[SOC] O.T. Logbook of the World and eQSL.org

[Bob Nielsen]

On Fri, Jan 30, 2004 at 09:00:32PM -0500, Mike Besemer (KG8L) wrote:
> Sorry for the off topic post, but my curiosity is getting the better of me. 
> 
> I'm just curious how many of the folks on this list are using LOTW and/or
> eQSL.org... And what your thoughts are on either of these.
> 
> I started playing with eQSL a few months ago, and just got started with LOTW
> today.  eQSL seems to be doing much better for me... About a 10% return
> rate.  As for LOTW, I uploaded 60 log entries today and got 2 hits, which
> makes the return rate about 3.3%.  
> 
> Personally, I still prefer a card sent through the mail, and I generally
> follow up an electronic QSL with a paper card.  LOTW leaves you with nothing
> to look at and nothing to touch, which really kind of turns me off.  At
> least with eQSL, you get a card you can print.  Still, it's hard to beat
> getting a card in the mail... At least in my book.
> 

I have uploaded 2,583 QSOs to LOTW with 256 confirmations, so far
(9.9%).  I just looked at eQSL and I have received 263 there (I haven't
uploaded any).  I have many more DX QSLs at eQSL than at LOTW, however.
I have been using electronic logging (tlf) for over a year and it is
really easy to convert these files with TQSL and upload them. I'm
slowly entering my paper logs into the system.

LOTW QSLs will be valid (with a fee which is less than postage) for
major awards (at least ARRL ones), while eQSLs are not, as far as I can
tell.  Of course, I prefer getting the cards also, but (in the SOC
tradition) I don't get around to sending them out as often as I should. 
I have a pretty big pile I that I really must send to the buro.

73, Bob N7XY