[Dx-qsl] WPX WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR THIS PROGRAM

[Scott Armstrong]

This was posted on the ARRL-LOTW user group on Nov 25th.


------------------------------
*Mike - W1NV* <https://groups.arrl.org/g/ARRL-LoTW/message/41920#>
Nov 25   #41920    <https://groups.arrl.org/g/ARRL-LoTW/message/41920>

I recently sent a message to the ARRL DXCC Desk to inquire about the WPX's
program status. Awards Manager Sharon Taratula responded today. My email
and response are posted below for anyone curious about WPX. Thanks.


*ORIGINAL EMAIL (11/22/24):*

“In October 2024, Steve Bolia (N8BJQ) advised another ARRL member that he
is no longer affiliated with the CQ WPX Award, including its relationship
with submitted LoTW applications for the award. As such, I’m aware that a
number of applicants have had pending WPX applications for quite some time.
Unfortunately, the LoTW WPX discussion page still annotates Steve as the
current and primary point of contact. Can the ARRL provide me with an
update as to who has taken over the CQ WPX program, in coordination with
the ARRL, as it specifically relates to submitted WPX applications via
LoTW? Thank you. I understand fully that the award is a CQ Award and not
specifically an ARRL Award. However, since the relationship has been
historically established, and uses LoTW, I’m hopeful that the ARRL is
communicating with the appropriate parties regarding this issue. If you
don’t have a new point of contact as of yet, can you provide an update as
to the status of the program as a whole and its relationship with LoTW and
the ARRL? Thank you.”



*RESPONSE (11/25/24): *



“At present (with the death of CQ Owner Dick Ross, K2MGA), his wife is
trying to get matters back in order. This includes getting the WPX Award
back in order.  We have not heard any more regarding actions, but we have
reached out to Mrs. Ross to reach an understanding of what their plan is (I
suspect she is busy with the estate).

We don’t feel WPX will end, but we do not yet know what their next step
will be.  We understand the wait doesn’t explain anything, and our cyber
attack didn’t help. Please allow us a bit more time to work the issue with
CQ / Mrs. Ross.”

On Sat, Nov 30, 2024 at 7:55 PM Sherwin TAMES <cqw4qnw at gmail.com> wrote:

> After spending literally thousands of hours over the years
> invested in this program,  and initially throwing my lot with
> the CQ program,  has it all been in vein. ???
>
> LOTW inherited those qsl that were directed through that
> program so in fact I do have two different data basis.
>
> Now CQ IS DOA and thru the generosity of W1CU Jonathan
> has picked up the list of WPX HONOR ROLL calls and totals
> of unique prefixes.  Until a more comprehensive program in
> initiated, all those who chose the CQ version and do not have
> Honor Roll status...are all up the s.creek.
>
> So, my question is...what are other Honor Rollers doing
> and secondarily what if anything is or will LOTW do.  Will
> they move to inherit the cq record books into their program?
> Sadly, their self-inflicted computer failures have dug themselves deep
>  into a hole that they cannot recover even after close to a year.
>
> Mind you,,,this is NOT a contest.   It is the ultimate challenge
> and self policing.   Any "cheating" is only self gratifying and
> personally irresponsible.
>
> I will continue my personal WPX CHALLENGE as it has brought
> me many "conversations" with hams that are still with us in order
> to search the world for qsls from my 60+ years of my electronic log book.
>
> Am I the last man standing in the wpx world.. ????????????
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