Re: [IRCA] QSL Managers/DX Tests/Etc.

["Greg Myers" <gmyers@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

As many have mentioned the do's and dont's of QSL'ing. Here's alittle info
from another list that reflects the "horror" some stations go through- and
likely contribute the overall decline to responces in the past few years
(this was not a verie of mine, but another DX'er. I usually let the matter
drop after a f/u or 2 ... so good luck to all and to all a ........):
"quote"
PA 1510 WWSM Annville-Cleona ppc 30d f/up#5. Card was marked w/ comments
"This is not an official card", "Made up by ....." and "We do not QSL!" Nice
huh! (no envelope) v/s: illegible, Sales Department (looked like R... I.
Jacks or Jackson)

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Les Rayburn" <les@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America"
<irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2005 4:04 PM
Subject: [IRCA] QSL Managers/DX Tests/Etc.


> Pete and the Group,
>
> Pete Taylor's suggestion about presenting a professional
> appearance when approaching stations is one that we've
> taken to heart when reaching out for DX tests. Let me
> clarify some points however:
>
> 1. The "Inventory Inserts" are not a replacement for full
> duration tests. Rather a reflection of the real world
> problems facing stations, and a novel solution to
> getting tests from that stations that cannot or
> will not run traditional tests.
>
> Short notice tests of all kinds are the future. DX'ers
> need to subscribe to e-mail lists to stay up to
> date and be sure they don't miss tests.
>
> I'm preaching to the choir if you're reading this, but
> I can't say it enough.
>
> 2. While a promotional kit is a great idea, it doesn't take
> into mind the realities of broadcasting. CE's are often
> managing multiple stations, and turn over among
> personnel is high.
>
> This season alone, I've had two CE's who had already
> agreed to doing tests leave their place of employment.
> This leaves us without a test...and the Broadcast
> Test Coordinator back to square one.
>
> No club could afford to mail and re-mail promotional
> kits to the stations.
>
> For years the CPC position basically consisted of writing
> a form letter to dozens and dozens of stations annually
> asking for DX tests. This approach worked well when
> station staffing was fairly permanent, most CE's were
> also hams and understood DXing, QSL's, etc.
>
> Nowadays, I get about a 5% return of "cold letters", though
> I continue to send a dozen or so per month. Most of the returns
> consist of "no longer employed here" or "we have obligations
> for our overnight programming and cannot interrupt those
> commitments", etc.
>
> Much better luck is had with phone calls, e-mails, and best of
> all personal contacts and relationships.
>
> 3. I support the idea of a "QSL Manager" for stations. A great way
> to start might be to have DX'ers with the time, experience, etc.
> to volunteer their services to the Clear Channel stations
> in their towns, since they receive a large number of such
> requests.
>
> This personal relationship can then be parlayed into convincing
> the station to also run a DX test. If they already have a good
> relationship with a DX'er then it isn't that much of a reach.
>
> But Pete Taylor is right that such volunteers must be professional
> in their approach.
>
> 4. Unfortunately, I mainly hear the "horror story" side of QSL
> requests from station managers. Some DX'ers are pushy, rude,
> and overbearing in their quest to get that paperwork.
>
> Personally, QSLing isn't a big part of my enjoyment of the hobby.
> If I have an MP3 file with the station ID, that is much better
> "proof" of reception than any card...but I do get them when
> I can...display them with pride, and enjoy them.
>
> But I do think QSL'ers need to be very realistic about their
> request. You're asking someone to do you a favor. Take
> time out of their day to answer a letter from someone
> who enjoys something they likely don't understand.
>
> Never be rude and remember that your actions reflect
> on all of us, good and bad.
>
> I encourage all DX'ers to get to know their local broadcasters.
> Attend an SBE meeting or ask around at ham club meetings
> to see if others know engineering staff. If you're polite, most
> will be flattered by your interest. Buy the poor guy a lunch
> and talk about how he got into radio. Even if he isn't a ham,
> chances are he'll understand our love of radio on some
> level.
>
> Then use that relationship to help all of us by asking for
> a test. Remember we're happy to provide test material,
> do QSL chores, or whatever it takes to make a test
> work.
>
> 73,
>
>
> Les Rayburn, director
> High Noon Film
> 100 Centerview Drive Suite 111
> Birmingham, AL 35216
> 205.824.8930
> 205.824.8960 Fax
> 205.253.4867 Cell
> http://www.highnoonfilm.com
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Pete Taylor" <ptdx@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: "IRCA of America" <irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Monday, December 19, 2005 2:06 PM
> Subject: [IRCA] QSL MANAGERS etc.
>
>
> >I think it's great if we get stations to test in any way, shape and
> > form, and more power to those of you who tour stations and find
> > someone who is willing to do one for us. Regarding QSLs, though, it's
> > a personnel handling issue. Very often the CE is overworked and may
> > not understand what QSLs are all about or have the machinery in place
> > to take care of them. I think this aspect has to be explained. I
> > think we have to exhibit sensitivity toward maintenance of the
> > station's program continuity with minimal disruption - whether we
> > like it or not, it's a business for them and just a hobby for us -
> > and the person's time. We have to ask, "What's the best way to get
> > this done?" and opposed to presenting it as an obligation. Then the
> > option of our member acting as QSL manager should come up. The
> > station staff member has to have some degree of confidence in the
> > club member's ability to represent the station in this manner. I was
> > thinking that a promotion kit including some background on the hobby,
> > info as to what the test is about, what DXers are looking for and a
> > CD with a sample test would be a good idea. I think the one-minute
> > quickie test is absolutely better than nothing but I don't think we
> > want to close the door on opportunities or a longer duration test. I
> > guess what I am saying is that we might get better results pursuing
> > tests if our approach and materials display a modicum of
> > professionalism.
> >
> > Pete Taylor
> > Tacoma, WA
> > ICF2010 + Kiwa air core loop
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> >
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> >
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> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
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