Re: [IRCA] [NRC-AM] Notes on "Inventory Insert" DX - QSLs

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

I'm enjoying this topic on QSLs mostly because I think alot like Patrick. I
enjoy hearing stations but I think I enjoy receiving the QSL a little more.
I guess it's the challenge of hearing enough details for a report and then
the question of "will they answer." Like Patrick said, it's the complete
package. Without sending the station a letter it's one-way communication.

Since returning to the hobby in late 2003 I've noticed that QSLing has gone
through alot of changes since the 1970's and 1980's. You have to change with
the times. Still, my return rate is above 65% but it takes more follow up
letters and emails. Many stations still send out nice letters and write nice
comments on my prepared cards so some are still interested in us.

Yesterday I received a nice prepared postcard from KJOK-1400 Yuma AZ. I try
to use a postcard from the city that the station is in. Luckily I had picked
up a Yuma postcard on one of my trips to Arizona. I type out the card so
that all they need to do is sign it and put it in the mail. This has
increased by replies and the postcards look nice in the notebook.

The original topic was QSLs from DX Tests. Unfortunately I haven't had much
luck hearing the DX tests but the two I've heard did verify. It's
unfortunate that stations spend the time to do a test for us and then the
QSL end of it falls through. Maybe it takes a little more diplomacy on our
part to get the stations to answer us. Our attitude toward the broadcasters
directly affects how they think of us. This list is available to everyone
with internet access including station employees. The past negativity will
only come back on us.

Patrick, let us know when you make those trips. Maybe you can pick up a QSL
for me too!

Martin Foltz
Mission Viejo CA
QSL collector


> Message: 3
> Date: Sat, 17 Dec 2005 14:57:37 -0800
> From: (Patrick Martin)
> Subject: Re: [IRCA] [NRC-AM] Notes on "Inventory Insert" DX Tests
>
> John;
>
> Very well said. I really enjoying reading your e mails about the
> history. As we all get older, the history really adds up. When I think I
> have been at the dials for nearly 44 years and QSLing for over 40, it is
> amazing to think that many years have gone by. Our hobby does change.
> Not always for the better. Much of it is a shadow of what it once was.
> The "Good" stations really stand out today. I guess I am from the old
> school in believing that DXing is more than just logging the station.
> Logging the station is the most important part of course, but then
> reporting the station, and then QSLing it to complete it. To me it is a
> complete package. If one of the items is missing, it is not a done deal
> to me. I love DXing and I always have. But this change in attitude where
> the station will not QSL has been very much a concern of mine. It has
> for sometime. Even when others were complaining that getting that QSL
> and it was getting harder through the 80s and even into the turn of the
> century, I found a 80-90% return still can be had if you work at it. But
> in the last couple the years, obtaining a 50% is very hard to do. I wont
> say impossible as nothing is impossible. But I have considered taking a
> vacation and knocking on some doors to get that QSL. In all cases in the
> past 20 years I have never been turned down if I walk into the station.
> But I have to ask myself. How much do I want that QSL? What will I go
> through to get it? As I posted earlier, I don't expect the moon. A CE or
> GM writing across my report "Verified" will work for me. I would rather
> have a card or letter, but in this day, I will except about anything
> that will some how state I heard the station. An e mail QSL. Some DXers
> are using those more and more and get very good results. I use those as
> a last resort. I still hope to get that letter back. So I probably waste
> more money. I do have a lot of beautiful cards and letters. I can't
> complain. But I may go after e mail QSL's more in the future too. I do
> have a few.
>
> 73,
>
> Patrick


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