[RTTY] LOTW QSL rate

[Bill Coleman]

On May 19, 2005, at 3:10 PM, Byron Lichtenwalner wrote:

> Friends
> After submitting almost 5500 QSO records to LOTW you have responded  
> with a better than 30% matching record rate.  Goes up higher with  
> each new contest.

I've found the response rate is greatly dependent on two things: the  
age of the QSOs and the location. I've placed ALL of my logged QSOs  
into LoTW, going back to 1976. My first confirmation is in 1984 and  
the earliest 10 end in 1986. I'm sure many guys have got old logs on  
paper that they haven't bothered to computerise, and they may never  
do that. (Some of these guys may be SKs, come to think of it)

For domestic QSOs, response rates are pretty good. DX is much more  
spotty. Remember that non-ARRL countries (eg everything but the US  
and Canada) have to go through a much more rigorous process to obtain  
their initial LoTW certificate -- so there are a lot of hams who just  
haven't bothered.

I had a e-mail discussion with an Italian ham who couldn't figure out  
why LoTW is important. Turns out, his national society gives him  
free, unlimited QSL bureau service. Given that and the steps needed  
to get a LoTW certificate, I can understand his preference for paper  
QSLs.

I applaud any non-US or Canada station who has taken the time to get  
a certificate and upload their logs. Thanks!



Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901