WS6X QSL Policies
I very much enjoy trading QSL cards with the stations I contact. Of course, in order to obtain most awards — the DXCC award (100 countries contacted), for example — I have to submit proof of these contacts to the organization that issues the award. The QSL card contains all the information about the contact (date, time, frequency, etc.) and serves as "proof" of a valid contact.
Over the years, in the process of chasing many awards, I have amassed quite a large QSL collection. Many hams mount these cards on the walls of their shacks and fondly refer to this as "wallpaper." Since I have so many cards I elected to store the most memorable ones in a photo album. When I talk to someone about my hobby, it is quite easy to play show and tell with the cards displayed like this.
For a ham who makes many thousands of contacts in his lifetime, sending QSL cards and managing the collection is a sizeable and costly undertaking. Personally, I have nearly reached the pinnacle of award chasing, so don't have much need to send cards anymore. However, I always try to faithfully respond to all QSL requests.
I do however, have strong preferences as to how I QSL. With the reality of Internet-based, electronic QSL-ing systems, the need for a hard-copy of a card has been eliminated for all but a few awards. For those who still want a "real" card for their collections, I am happy to send my QSL card.
Logbook of the World
This is by far my first choice for exchanging QSLs. The LoTW offers a fast, economical alternative to sending QSL cards directly to another station via the postal system. With the personal computer taking over so many other aspects of the ham radio experience, it was only a matter of time, and for me, a very welcome development, to be able to exchange QSLs electronically.
As an added bonus, registered users of LoTW can apply credits directly to their DXCC award programs from the QSL matches in Logbook of the World. For any ham who is seriously chasing award credits, LoTW is a game-changer!
I faithfully upload my logs to LoTW at least once per week — usually daily. So if you want an easy, prompt response for a QSL request from me, get set up with LoTW! If by some chance LoTW doesn't find a match for a QSO you're looking for, drop me an Email note. I will manually check my log.
Direct Mail
For those who still collect cards, or perhaps are just beginning their collections, I am always happy to send a card. However, as a courtesy, please include a SASE (Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope). This common courtesy should be standard practice for those who really want a card. And, please do not send your card as a postcard, or include only postcard return postage! Open QSLs in the U.S. mail get so terribly mangled; it makes no sense to send in that fashion.
International requests should also include an SAE and sufficient U.S. postage, for an airmail return. NOTE: U. S. "Green Stamps" are also acceptable! :)
Unless I'm away from home, every request I receive as above, will be sent by return post the next business day. You'll have your card in a matter of days.
One final NOTE:
- I do NOT use the BURO!
- I do NOT use QRZ Log!
- Confirmations through eQSL do NOT count for any awards I pursue. Consequently, I spend very little time with the system. I try to upload my logs at the end of every month.