[South Florida DX Association] A better explanation of the TO4E TO4WW log blackout...

[Richard M. Gillingham]

I got this this morning, but didn't post it 'til now.  sri

Gil
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Hello DXers:

A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EACH OF YOU.

With the Christmas season in full swing and most folks doing last minute
shopping (myself included) DXing has taken a back seat this week.

Please note that there is a PAGE 5 this week.  It is a calendar of events
for 2004.   Hopefully you will find it useful in planning your operating
activities for the coming year.

I'll take this opportunity to provide further information on the TO4E web
site Log Search.  I initially reported that the logs were on the web
site.  Then some time later I discovered and reported to you that they had
been suspended with a somewhat cryptic note about intervention by someone
at ARRL.  I did not intend to add to the "confusion" but after all of the
"discussion" on the DX Reflectors, I feel that I must add the following
statement from Wayne Mills at ARRL.  Hopefully this will answer many of
your questions and bring some peace to this Holiday season.

QUOTE:

The TO4E/TO4WW log included a wildcard call search. In the opinion of most
good QSL managers, the web log is a real compromise when it comes to QSLing
integrity. If all QSL managers would issue cards only for QSOs that are
actually in the log, and the log has no errors, there would be no problem.

Anyone who has ever dealt with DXpedition QSLing, knows that neither of the
above are true. Many QSL managers respond to charges that "you busted my
call." "It's only one dit off, and it's your fault"(by issuing the card).
This happens all the time. With the TO4E log published with a search
feature, it is too easy for me to find the N7NZ QSO on 12 meters and claim
that they busted my call and I should get a card. It happens all the time.

The contents of a DXpedition log should never be published, but we have all
agreed that it's acceptable (and useful for DXers) as long as no dates and
times are published, and no wildcard searches are allowed. I already got a
positive response from the TO4 boys, and I am sure they will correct the
matter.

73,  Wayne, N7NG/7

UNQUOTE


Remember there will be NO QRZ DX  NEXT WEEK.  This next one will be January
7.

Thanks for all of your support during the past year and may 2004 bring each
of you what you want.

Very 73,

Carl, N4AA



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