QRZ Callsign Database Policy Update

[AA7BQ]

Today we are announcing some new policy changes regarding callsigns that are listed in the QRZ Callsign database. #These changes are effective immediately and some (see below) are retroactive.

1. Callsign Designators - a.k.a. "slashed callsigns". #QRZ will no longer accept callsign designators, prefixed or suffixed, as independent callsigns. #For example, while on vaction I might operate on the air as J3/AA7BQ. #Due to a previous bug in the QRZ server software, many people entered such reciprocal operating callsigns into the QRZ database. #

These listings were problematic for both the QRZ website and the QRZ CDROM, and they were of questionable value to begin with. #As of the lastest software update, the server will no longer accept or record such entries. The logic is that anybody wanting to contact the callsign holder could just as easily look them up by their primary callsign. #

We encourage those wanting to make information available regarding their operations in foreign countries, temporary operating permits, etc., to place this information in the biography area of their listing. #There is virtually no limit to the amount of data that can be presented in this manner, and, you can input virtually anything you want about your activities.

Previously entered "slashed" callsigns (some 1090 entries), are being removed from our database. #Anyone wishing to recover all or part of the biography information that was previously saved under their slashed listing should send me an email.

2. Non-Ham Callsigns - these include SWL's, Weather watchers, and others. #We will continue to accept SWL listings so long as they are issued by a formal body, and so long as they have an alphanumeric format. #An SWL callsign can not be a primary login account that manages amateur radio callsigns. #Non-amateur callsigns will continue to be excluded from the QRZ CDROM and will take last priority in server management resource queues. #In other words, they will be listed on a time and space available basis only.

In general, we don't think that an amateur should create a callsign database listing for every activity that they may participate in. #That's why we provide the ample biography area for each callsign.

We will not accept CB radio callsigns from any country, "handles", or other ficticious names into the callsign database.

As always, we appreciate your thoughts and comments and we extend our thanks to all of our loyal users.

-fred #AA7BQ

[WD8OQX]

Sounds good to me & I (for one) agree 100%. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[no5x]

concur!

[N7AAO]

Amen!

[ad5td]

Nuff Said!

BTW, this is wierd. #I tried to respond, and the "ikonboard" said I was not logged in. #I looked at the top of the page and there is was "Logged in as KD5UJX". #Wasupwitdat?

[WD8OQX]

Quote[/b] (KD5UJX @ Aug. 11 2004,08:55)]Nuff Said!

BTW, this is wierd. #I tried to respond, and the "ikonboard" said I was not logged in. #I looked at the top of the page and there is was "Logged in as KD5UJX". #Wasupwitdat?
Try loging out then back in - I did this & works fine.
I suspect we just need to "reset" http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[k6pme]

So the way I read this is that a non-ham wanting to become one can't use the Q and A board anymore? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[N0FPE]

I agree 100% with this policy

Thanks Guys

Dan

[ag4hy]

ok by me. just a little pesky with the "you are not logged in" bit and having to relog, but ok now.
thanks for new design. hoping this will be better than other one:)

[KC0NIB]

Abasolutaly... fabulous!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

Yup. I get tired of some of the 'garbage' that I've heard out there on many bands. I think it's a great idea to keep the amateur radio areas as pristine as can be done!

Tanks a lot!!!

Cheers;
Jeff

[K7JBQ]

Quote[/b] (KG6QQL @ Aug. 11 2004,17:00)]So the way I read this is that a non-ham wanting to become one can't use the Q and A board anymore? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
By my reading, that only pertains to T&O, not Q&A.

73,
Bill

[Philc]

Quote[/b] (aa7bq @ Aug. 10 2004,13:00)]Today we are announcing some new policy changes regarding callsigns that are listed in the QRZ Callsign database. #These changes are effective immediately and some (see below) are retroactive.

1. Callsign Designators - a.k.a. "slashed callsigns". #QRZ will no longer accept callsign designators, prefixed or suffixed, as independent callsigns. #For example, while on vaction I might operate on the air as J3/AA7BQ. #Due to a previous bug in the QRZ server software, many people entered such reciprocal operating callsigns into the QRZ database. #

These listings were problematic for both the QRZ website and the QRZ CDROM, and they were of questionable value to begin with. #As of the lastest software update, the server will no longer accept or record such entries. The logic is that anybody wanting to contact the callsign holder could just as easily look them up by their primary callsign. #

We encourage those wanting to make information available regarding their operations in foreign countries, temporary operating permits, etc., to place this information in the biography area of their listing. #There is virtually no limit to the amount of data that can be presented in this manner, and, you can input virtually anything you want about your activities.

Previously entered "slashed" callsigns (some 1090 entries), are being removed from our database. #Anyone wishing to recover all or part of the biography information that was previously saved under their slashed listing should send me an email.

2. Non-Ham Callsigns - these include SWL's, Weather watchers, and others. #We will continue to accept SWL listings so long as they are issued by a formal body, and so long as they have an alphanumeric format. #An SWL callsign can not be a primary login account that manages amateur radio callsigns. #Non-amateur callsigns will continue to be excluded from the QRZ CDROM and will take last priority in server management resource queues. #In other words, they will be listed on a time and space available basis only.

In general, we don't think that an amateur should create a callsign database listing for every activity that they may participate in. #That's why we provide the ample biography area for each callsign.

We will not accept CB radio callsigns from any country, "handles", or other ficticious names into the callsign database.

As always, we appreciate your thoughts and comments and we extend our thanks to all of our loyal users.

-fred #AA7BQ
You can change my user id to k4ozn any time Fred. Good idea. Phil http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Philc]

Change my id to k4ozn any time Fred. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[W6PEA]

Thank you very much.

You made the right move on this one http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
73's w6pea

[W4MSW]

That policy seems perfectly reasonable. Also, consider that this board is not a "democracy." Someone spends their hard earned $$$ on it and as such can, by right of ownership...call the shots!

[ct2hcq]

what about associations Callsign's? They can be on qrz.com?

[kd5jx]

Fred,
As always a great website for Hams, It looks as if most agree for a change, how refreshing. Keep up the Fantastic work you do to keep the Ham community informed.

Scott Hamende KD5JX

[K3ESE]

Lovely, well-done, thanks!

[ky1v]

While many of you readily agreed with this new policy, not a single one of you list that you have ever operated at a remote DX location with your own call sign, such as VP5/KY1V, including Fred AA7BQ and the following:


WD8OQX
NO5X
N7AAO
N0FPE

I personally had two of these call signs on QRZ.COM, VP5/KY1V and PJ2/KY1V and was ready to add a few more for other Islands I have recently visited. Each of them has #different information and some with a different QSL manager.

The problem with listing them in the BIO is that the majority of people are in a hurry and don't read past the address when they are looking for QSL information. There's the address, write it down and move on!

They see KY1V and my address right at the top and they don't read anything about who to QSL to, where or what requirements I may have, such as an SASE or a greenstamp. Since my address is pulled from the FCC database, I cannot modify it like I have done with VP5X so everyone can see on the first line that there is a QSL Manager.

With the old system, I had the call signs separate with separate information and no readily available address at the top of the page...they were forced to read the info to get the QSL manager.

Now, the majority of hams will start sending QSL cards direct to me and they may go in the garbage because I don't have time to fuss with the cards. That's why I have QSL managers and have paid them to handle the cards. Now I have to either mail them the cards or discard them because most won't have an SASE or greenstamp.

I know this for a fact because before I had the slashed call signs up there, no one read the BIO and they sent the cards direct to me. Now, although I still receive a few here and there, most were being sent to my correct QSL managers.

I think what you may have inadvertently done is caused us DX stations a lot of trouble and expense. As a systems engineer with knowledge in Windows Servers, Unix and programming in several languages, I am fairly confident that your system can be modified to handle slashes.

I am very disappointed with this change and so will thousands of hams that don't get their QSL cards. I am not able to accept more expense by forwarding cards without SASE's or greenstamps for people that won't or don't read the BIO's.

Please send me the BIO information for the two calls mentioned above so I can post them on my KY1V BIO.

I really wish you would reconsider your decision. It is bad for DXpeditions.

Sincerely,

David ~ KY1V
VP5X
VP5/KY1V
PJ2/KY1V
HI3/KY1V
6Y5/KY1V
ZF2/KY1V

and soon to be others...

Does this mean that I can't use my wpe6689 swl call from 1959? hi hi hi .../Don WN4DEM

[w7act]

[B]BRAVO!!!!!!

[yd1joo]

Quote[/b] (WD8OQX @ Aug. 11 2004,06:08)]I (for one) agree 100%. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I've agreed 100%, it sounds good tobe implemented to all over the world

[n6hpx]

Its a BIG DISAPPOINTMENT FOR ME AS I BEEN USING MY SLASH CALLSIGN FOR PAST 5 YEARS, AS I CONTINUALLY TRAVEL TO THE PHILIPPINES. i NEED TO MAINTAIN THE SLASH ONE SO PEOPLE CAN LOOK UP MY CALL FOR MY QSL'S. i THINK IT WAS A BAD MOVE FOR THEM TO CANCEL THE / ON THE DATA BASE.

LARRY FIELDS, N6HPX/DU1 <n6hpx1@yahoo.com>

[n6hpx]

actually i think it stinks as i liked it before the changes.. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif