[ADXA] ZS8W Funding

[w5znjoel at gmail.com]

ADXA Folks,

 

Several weeks ago, when we discussed funding for Bouvet and 7Q6M's Malawi
Project, I noted we would see how the ZS8W op progressed before we decide on
a request from Yuris to ADXA for funding.

 

The ADXA board has discussed this and we are unable to reach a consensus
regarding funding. We are NOT, repeat NOT in disagreement over the matter,
just unable to reach consensus on what to do. As you know, the ADXA policy
for DXpedition funding states "ADXA will financially support DXpeditions to
entities in the top 50 most needed. If a DXpedition is outside the top 50 it
is evaluated on a case by case basis". ZS8 is clearly in the top 50 most
needed.

 

Since the board is unable to reach consensus we will pose the question to
the membership during our June virtual meeting. Between now and then, please
consider the following two questions:

 

1.	Should ADXA financially support the ZS8 DXpedition.
2.	If the answer to #1 is "yes", then what amount would be appropriate?

 

Here are points to consider in support of funding:

The trip to Marion Island by Yuris, YL2GM, was certainly different than most
of the big, advance planned DXpeditions ADXA help fund.  It appears Yuris,
and DXers in ZSLand were cautious to pre-announce the effort and that
several previous attempts by Yuris to gain passage to Marion on one of the
resupply ships had failed.  We have no idea what sort of financial outlay
Yuris had on his previous trips to South Africa on those attempts, or what
his expenses were getting to Marion and staying at the research station. It
obviously was not free. NCDXF and INDEXA both have contributed unknown sums
to Yuris.  Yuris emailed ADXA for support about the time he got on the boat
to ZS8.  

 

Here are points to consider in opposition to funding:

ZS8W appears to have received significant funding from other sources,
including NCDXF and INDEXA. ZS8W has not provided any details regarding the
cost of the one-man activation. Until he does, ADXA has no way of knowing if
he has personally benefited financially from the activation. While we have
no objection to his pocketing a little money for his time and effort, we
want to see a full accounting of sponsor income -vs- expenses. QSL's &
confirmations will cost ADXA members. While Yuris has stated he will do a
full LoTW upload in six months, we don't know if that will actually occur
unless an individual pays for the confirmation. Yuris has a good track
record, but we should see more specific details or action before financially
sponsoring his activation.

 

Other general notes:

The ADXA board understands a lot of folks were disappointed by the
performance of Yuris.  We believe he did a good job based on his conditions.
The research station was down to one functioning generator before the
resupply ship arrived and there were lots of infrastructure issues at the
base. DX'ing is a competitive radiosport, regardless of whether you're
competing against your own statistics or a fellow radio amateur(s). There is
no guarantee you will make it into a DXpeditions log regardless of the size
and effort of the DXpedition. That should not be a basis for DXpedition
funding.

 

So, we leave it to you, the ADXA membership, to assist the board in
determining whether to fund the ZS8 operation. If that decision is "yes",
then the board would envision a small amount around the $100 level.

 

73 Joel W5ZN

ADXA President

www.w5zn.org

 

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