Topband: qsling

[Tom Haavisto]

Is LOTW a bit of a pain?  Sure.  The process could be easier, but it is what
it is.  I find I also send a lot fewer QSL cards these days, as LOTW takes
care of a lot of the QSLs I require.  I do QSL 100% to all received cards,
as I assume (hope) do most folks.

That said, as you pointed out, the system can be gamed by those determined
to do so.  I am not sure why the W2 went through all the trouble to help the
W6 friend work the rare DX.  He could have just turned down his power and
worked him again with the W6 call.  Call up his friend, give him the
details, and he is good to go.

LOTW is not required to cheat - the same can be done with paper cards.  Some
folks have made a point of faking paper cards - LOTW takes care of that
problem, and probably explains why they went to such effort to make it
secure.

Like I said - for those determined to cheat...

However, that does not take away from MY personal satisfaction of chasing
DX.  I know if I worked a guy or not, and am happy knowing that I worked him
playing by the rules.

Tom - VE3CX



On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 9:39 AM, dt <wd5r at hughes.net> wrote:

> With all the talk about qsl'n ,
> I am surprised someone has not revived the
> question of why some of us are not enthusiastic
> about LOTW.
>
> <snip>
>
> Oh, but one day, no access!
> Permission expired!
>
> Once again jump through the hoops.
> Eventually I received an updated license via
> email. Somehow I was never able to get everything
> in right order to overcome my expired
> authorization to use LOTW.
>
> <snip>


> One day I heard a big time W2 , on low end of 20m
> phone band very excited, obviously working a rare dx.
>
> He invited the dx station to standby for a friend.
> Shortly a REALLY big time w6 came on freq.
>
> The w2 started the routine, "Give him a call"
> "over", "try again' , "over".'Give him a report",
> "over" , "no, try again"
>
> That went on for several minutes.
> The 'REALLY' big time w6 never heard the dx but
> eventually the big time w2 "Good contact! " .
>
> <snip>

As I see it, there is no justification for having
> such a secure system for the LOTW game when it is
> so easy for the system to be beat in other ways.
> I'm betting I am not the only guy ticketed in
> early 1950's that has found the reward not worth
> the hassle in playing the LOTW game.
>