[Dx-qsl] SOME REASONS FOR QSL CARD DELAYS

[Steven Wheatley KU9C]

Chris,

I appreciate your comment, and in fact, I struggle with that issue.  And frankly, I'm probably going to slow down somewhat......it's tough to keep going at this rate.....for a lot of reasons...but when you read unsigned messages on some of the reflectors that are rather nasty....well...it's tough to keep the volunteer spirit lit!  


This is not about your comment...I do appreciate it.  However, I want to share some of what has been going thru my mind here...


I think all of us need to think a bit.....about...what's changed in the last 20 years.  DXpeditions have gotten bigger, perhaps, but with computer logging, computer QSL label generation, and the like, I suspect things are actually FASTER, much FASTER than they were even 10 years ago.  I remember filling each QSL card when I started by hand, then a dot matrix printer and those big computer labels.....etc etc.  I know my 'throughput' is substantially greater now......thanks to laser printers and fantastic log software.  

As I look thru the last year, I realize that the only thing that has changed is the advent of the internet, reflectors, and the ability for you to know when the first card that is issued appears, when someone gets on a reflector or cluster and say 'i've got mine'.  Then, everyone starts their clock, and if a week goes by without a card, the automatic assumption is that it was lost in the mail.  And, when a month goes by...well, you get the idea.

So....As I see it, we're all probably more efficient than we used to be, yet folks are restless.  And the criticism comes out pretty quick.  I think the only 'difference' of distinction is the use of reflectors and clusters to announce the arrival of the first card.

I  think the only way a manager can avoid this, is to work all the cards, and then essentially do a bulk mailing in one day or one week of all the direct cards.  Thus, everyone waits and most everyone gets them at the same time.  I've been sorely tempted to do this, but I think I'd rather take the heat of some not getting their cards as quickly as others.

I w/ill note that many get their cards delayed due to their own working, but.....that's a 'how to qsl lecture' for another day.

Bottom line, I hear you...and frankly, I am going to slow down a bit...it's not worth it.  However, for those of you that have gotten this far....there is only a few amateurs that take time away from their family and their operating time to do cards....it's a thankless, for the most part, job that requires a serious commitment.  I'd ask each of you to consider volunteering...but please be up to the task at hand, and please do it with the quality and integrity that our hobby demands and deserves.

73
Steve



--------------------------- 
Steve Wheatley KU9C 
PO Box 31
Morristown NJ  07963-0031 
U.S.A. 

email:  ku9c@ku9c.com 
http://www.ku9c.com/



---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
Wrom: ZOWCONEUQZAAFXISHJEXXIMQZUIVOTQNQEMSFD
Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2002 07:37:41 -0500

>This is all well and good but what about those of us that have been
>waiting over 6 months to a year for cards.  Perhaps you may be
>overstreatching yourself by trying to manage so many other amateurs.