Re: [IRCA] QSLing and a suggested plan of action

["Martin and Wendy Foltz" <martinfoltz@xxxxxxx>]

I'm also an avid QSLer and I'm not retired either. I'm not as aggressive as
Patrick but I still work at it. My rules are to be polite, persistent and
send out a professional report.

Times have changed and QSLing needs to change with it. If a QSL manager is
needed, we should step up and take care of it. I would prefer to receive a
response direct from the station but if that isn't possible, then a QSL
manager is acceptable. Maybe someone local can put together a form letter on
their stationary?

I see my reception reports as a way to communicate back to the stations.
It's not one way communication for me. Give them feedback on their signal
and programming. A compliment goes a long way. I've received nice comments
from many stations.

QSLing isn't for everyone and isn't a requirement for anyone in the hobby
but I'm always going to send out for them. Only 2800 more to catch Patrick!

Martin Foltz
Mission Viejo CA


> Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 21:31:59 -0800
> From: (Patrick Martin)
> Subject: Re: [IRCA] QSLing and a suggested plan of action
> To: irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Message-ID: <28034-4417A6CF-2900@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII
>
> HI everyone,
>
> Yes, I am an avid QSLer. I always have been. I come from the "Ernie
> Cooper" school of QSLing I guess. He started long before me of course,
> but we both went after QSLs. I am one that does not take "no" for an
> answer in most cases. Only once did a station really say no QSLs, but I
> came back 20 years later and got the QSL anyway. The only exception are
> foreign stations. It is hard to hop on a plane and head for The
> Philippines, but I have thought about it. hi. I know of SW DXers that
> have done exactly that. Going through the hills of Peru to get that QSL.
> To us QSLers, it is much more than a piece of paper. We don't feel
> hearing the station is enough. It is not complete. We need the QSL to
> complete the circle. You get it in your blood after years of QSLing and
> going after the rare station. At nearly 3,000 MW QSLs, it is a lot of
> fun to look through them. Each one tells its own story. Many stations, I
> have each and every call change QSL'd. A complete history of a station.
>    With 224 QSLs from Australia, it reminds me so much about the
> fantastic South Pacific DX conditions of the early 80s. The dial was
> loaded with DUs, morning after morning. I thought it would go on
> forever. I felt I died and went to DU DX heaven. Each and every one I
> logged, I wrote for the QSL and I got a 100% return. The same is true
> for New Zealand with 111 QSLs, and Japan also with 111 QSL. Many are
> really beautiful cards too.  I have had stations phone me from Australia
> & New Zealand. CFWH Whitehorse was so excited, the news director called
> me for an interview and did a program on DXing. The list goes on and on.
> QSLing has been an amazing part of my life. With over 41 years at it, I
> still have my first two QSLs too, KFBK Sacramento and KPAY (1060) Chico
> CA. There is so much history.
>
> 73,
>
> Patrick
>
> Patrick Martin
>
> Come to Seaside Oregon for the 2006 IRCA Convention! It will be held at
> the Comfort Inn on September 22-24,2006.>


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