What a great attitude.
By it's very nature, technology makes things easier. It's called
progress and according the the Amateur's Code, we are supposed to be
progressive. That's why we use selective, stable radios- with efficient
amplifiers and low noise floors. But I guess since you don't want to
make anything easier- lest you lose out on the struggle of achievement-
you only run QRP, with a super-regen receiver and AM only, with
non-directional antennas close to the ground. I'm sure I'm missing out
on something by using a relatively modern rig, an amp and a beam. I
guess I don't truly appreciate the rewards of DXing.
If you want to cry about 5wpm Extras and the impending elimination of CW
as a requirement for HF operation, that's one thing, but LoTW is an
entirely different animal and you're confusing two different things.
As long as someone is willing to exchange $$ for QSL cards, then you
won't have to worry about DXpeditions forgoing the paper QSL. Why would
they? They'd be giving up a major source of funding. And obviously the
European QSL managers that charge $3 for "return postage" share your
feelings about what a valuable part of the hobby getting a QSL card is
and they're doing their best to make sure that aspect of the hobby
doesn't die- after all, new rigs are expensive. While I love getting
cards, I can't afford to pay $2 to $3 a pop for them. Not every amateur
is rich, so LoTW is very nice for getting a few confirmations without
having to spend the cash. Of course, maybe my decision to pay rent and
bills rather than spend money on QSLs cards makes me unable to properly
appreciate the "challenge" of getting QSLs.
LoTW is not mandatory, so you don't have to participate- feel free not to.
73,
Scott, N9AA
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
That was my point. Anything made easier loses its value when the
struggle produces the reward. There are many "New Ones" that I can't
even remember making the QSO, but I sure as heck remember the hassles,
challenge, tribulations (and disappointments) getting (or not getting)
the cards and the euphoria when they finally appeared in the mail,
sometimes a year or two after the fact. If the whole system goes to
LOTW, DXpeditions will permanently forego the paper QSLs and valuable
piece of the hobby/tradition will be lost for good.
But yeah, it will be cheaper (at least until Newington gets it locked
up and starts charging a buck per...). It's also easier and cheaper
to watch fishing on TV, than to do it yourself, but it ain't the same
thing...
Don N7EF
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