[Dx-qsl] Cluster-Spot SWLing

Fri Jan 5 08:04:02 EST 2007

ANTI-VIRUS - This Mail has NO Attachments
Good Day everyone,
In reply to Fred's email and his comment:
"I wonder what the ISWL thinks about this sort of thing!"
As the Life Vice President of the ISWL, I would say that this sort of occurrence 
does happen from time to time, but is NOT a wide spread occurrence and certainly 
not known to be the practice of Serious SWL's around the world.
In fairness to SWL's, I would mention that QSL managers for some of the more 
sought after callsigns, also receive such cards from licensed Amateurs, who hope 
that their QSL will get a reply. I expect a lot of cards are returned as "Not in 
Log" to licensed Amateurs around the world.
Of course many of these people, will genuinely think that they had a QSO with 
the station concerned. With some of the big pile-up's, it is a wonder that 
anyone can have a valid QSO.
I do not recognise that particular format of SWL number, but of course there are 
still many active SWL clubs around the world. (I am not the only person, who has 
had a ticket in the past and prefers to be an SWL).
I have to admit to getting a couple of "Busted" cards returned over the years, 
where I have Misheard a callsign on CW. But my speed is only good up to about 25 
WPM, and a lot of regular DX'ers well exceed those speeds. So the odd busted 
call is expected, by both an SWL and licensed Operators.
As I say, I do not consider this practice to be widespread. I do believe that 
the vast majority of SWL's around the world, are honest in what they log and 
they do take their hobby seriously.
So Please continue to reply to genuine SWL cards you receive.
Vy 73 from Bournemouth UK and Happy New Year to you all.
de Pete Rayer
ISWL G-13038, RAFARS 855, RAOTA 1080, WAB.
Hon. Life Vice President of the International Short-Wave League (ISWL).
Honorary Member of COBRAS - The City of Belfast Radio Amateur Society
FISTS: C/S - GSWL2, No: #4822, CC #478, Silver #244, Plat. #283
Ex -ARS MP4BIM - Bahrain Island 1970-71
SWL'ing from around the world since 1963.
iswl-vp at ntlworld.com
pete at dx-newsdesk.co.uk
My homepage: http://www.pgr1.co.uk
ISWL HQ Homepage: http://www.iswl.org.uk
Pete's FREE DX Newsdesk: http://www.dx-newsdesk.co.uk