[Fists] New features on the QSL Bureau Web Site

[Stan Reas]

The FISTS QSL Bureau web address is now: <www.fistsburo.org>

With the move we are now able to provide search features.

We have a "Status Search" feature in the testing stage.  Using it you can 
type in your call and be advised how many cards and how many envelopes are 
on file at the Bureau for you.  The database will include calls of all 
members for whom we have received at least one card since November 1997.

On the Web Page just below the "Table of Contents" you will find:

New Status Search: To find out the number of your envelopes and the number 
of cards
for you we have on hand in the Bureau

You'll get a new page where you can type in your call.


We also have a search feature for List 1 of those who have or have had 
SASE's on file at the Bureau.  Item 1 on the index page now reads:

1. The 3764 FISTS Members who HAVE or have had SASE's on file.  Beta Testing of
Searching Feature for this list.

You will get a new page and can type in a callsign and be advised whether 
that member:

         has or has had SASE's on file with the Bureau
                 or
         QSL's direct only
                 or
         does not QSL at all
                 or
         QSL information is unknown - (No information available)

You can still get the full list of those members who have or have had 
SASE's on file.  You can then scroll down through the list of 3764 calls, 
which are sorted alphabetically by "call number"

We think the "Searching Feature" will make it much easier to determine what 
the member does as far as QSLing.


For the time being we will continue to have Lists 2a and 2b available.

         2.a - Those who have not yet furnished any SASE's

         2.b - Those who we have used their "Last" SASE.

The information from Lists 3a and 3b will continue to be available.  But 
also the information will be provided by the "Searching Feature" as noted 
above.

3. FISTS Members that do NOT use the Bureau Note: 3a and 3b are included in 
this Search.
     3c is included in this Search.
          3a. And will only QSL direct.
          3b. Or who do not QSL at all.
          3c. Or who have not responded to our previous requests for SASE's

We probably will eliminate List 3c because of the logistics involved in 
keeping it current.

One of the local hams, Anthony Brooks WM3T has been the brains behind 
getting the new web site address and designing these search features.

Let us know if you have problems using the new search features or if the 
data you get is wrong.

73, Stan - K4UK
FISTS QSL Bureau
1020 Long Island Drive
Moneta, VA  24121
<www.fistsburo.org>