[OKDXA] Charge for LoTW Upload ??

[Jeff Martin]

Good Afternoon OKDXA...

In light of the recent trend of DXpeditions holding back LoTW 
confirmations in an effort to gain more contributions, or even charging 
a fee for LoTW upload of your QSO info, I ask your opinion:

Are you in favor of charging for a LoTW upload?

Was this the original intent of ARRL when LoTW was created, that you 
would have to pay for an upload?

I know we have at least two members of this list, Coy and Sierra, who 
have some experience with ARRL and ARRL DXCC recommendations. What are 
your opinions? What is the official ARRL position regarding DXpeditions 
requiring payment for LoTW uploads?

The reason I am asking... In addition to just noticing recent trends 
regarding QSL policy of DXpeditions, I recently have had communications 
with two upcoming DXpeditions regarding support. One criteria for 
support we always look at is the group's QSL practices. Here are some 
recent examples:

* For a donation of $15(USD), or greater we will process your LoTW from 
the island (automatically)
* Express LoTW  via OQRS $4.00(USD) LoTW processed within 48 hours.
* Bureau QSL: Bureau cards are available for $3(USD)..
    ((Until recently it was standard practice to offer free bureau cards 
- That's another subject...))
* OQRS Direct QSL+LoTW: via paypal $15
*OQRS Bureau QSL: via paypal $3
*Express LoTW via OQRS $4
*Direct QSL:  via PayPal $5.50(USD)

Maybe I am old school, or maybe just old... I recall when the phrase 
"The final courtesy of a QSO is a QSL Card" meant something... Here's my 
opinion, for what it's worth, probably 2 cents or less... hi...
   A DXpedition should expect a small payment for a direct QSL card to 
cover the cost of the QSL card and postage. Today, $3 should be enough 
via paypal. Voluntary contributions over that amount are welcomed, but 
not required. It's been a long standing tradition that bureau cards 
could be requested for free. I understand there is some cost associated 
with sending bureau cards, historically this has been an accepted part 
of DXpedition expenses. I've paid it myself on my DX trips. I am in 
favor of maintaining this tradition, for the good of DXing...
   The ARRL established the LoTW system in part to help with the rising 
cost of QSLing. I doubt it was ever intended that DXpeditions would 
charge DXers to do a simple file upload of their QSO info to LoTW. 
(Please correct me if I am wrong.) I am not in favor of charging money 
for a LoTW upload.
   Everyone is aware of the increasing costs associated with going on a 
DXpedition. Soliciting support is fine. Asking for voluntary 
contributions is fine. I am in favor of voluntary contributions, with an 
emphasis on "voluntary". In most cases those going on a DXpedition 
expect to pay their expenses. Some help from the audience is nice, but 
not required or expected. Requiring support by excessive or restrictive 
QSL practices is not in the true spirit of DXing. This recent trend is 
not in the best interest of DXing...

   So, OKDXA members, what do you think? I am trying to determine club 
policy, our criteria for support, and how to respond to requests for 
funding. What are your feelings regarding DXpedition QSL practices? Are 
we too out of date with the time, too old-school? I hope not...

73 & Gud DX,

Jeff Martin - K5WE
OKDXA President