[DX] VP8THU video

Sun, 12 May 2002 21:04:56 -0400

Charles, a few comments:

While there are maybe 100 verified links, I suggest you rely more on a QSL
card than a search engine.  Anyone can put up a site and claim to be a
DXpedition foundation.  Only those that fund them get the logos on the card,
generally.  Another method is to review the stuffers that come with the QSL
cards you get.   You'll see the classic ones, such as NCDXF and INDEXA from
the USA, and similar foundations from other countries and continents, on
most of the cards.

IF you belong to a DX foundation, and don't see their logo on cards, you
might want to inquire as to what they're doing with your hard-earned money.
Perhaps its use is not consistent with your interests, to the extent you're
chasing the rare DX.

I haven't seen any arm twisting.  Most certainly not from folks going to
'garden variety' DX locations.  Now, take the top 50 or so countries.  I've
certainly seen, and been a part of frankly, soliciting donations, both
before and after DXpeditions.  I'm VERY aware of what a DXpedition
costs...from a bare-bones effort to a very well organized, and EXPENSIVE
operation.  I don't consider it arm twisting, I consider it a means whereby
the country can be activated.

I know many of the well known hams personally.  I have a fairly good idea of
their net worth.  I know, to some extent, how extravagant they live their
lives.  You make it sound like these guys are all CEOs of large companies
basking in incredible stock options.  Hardly the case.  More typically, they
are hard working folks that spend their personal money and personal time
furthering our hobby.  They deserve, in fact, I'd argue command our respect.
Some of these folks single-handedly have done more for the hobby of DX than
you or I will ever be able to do.  And I'm in awe and extremely grateful for
their efforts.  And I tend to get annoyed when someone takes cheap shots at
folks that try to further our hobby along.

EVEN IF they were millionaires, does that make it their responsibility to
fund our hobby.  Heck no.  Very few dxpeditions 'break even' in terms of
funding.  It's a tough fight to recover the majority of the costs.   I've
got a ton of data that can show this, and am fairly aware of the financial
situation of DXpeditions I've not been actively involved in.  The deficit is
covered in most cases by the team members.  I'm assuming you are an active
DXer...in which case you should be thankful for the folks that put out the
money, especially up front, to make these adventures happen.  The bands
would be void of many of the pileups you enjoy today should they find better
places to spend it.

Next time you're on the air, and are annoyed with the person that is
operating, remember, he or she paid a good deal to get to that end of the
microphone or key.  I remember in Pratas 1998, someone jumped on me for
taking a few minutes to speak to a personal friend in the USA.   Upon my
return, I gave him a synopsis of my 'out of pocket' expenses, not including
two weeks of vacation taken, and suggested that if he wanted to fund that on
the next one, I'd be glad to 'do it his way'.

Never saw the check....

73
Steve KU9C

----- Original Message -----
From: "CJ" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2002 3:21 PM
Subject: Re: [DX] VP8THU video

> Hello Steve and DX List,
>   I did a search on DXpedition Foundations and got 100+ verified links.
> List available on request. (html document)
>    Sure if a Ham wants to contribute then OK. What I object to are the
> tactics and arm-twisting and whining and crying that some use in their
> posts to try and influence others to give $$$ by associating feelings of
> guilt and / or  accusations lack of "True Ham Spirit" is they choose not
> to donate. Bullshit on that crap....
>   Steve many of the well-known Hams that choose to do DXpeditions are
> millionaires and are simply entertaining themselves while also putting a
> "rare one" on-the-air.  You know that... I believe it is way over-hyped
> how we should all be eager to kick-in to help these valiant DX crusaders
> carry on their noble missions.
>   They - all - go wherever - they - want to and no one should feel
> responsible to pay for those guy's vacations!!!
>
>
> 73 / DX  de Charles
> AB7SL - Ham Radio Pages
> www.ab7sl.com
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> DX mailing list
> [email protected]
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/dx
>