TopBand: UA0KAG QSLs & DXCC 2000

[Ralph W1ZK]

G4DYO@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Hi Ralph.
> 
> I am a #1Slot Honor Roller and was interested in your remarks about QSLing.
>  However, I beg to differ.  For some years now i have preached the "no QSL"
> gospel, which has been accepted by some and rejected by others.  I used to
> QSL on a regular basis; then in 1985 I became editor of DX News Sheet for ten
> years.  During that period I saw and heard enough QSLing corruption to
> convince me that the possession of a card nowadays means nothing - certainly
> NOT that the holder has had a QSO!
> 
> Not only is there corruption as far as the cards are concerned - offers from
> guys of any DX QSL card I ever wanted in exchange for others, etc, but there
> are the daily "cheating nets" - you know the kind of thing "Good Contact"
> when no contact whatsoever has taken place.  Some of those people will seek,
> an obtain cards for those contacts and will then submit them for DXCC, IOTA
> or whatever and duly climb the respective Honor Rolls.
> 
> Many years ago I visited ZL and collected my Worked All Pacific parchment
> direct from Jock White.  I offered the cards and he said NZART practise an
> "honesty" policy and they had no reason to believe that the system was abused
> any more than if cards were needed.  My WAP is # 611 and  #17 for G.  I am
> certain that if there was regular abuse of the NZART system those serial
> would be dramatically higher.
> 
> My view is that the requirement for QSLs ought to be removed from all major
> award programes.  That would stop crooked QSLers, fraud, extra costs for
> DXpeditions, prevent clogged up bureaux, etc (the RSGB destroyed over
> 1,000,000 uncollected cards last year!).  When amateur radio first started
> QSL cards meant something - and I have no objection nowadays to those who
> genuinely collect them or wish to mark some very special QSO by exchanging
> them.  However, for award collecting - when we can all work around the world
> with S9 signals - what's the point in "confirming" it?
> 
> Vy 73 de Bren, G4DYO
> (Editor UK DX Foundation Newsletter)Bren,
 Thanks for the note. I agree with alot that you say, but the point is 
that as long as the ARRL requires a piece of physical evidence of a 
contact, no matter how it was made, then we are stuck with present 
deteriorating situation.
                           Tnx & Best wishes,
                                          Ralph, W1ZK

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