[Dx-qsl] Golden Rule

Tue Apr 23 18:11:00 2002

>> Never send second requests.

it depends.....if the first request never made it, the second request actually is the first request. A reasonable number of second requests (as written on the envelope/note) are the first request to me. I can only control what I get to, and even then, I can't guarantee you will get it. so...even if it is a second request that I receive, it may be the FIRST one that gets to you. If you see the condition of mail that I get, it's clear a small, but measurable amount of mail never makes it, or is mis-directed.
Bottom line, while a second request adds work....it often is warranted. 
What I would ask however, is do the second request the same way you did the first. DO NOT send a 'second request' via the bureau, as an example. If I show it dealt with, it will be tossed without response. So, you'll never know what happened. If it's the first, it WILL be responded to, but in a time consistent with bureau mailings. And if you REALLY want to tick me off, send a direct, complete with nasty note about how I'm unresponsive, after the direct and bureau mailing....HI.
There are a few bad apples out there, but most dx stations and managers try to do their best, consistent with a lot of other things going on in their lives. I would however, send a second card if the first one is important...unless you know the station is a green-stamp collector (in which case, why did you send the first...hi).
Also, most managers and DX stations have published email. Send a note that way. But, realize the time to respond may not be immediate. For example, I daily get at least 50 emails SOLELY related to 'are the xxx qsl cards out, can you reply to this QSO via the bureau, etc. etc.
73
Steve 