[Dx-qsl] Postal rates for value received....

[Paul Ciezniak]

>From my perspective, I can't think of a better, cheaper, service, or method of delivering my birthday greetings, QSL cards, or occasional check and statement (now almost eliminated via Ecommerce on the internet) than a 41 or 42 cent stamp.  I even sent a few cards to Guam and the Marshall Islands for just 42 cents! 

Value? Gasoline is over $3/gallon, and will probably approach $4/ gallon this year. According to Wikipedia (word search = USPS), the U.S. Postal Service is the 3rd largest employer in the USA, behind the U.S. Department of Defense and Walmart, and operate the largest civilian vehicle fleet in the world.... and I get to use it for 41 or soon 42 cents a pop!

An incremental penny or two a year for my minimal, constantly shrinking use of this incredible service causes me no worry.

Bad thought: When there isn't enough first class mail to keep the USPS viable because of the almost universal, growing use of email correspondence, do we think there might be a "per email" charge levied?  HIHI

Since starting up this wonderful ham radio hobby again in 2004 at age 65, and having hit 187 DXCC entities confirmed already, I've gained a new appreciation of the postal service and the delights it brings to my door!

Here's hoping the next solar cycle 24 kicks into gear soon and I burden down my ham-radio-mailman with lots of QSLs coming in and going out!

Best wishes and 73 de
Paul J. Ciezniak, K1SEZ