[Dx-qsl] DXpedition QSLing

[Steven Wheatley KU9C]

Folks,

This discussion of DXpedition QSLing, priority mailing, mail theft, etc, leaves a very bad taste in my mouth.  

I think it's safe to say, for the vast majority of managers, and obviously for all of the large dxpeditions, the objective is to get all of the QSLs answered that send in SASEs.  If there is a donation, I believe it's safe to say that it will always go to some aspect of the operation, and is greatly appreciated.  DXpeditions cost a LOT of money to pull off, especially the large ones to difficult/dangerous places.  Every manager does it differently, to some extent.  And we often share amongst ourselves what works/what doesnt work/what could be done differently.

I'm quite sure that there is no manager that says, well, I'll mail out all of the $100 donations, sit a month, then mail out the $75 donations, etc etc..  Imagine trying to manage this process, let alone sitting on the stacks of envelopes for the 'right time' to mail.  Managers generally want to get rid of the pile as soon as they can. 

Generally, I'd say if you have a complaint, sign up and help out.  However, there are a lot of reasons why a manager may limit participation.  I can tell you that, myself, I try to do most or all of it on my own.  It's an integrity issue, and I like to minimize the mistakes that can creep in during the QSL process.  If you think that you can look at the log, just press a button to print all KU9C qso's, there's nothing further from the truth.  It takes time, takes patience, and at the end of the day, it's all about the integrity of the awards we use these pieces of cardboard to chase.

I often read these threads, and the thought comes to mind, why do I (or we) manage QSL cards.   I guess I'd just say, be glad we do...and remember we're volunteering a TON of hours so you can put that card on the wall.  

73