[DX] Email from ARRL President about eQSL's / DXCC

[Tomas Hood - NW7US]

I've been following a lot of recent issues that folks have about
this, that, and the 0ther-things that relate to ARRL decisions,
etc.  If folks have so many thoughts and take issue with things,
they need to vocalize not to the general public only (I think that
is a good thing to do), but also to those in the ARRL -- so it
seems that it is an important process that needs to be followed if
change is desired.

I, for what it is worth, pulled all of my logs off of eQSL, for
several reasons.

1)  It does not seem to fulfill any REAL purpose.  You cannot tack
up a computer screen to a wall, to display your pride in a QSL
card.

2)  You cannot put a computer screen into a book that you someday
will pass on to younger generations who are interested in your
radio history.

3)  No one really is going to use *my* logs for their awards, I
bet, for a long while.

4)  The magic of card exchange is lost in the instant electronic
confirmation.  I know who I worked, and they know they worked me. 
So why have an electronic confirmation?  We know each other already
and it is confirmed.  The card is a way to HOLD SOMETHING IN YOUR
HAND to remember that exchange.  Like a business card, a flower, a
picture, a keepsake.

5)  I don't need a QSL manager.  I don't want someone to make money
off of my logs.

I am behind on sending real cards.  Because I have to print them. 
But, I want to have GOOD cards that represent ME and my outlook on
the hobby.  And my taste in art.  I cannot really do that with
eQSL, without paying for it.  So what favor are they doing for me? 
It is a business for them to make money on.  Otherwise, why do it? 
I am not against them doing business.  However, I don't want my
hobby to be used as a way for someone else to make money.  If
anyone should make money, I should.  :)  heh.

I am more concerned with ARRL's competitive move into this arena. 
They are going to lock out everyone else to do what they want to
do.  That is more of an issue to me.

These thoughts belong to me.  They are only opinions.  Opinions are
worth their weight in gold.

73 de NW7US, Tomas
   (Army MARS, AAR0JA/T)
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