[DX] DXpedition Greenstamps (was VP8THU video)

Sun, 12 May 2002 15:42:43 -0400

Ron, I think that, with the request for donations, comes some degree of
accountability for their use.  I know that every DXpedition that I have
managed, every penny, including the 20 cents I 'make' on a greenstamp
provided for a 80 cent stamp, or the sale of a IRC, is carefully accounted
for.  It is then returned to the DXpedition to 'pay the bills'.

I can also tell you that, for example, when a ham throws a greenstamp into a
station i manage that is NOT a dxpedition...it is returned to that station
in some form or another.  If anyone has worked one of my CO8 guys on 6
meters, you can thank some greenstamps, and a bit of heroics getting a rig
and amp to him.  Some of the others have logging software, monoband contest
beams, or new modes because of these greenstamps.  Even the 'contest
stations' such as WP2Z.  I'm heading down there in a bit, and taking a 6
meter beam, and a WARC beam is in the works....to provide a few more bands
for guys to work off contest.

I figure when a ham gives me a greenstamp, they want me to put it to good
use.  I can either do as above, buy beer/soda/coffee for my personal
enjoyment while stuffing envelopes, or return it.  I make the assumption
that it wasn't meant to be returned, or it wouldn't have found it's way into
the envelope.  I have always managed to fund my own beer supply...so I feel
the most appropriate use is as above.  Hopefully you all agree.

That being said, I believe you are safe to assume the greenstamps will go to
the right place with DXpeditions if you send something to the manager.  It's
sometimes less clear if it's not a DXpediton, such as the contest stations
and 'normal' stations that I've hinted at above.  I think, as a QSL manager,
I owe you some degree of detail on where it goes.  I sense I'm doing a fair
job on that, based on the greenstamps I get.

One thing that does bother me, and you've read this before...is people
handling cards that claim they cannot afford to answer via the bureau.  That
bothers me, as I don't understand the math that leads them to that
conclusion.    I'm not sure I'd throw much in the way of greenstamps in that
situation, without understanding how they're used for.  As you might sense,
I do bureau cards, sometimes slowly, but that also is part of what your
greenstamp goes towards....and I think it helps a lot of budding hams out
and encourages the hobby.

Tell me you don't enjoy a bureau envelope in your mailbox.

73
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Stordahl" <[email protected]>
To: "Steven Wheatley KU9C" <[email protected]>;
<[email protected]>; <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2002 3:14 PM
Subject: Re: [DX] VP8THU video

> I suspect many wonder, I know that I do, what happens when we put in a
> little extra cash with our QSL request.  It seems to me to be the most
> direct way to make a contribution towards a DXPedition which we have
> appreciated.
>
> Ron N5IN
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Steven Wheatley KU9C" <[email protected]>
> To: <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>
> Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2002 1:08 PM
> Subject: Re: [DX] VP8THU video
>
>
> > While I'm a firm believer that we should donate only to those things
that
> we
> > feel have met our own personal 'hurdles' for us to open our own
checkbook
> or
> > wallet or purse, I continue to remind all of you that without donations,
> > most/all of the rare DX we've been able to work, or perhaps were
> frustrated
> > because we didn't work, got to the place so we could work them as 'rare
> dx'
> > BECAUSE OF DONATIONS.  Look at the transportation costs alone of
> operations
> > like VP6DI and PW0T.
> >
> > Add up what you've got into ham radio, antennas, equipment, and the
like.
> > Add up the fun you've had chasing the new one.  Remember the top ten
best
> > chases you've had for that elusive 'new one' in the last few years.  And
> > then, imagine not having that chase because there were no brave souls or
> > organizations willing to commit the $$$ (up front, usually, I might add)
> to
> > get to the 'rare one'.
> >
> > Certainly not everyone is in a position to donate.  I understand that.
> But
> > if you can, you should seriously consider it.  EVEN IF it's not 'run the
> way
> > you'd like it'.  Remember, unless you front the cost of the operation,
> your
> > donation is likely still a small part of the total cost of the
operation.
> > And the operators, planners, and organizers of the dxpedition have a lot
> > more skin in the game, including, quite often, putting their personal
> safety
> > at increased risk to give you that new one.
> >
> > If that were not the case, most often it wouldn't be rare to begin with!
> >
> > 73
> > Steve
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> > [email protected]
> > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/dx
> >
>
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