[Dx-qsl] Disappointed

[dx-qsl@mailman.qth.net]

Kevin,

  Good info & advise.  Some of these things we gripe about such as no
SAE, return postate etc may simply be because many newer hams are not
aware of how "the system works". Plain innocent ingorance.  This method
has as worked pretty well for me. I try to put myself in the QSL mgrs
position and keep in mind to make it as easy as possible for the QSL mgr
to process my card. When I QSL direct I write in pencil my call sign and
RS/RST in large letters on rear of my QSL card as that is where my QSO
info is. I use Euro style "nested" envelopes. I affix or attach the
correct return foreign air mail postage to my SAE when I can get it. If u
prefer IRC's, that's OK too but make sure they are valid and cover
current return postage costs.  For DXpeditions etc I will sometimes also
enclose a USD $2 bill to cover for any poss postage shortage, help with
QSO costs etc. I write my call sign and the QSO info clearly in pencil on
the underside of the envelope under the flap on my return SAE so it  will
not "get lost" mixed up etc.(i.e. W3AWU 12JAN02 1344GMT 12M 2XCW 599). I
type the address & return address on both envelopes. On my SAE I type my
name, address etc in cap letters, double spaced. Don' t forget to type
the country below the "TO" address on both envelopes as well as on your
return envelope. Also include the country for  return addresses in all
cases. I usually double or triple space the country below the "TO"
addressee. Sometimes I also type the continent below the country. 
Remember the guy from Georgia(USA) who airmailed an envelope to the
republic of Georgia only to find it in his mailbox 2 days later? Well, I
have had the same thing happen. Perhaps some letter carriers or postal
employees who process mail do not know what country or continent they are
in!    If any QSL mgrs can comment on my method or give me advice on how
to impove my "system" or to help them in processing, pls e-mail me
direct..unless you think it might help others. That's my 2 cent's worth
for this year. Oh yes, anyone know the best way to include return postage
for  a QSL card from ST2SA worked on 15 Feb02?  He said QSL direct to his
Khartoum address. Can't find Sudanese postage stamps for my SAE... GL, DX
& 73   Al  W3AWU

On Sat, 16 Feb 2002 10:16:24 -0800 "Kevin Gehrke" <kg6d@attbi.com>
writes:
> Hi There,
> 
> I just got back from Europe where I stayed at the QTH of a QSL 
> manager.
> While there I helped with the daily chore of replying to the QSL 
> requests for the many stations that are managed.
> I was very disappointed to see that out of all the requests, that 
> many USA hams did not bother to send a return envelope
> or any return postage. This QSL manager was kind enough to paid out 
> of their own pocket to reply. Of course there was a note
> that no return envelope or postage was included and would be 
> required for any future QSL requests.
> If it was up to me, the request would have been in the round file.
> 
> Please tell your HAM friends that QSLing is not free.
> 
> Thanks
> Kevin
> 
> 
> Please help QSL.NET . Send your donation now.

  ALFRED CAMMARATA
           W3AWU