[SFDXA] ARRL Electronic QSL Policy

[Bill Marx]

ARRL Electronic QSL Policy

NEWINGTON, CT, Mar 7, 2002--Recent discussion regarding the QSL service offered by eQSL.ccTM suggests that there is some confusion
about ARRL QSL policy. Simply put, there has been no change in League policy regarding e-QSLs. ARRL does not accept QSLs that have
been transmitted to the recipient via electronic means for its awards. Anyone acting as an authorized QSL manager, however, may
receive logs via e-mail (or any other direct means) and send QSL cards, via post mail, to recipients. This is the traditional QSL
manager process. As has always been the case, certain norms are expected when handling cards in this manner.

First, we expect that a QSL manager will seek permission from operators for whom QSLs are handled. We do not accept cards from
unauthorized QSL managers for DXCC credit. Such an authorization must be a proactive choice of the DX station rather than an
"opt-out" default authority given to a bulk mailer.

Second, since most operators requesting QSLs expect that the returned cards will correctly reflect the actual QSO data, we expect
that a QSL manager will do the checking required to assure that only real contacts are verified. We all know that raw logs contain
many errors. A recent sample from a bulk-mailing QSL service show three out of five QSOs confirmed were not in the recipient's log.
This is unacceptable. Often, these errors are only detected when incoming cards are compared to the log. The distribution of QSLs,
without any checking of the information contained on the incoming cards is poor QSLing practice, and may lead to blanket rejection
of all QSL cards from the station/manager in question.

Also, we expect to be able to identify cards as authentic. Many cards are printed on home printers, and, in many cases, the data is
printed on card stock at the same time. Although this is technically acceptable, the process often makes verification difficult. In
certain cases we may reject these cards. Cards should be personalized or otherwise made unique through the use of a stamp or other
personal mark (signature or initials) across a label boundary.

Finally, the concept of obtaining a QSL card at no charge is a long-held tradition in ham radio and DXCC, and we endeavor to
continue this tradition. QSL managers handling cards for DXCC submission must make cards available if adequate postage is supplied.
Postage can be supplied by sending International Reply Coupons (IRCs), direct funds, or SASEs. We consider it an ethics violation if
cards can only be claimed through payment of a fee; thus, we will not accept cards for DXCC credit for which a fixed charge is made.
A number of well-known DXpeditioners and QSL managers do not accept bureau cards, but we are not aware of any cases where a card
will not be forthcoming if adequate postage is provided.

For its awards, the ARRL does not accept electronically transmitted QSLs that are printed by the recipient. There is no restriction
placed on how log information is conveyed to an authorized QSL manager, however. Cards provided by QSL managers who make a
reasonable effort to comply with the guidelines presented here will be gladly accepted for DXCC credit.

For more information, contact ARRL Membership Services Department Manager Wayne Mills, N7NG; 860-594-0291.