[WriteLog] Writelog Report Card: Quality, Support, Value

[Ken Widelitz]

Disclaimer:

I daydreamed about computer logging in 1965 as a left-handed novice who had
to rewrite every log before submission because the original was illegible.

CT on the cover of QST in 1991 changed my life. It brought me back into ham
radio and contesting.

I moved to NA because it had better SO2R support, specifically being able to
toggle stereo from the keyboard.

I tried TR, but my brain didn't mesh, especially after using CT/NA.

I moved to WL in August '03, primarily because my new computer wouldn't run
DOS.

I haven't tried N1MM, although I have looked at the website.

I have never been on RTTY or other digital modes, except CW.


WRITELOG REPORT CARD


QUALITY - 	B+

There is a setup learning curve. The more you want to take advantage of WL's
features, the longer and steeper the curve.

Using the program for actual contesting, once it is setup for your hardware,
is very easy, with a few "nuances. "

Yes, there are a few annoying bugs, so WL does not get an A.


SUPPORT - 	A

This reflector and the K9JY website are resources that quickly address and
solve most users setup and operational problems. They do so quicker than
most large corporate support centers do.

As mentioned, there are a few bugs I have run into. I have reported them to
Wayne, W5XD. Most have been taken care of within a release or 2.

Just because support is by a user group and not by the author doesn't make
it any less valuable to the user. And, this user group is smarter and more
passionate about the product than most. Perhaps that accounts for the recent
thread.


VALUE - 	A

$75 plus $10 per year for upgrades is simply not expensive.

How many hours per year do you contest? How much more fun is it contesting
with WL? How much easier does WL make your contesting life?

YMMV, but WL gets an A in my book.


73, Ken, K6LA / VY2TT