Lotw, QRZ.com, eQSL, Direct

[KB7FHK]

Here is a question that comes from my laziness to maintain logs. After all these years, this year I have decided to keep accurate logs and ask for QSL instead of waiting to be asked. Heck I might get an award or something.

Anyway, now that I keep a paper log and electronic logs I have noticed through QSL sent to return ratios that I dont seem to have a high return rate. I use Lotw, QRZ.com, and eQSL, and I always send paper.

Is this due to a number of hams who maybe don't care to respond? or would it be some hams don't prefer direct or online QSLing?

Don't get me wrong I am not complaining, it just seems that if someone asks QSL sould they not respond when sent a card?

Ace, KB7FHK

[N2ADV]

Here is a question that comes from my laziness to maintain logs. After all these years, this year I have decided to keep accurate logs and ask for QSL instead of waiting to be asked. Heck I might get an award or something.

Anyway, now that I keep a paper log and electronic logs I have noticed through QSL sent to return ratios that I dont seem to have a high return rate. I use Lotw, QRZ.com, and eQSL, and I always send paper.

Is this due to a number of hams who maybe don't care to respond? or would it be some hams don't prefer direct or online QSLing?

Don't get me wrong I am not complaining, it just seems that if someone asks QSL sould they not respond when sent a card?

Ace, KB7FHK

Some go through a Bureau which can take a while...

[KG4NEL]

I QSL direct w/ SASE or return postage costs, but I like collecting QSLs and pretty much need them all confirmed

[KW9W]

Buro! This was not listed as a choice in this poll...

[KG6MZS]

Funny how eQSL seems "fake" to me. I confirm them as a courtesy, but they don't rock my world like cards or even LoTW.

[WD0MYM]

I use all of them. My "Other Electronic Service" is HRDLOG.net.

If I get a confirmation on LOTW, I don't send a card. I started out sending every contact a card, that got expensive so I have slowed down on that a bit.

I really could care less about EQSL, QRZ.com or HRDlog.net. I use them as a courtesy so others can get the confirmations & awards they desire.

If you want awards, you'll have to decide if you want them from the ARRL or EQSL. If it's the ARRL, LOTW is a no-brainer and will save you some money unless you really like to get the cards. If the answer is EQSL, you will want the Authenticity Guaranteed which if I remember you'll have to send them a copy of your license (I think thats how I did it).

One thing about LOTW, if you send your cards off for an award and they get lost in the mail, well your up the creek. You won't have to send off near as many if you also have LOTW. You may not even have to send anything. I had 49 confirmed for WAS and had to send just one card in.

Jon

[K0RGR]

I do LoTW and eQSL, and also use the QRZ log service. I'm just casually gathering confirmations and will collect the awards when they are earned. I think I still need Wyoming on several bands for LoTW.

[KG6MZS]

started out sending every contact a card, that got expensive so I have slowed down on that a bit.

You have really nice cards, Jon. I treasure mine. 73, Eric

[WD0MYM]

Thanks Eric, UX5UO...they (Gennady) or whoever designed it. I sent them a picture of rocks and they designed it at $0.00 cost. Yours looks great also!

Ace, maybe something more important at this point is how you are logging the contacts. I would suggest the logbook that comes with Ham radio Deluxe but quite frankly, its the only electronic logbook I have ever used. If you don't really use Ham radio Deluxe you might find something more useful. Make sure that however you are logging these contacts that they are compatible with LOTW, EQSL, etc. The ADIF file that HRD generates is compatible with all of them. I would ask around and choose something that works well.

As long as you are logging everything correctly you can sign up to any of these services anytime you want and just upload your log.

Be sure to backup your log somewhere safe so when the computer crashes you'll be safe. Backup often. I actually E-Mail my logs to myself and pretty much up to date if I have a problem.

Jon

[W5PJW]

When I changed calls last summer I figured it was time to get on the stick with a logging program (Aether Log for the Mac). To re-enter the previous 40 years was more than I wanted to think about so I started with a clean slate. Now that I'm e-logging everything, eQsl and LOTW are a snap so I use them both.