[NLRS] QSLs...as per a reflector thread

[Dave Aho]

Hmmmmmmmmm...Here is what I do or have done.  I
originally started QSLing 100% no matter what, and at
the beginning I sent only my card either as a postcard
for domestic and sometimes for DX also.  I later have
made my own cards out which are two sided and require
an envelope for mailing.  this is a bit more expensive
in the long run.  I do QSL DX direct, but over the
last year I have had so many DX contacts, it is going
to break the bank if I keep doing it direct especially
if I greenstamp or IRC them.  I have my pile of cards
somewhat sorted for the bureau now, and am going to go
strictly bureau now to save cost and to more
consistantly get the cards to the station (postal
workers possibly intercepting the cards otherwise is a
possibility).  As for domestic, I try and QSL 100% for
everyday contacts, depending on my needs for
states/grids etc...for contests and nets.  Also I
usually only SASE the contacts I really need
confirmed.  This is only because with as many contests
and everyday contacts I make,I would go broke with the
postage.  I will answer any card sent to me, and
return a card, and if you have not gotten a card from
me yet it is probably because I still have not printed
out new ones yet (I am a year behind almost).  I make
it a practice now to do special events and some
contests depending on picture availability and
interest as separate cards from my standard QSL card. 
Each Field day card is going to look different, and
also some of the contests will have their own look.  I
just have to have a good week of free time to sort,
scan pics, design, and print/fill out the QSL's.  I
wish I had the funds available at this time to do 100%
QSL, but this does not mean they are not important. 
Someday, one may never know, you may get a card dating
years back for a contact, and just for the reason of
my having a bit of extra postage laying around and
wanting to get those X's filled in  on the QSL columns
in the log.  All my contacts are important to me and I
like to believe that all contacts are important to
those I talk to.  If postage was free I'd have a
heyday! *LOL*  Anyhow, I am waiting for a Marrti card
or two also, but I am thinking it is either still via
bureau or the direct is in the fingers of a greedy
postal worker.   I had better make a mental note to
get my cards done, as I am current now thru the 2003
ARRL DX contest, but nothing past that...coming up on
a year of being behind.  73, and I am thinking once
the VHF contest is done this weekend, I will have more
time to get QSLing done.

      Dave...N9TTX



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