[DX] It's OUT! - ARRL policy statement on eQSL / DXCC

[Steven Wheatley KU9C]

Ron, you're right...it would have been nice.  I've been trying to talk to someone at eQSL, sent a note to the webmaster, and a rather nice note from one of their volunteers ensued, but I've not heard anything more.  I really think this has a chance of adding value to what it is that we do, but if what you say is correct, where we're dealing with folks that are trying to 'defie definition' of what it is we do today, I can only hope that those same people will re-examine what it is they're trying to do.  

For example, why call it a QSL.  That's old definition.  Why not call it a cyber-thing-a-majig.  

I may be an old fart on this one, at 46 yrs old I hope not, but I feel honored to have been selected as a QSL manager to some major league players.  I think that the reason for this is my adherence to well-established "QSL Manager" rules, a willingness to listen to folks rather then tell them that their way is full of stink, and my willingness to do this, spend a ton of time, without funding my salary with most of the donations.  I think most 'old-line' QSL managers do the same.

Part of making something new work is having the patience, the desire, and the 'political correctness' of working with existing systems.  When you decide to create a new system, and throw out the baby with the bathwater, you lose a lot of what it is we're about.

I sense from reading various reflectors that some of the folks that love the concept of electronic QSL systems are looking for instant gratification.  I suspect that the same folks would love to turn on a rig, work P5SLIM in one call, and get a card one second later.   I think this is a very different view of our hobby.  I think part of the hunt is getting the dx, and part of the hunt is getting the card. 

That being said, I think electronic QSLs could be a valuable addition to the hobby.  But if you try to redefine the role of a QSL manager substantially, and charge for it along the way, hopefully you're creating your own set of awards.....that work with your system.

I know that is happening as I type.  Maybe, the final analysis will be how many people have DXCC that we know, respect and consider premier DXers, and how many have electronic country counts (can't call it DXCC 'cuz it's the old school!) that we can say the same of.

I personally would love to find a way to marry electronic QSL cards with the current DXCC system.  Hopefully an effort will be put forth to make that happen. I've offered to help.  But in the meantime, my customers want QSL cards that count for the honor roll....and that's what I'm gonna continue to do.

73