like the brand new Fred Fish Memorial Award for
confirming QSOs with the 488 grid squares in the continental US on 6
meters."

Patton thanked the many DXCC Field Checkers and Awards Card Checkers around
the world. "They give so freely of their time and resources to make
participation in operating awards so much more convenient for everyone. And
I also want to thank all of the volunteers working in QSL Bureaus throughout
the world, as well. The QSL Bureau system is still very important to
collectors and awards chasers, and activity in the bureau is maintaining and
even increasing despite the lack of sunspots."

Kramer said, "We take great care with people's DXCC applications. The DXCC
crew is very diligent in handling and checking each applicant's cards. We
don't rush the process because we don't want to make mistakes -- we know how
important this program is to DXCC participants."


Bernie McClenny, W3UR
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