[OKDXA] Charge for LoTW Upload ??

[NE5SD - Steve]

I don't mind paying $5 to $10 for a Direct QSL.  I like the cards.  The last
8 to 10 I have directs I have OQRS'd included an LoTW upload that showed up
unexpectedly within a few days.  I think that part was a nice touch.  On the
flip side, several DXpeditions have posted that those who OQRS will get a
very quick LoTW upload and those wanting a free upload will have to wait 6
to 8 months and maybe find out they were not in the logs.  That to me is NOT
in the spirit of ham radio.  It is almost like passive extortion.

Just my thoughts...

73

-Steve.
NE5SD


-----Original Message-----
From: okdxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net <okdxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On
Behalf Of Jeff Martin
Sent: Friday, March 24, 2023 3:57 PM
To: Oklahoma DX Association <okdxa at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [OKDXA] Charge for LoTW Upload ??

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

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