Re: [IRCA] To Les-- (Semi-Monthly QSL Rant)

[Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

First of all, a big "Thank you" to both Willis and Patrick for their  
kind offer
to take over the QSL chores. It is much appreciated, but I'll have to  
decline (at least
for now)

To Patrick Griffith, please do send that cassette tape to me. It is no
trouble at all to review it and verify your reception. I ask only two
things, that you "cue" the tape to just before the best reception
and that you include an SASE for the QSL Card. For that matter,
please send recordings for any tests that we've conducted that you need
verified. It's not a burden at all...if folks follow the instructions.

And now to clarify the whole issue a bit:

1. The reason that I won't pass the QSL torch just yet is the need to  
build confidence in these types of QSL's. Michael Procop (and quite a  
few others) have expressed that they do not consider QSL cards issued  
by the NRC/IRCA to be valid (or as valid) as one issued
from the stations directly.

For the record, I won't accept any report and in fact, have rejected  
several that were incomplete, lacking in detail or obviously just  
false. I listen carefully to each recording and when there is doubt,  
I've set up a system of "checks and balances" where my decision can  
be reviewed by volunteer Brandon Jordan.

By doing so, I hope to make these QSL's seen as "valid" by those who  
collect verifications. In order to build that trust, I feel I need to  
maintain the quality control for now.

2. I do plan to make the rules simple and standard from now on. Those  
who don't follow them will get a simple "Sorry, no QSL until you send  
in the report as requested". But I don't want to discourage anyone  
from submitting a report. Reading Patrick Griffith's e-mail really  
made me feel bad...and I apologize if my complaints have discouraged  
anyone from reporting.

If I can read it, or hear it and verify it, I will. As a fellow DX'er  
I don't mind the extra effort, but
I do think it's unreasonable to ask a station or engineer to make any  
effort at all to verify. YOU WANT THE CARD, YOU DO THE WORK. That  
seems simple enough to me.

If the station wants it via e-mail---you better find a way to send an  
e-mail. If they want it sent via smoke signals, I suggest you learn  
to build a fire. Simple. By simply signing and returning the card,  
they're doing you a favor. Don't ever forget that.

3. In terms of the rules for test verifications, they're going to be  
simple.

A. E-mail is first choice with an MP3 recording of the test attached.
B. Other file attachments such as .wav, .ra, or .aiff are acceptable.
C. E-mails with log details and no recordings are acceptable.
D. Postal reports are fine. If you include a recording, we'd prefer  
to receive a CD, or cassette
tape that is cued just before the time of best reception.
E. An SASE must be included to receive the card. Donations, dollar  
bills, stamps, etc. are not acceptable. An SASE is a must.

My parents raised me to be respectful of other people. And these  
rules are a simple way of insuring that whoever is doing the  
verification can do it quickly, accurate, and with a minimum of  
effort. That is showing respect for that person's efforts to provide  
something that you want.
It's common horse sense too.

=====================================
73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
NRC/IRCA Broadcast Test Coordinator










On Apr 11, 2007, at 2:21 AM, Patrick Griffith, N0NNK / WPE9HVW wrote:

> Willis said: I would accept any report, even written in crayon, as  
> long
> as it was correct. I can now send out the QSL's in the snail mail or
> e-mail.
> //////
> Willis and all;  I have sadly missed out on several recent test QSLs
> because the only format I have available for recording is cassette  
> tape.
> After previously discussing this with Les, I have avoided sending  
> him my
> cassette recordings because I understand what a burden it is for him.
> Believe me, as a MW QSL hound for almost 40 years, this self restraint
> has been difficult for me. But as the QSL manager for a number of
> stations over the years, and the coordinator of several previous  
> tests,
> I fully understand what a burden this is for Les. As an example, I
> presently have a great recording of the recent UT test that I
> reluctantly did not submit for a QSL. I'm not complaining and I don't
> want to steal anyone's thunder. But let it be known that I too  
> would be
> willing to volunteer my help if needed.
>
> Patrick Griffith, Westminster CO
> Broadcast Technician
> NRC Broadcasting - Denver
> http://community.webtv.net/N0NNK/
> http://community.webtv.net/AM-DXer/
>
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