Topband: Logbook of the World Poll Results

[Ford Peterson]

I posed a set of simple questions to the DX lurking on the topband reflector regarding LOTW.  Of the DX stations monitoring Topband:
1) Have you uploaded your log to LOTW?  
2) Do you intend to upload your log?  
3) If no to both questions, is there a reason why?

Although this poll lacks statistical accuracy, the results are about what would be expected.  

The responses have slowed to a trickle.  There were about 30 responses, but only 24 answered the questions.  The rest were commentary on LOTW.  17 of the 24 were DX.  The remaining 7 were US stations.

17 DX provided answers to the questions.  8 (~ 47%) said they already upload logs.  4 (~ 24%) indicated that they intend to upload their logs.  5 (~ 29%) said they would never upload their logs to LOTW.  It is this last group that is interesting.  Here is a summary of their reasons:

      D-Invasion of privacy.  Prefers paper QSLs
            D-Worked all countries on all bands.  No need for QSLs. Prefers paper QSLs 

            W-Hand logs on paper.  Too much work 

            W-Wants paper QSL cards 

            W-Paper logs.  Needs software to load Qs 

            D-Paper logs. Can't locate good software.  Multiple QTHs pose problems 

            D-Paper logs.  Prefers to receive paper QSLs 

            D-Paper logs.  Computer log only records unique Qs.  Not complete 

            W-Has attempted to load many times and gave up. 


      (note: this is summary of all the "Never" responses.  5 were DX responses (D) and 4 were USA calls (W)

      All of the responses that indicated they would not be using LOTW also indicated that they do QSL 100%.

      5 of the 9 above indicate paper logging.
      2 prefer to receive paper QSLs
      5 indicated trouble with software & computers

      This straw poll does illustrate one point, which is the reason I wanted to conduct the poll.  That is, roughly 50% of the population has already embraced LOTW.  25% will never adopt LOTW.  This is quite good news actually.  If these ratios hold true in the rest of the population, then 75% of our Qs may someday be confirmed the next day.

      Ford-N0FP
      ford at cmgate.com