[Dx-qsl] DXCC delays

Tue Feb 19 14:57:55 EST 2008

The following is from the ARRL Web
Due to several factors, including greater activity from new and reactivated
DXCC entities, the ARRL DXCC Desk has been experiencing QSL card processing
delays. According to ARRL DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, there are
approximately 2300 applications currently on the list of received
applications, resulting in a processing backlog of more than 12 weeks. 
(they just started processing the paperwork from cards checked at our Sept. 22, 2008 division convention) - BTW logged in on Oct. 3 & 4 - another delay game, items are logged in 10 to 14 days after they receive paperwork at their "mail room" - and now they are lying about process time and why things are so slow - lets face it B4 they forced Wayne Mills N7NG out the door we never had this problem, he would have made corrections B4 it got to this point - DXCC processing time has gone down hill steadily since his departure.
"People usually have to wait 4-6 weeks from the time they send in their
application to the time they receive their cards back," Moore said. 
Even with the low sunspot numbers of the now defunct Solar Cycle 23, there
has been an increase in DXCC activity, Dave Patton, NN1N, Manager of the
ARRL Membership and Volunteer Services Department, said; DXCC is a division
of this department. "We've added or reactivated new entities like
Scarborough Reef, Swains Island and Montenegro," he said. "ARRL membership
is up, and more people out there have HF privileges." DXCC rules state that
US hams must be ARRL members to participate in DXCC; there is no membership
requirement for foreign participants. Moore estimates that one-third of the
DXCC applications come from outside the US. Sharon Taratula, Membership and
Volunteer Programs Supervisor, said that approximately 500 DXCC applications
are processed each month. Using their own math a backlog of 2300 applications divided by 500 a month = 4.6 months = in ARRL time 12 weeks? I always figured 12 weeks was 3 months not over 4 1/2? and 16 weeks is still what people most are reporting - always exceptions.
ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, said that a new full-time
person has just been added to the DXCC staff. "We are actively looking for
an additional full-time employee for DXCC. By adding more staff, we can
definitely cut down on the time it takes to process applications." more bull all they need is temp data entry help for the bulk of this processing to get caught up, and yes more permanent help has been needed for a long time, so where have they been for the last year? 
"While we are not happy with the delayed turnaround time for DXCC
applications, I can assure everyone that we are maintaining our high level
of concern for accuracy in processing and care for our customers QSLs and
awards," Patton said. "I'm pleased that interest in operating awards is so
high, and indeed there is evidence that new and returning ops are
participating in ever increasing numbers. In the near future, as we continue
to refine and improve LoTW and our processes, turnaround time will improve,
the quality of our awards will improve and we can hopefully offer new and
expanded awards programs like the brand new Fred Fish Memorial Award for
confirming QSOs with the 488 grid squares in the continental US on 6
meters." 
Patton thanked the many DXCC Field Checkers and Awards Card Checkers around
the world. "They give so freely of their time and resources to make
participation in operating awards so much more convenient for everyone. And
I also want to thank all of the volunteers working in QSL Bureaus throughout
the world, as well. The QSL Bureau system is still very important to
collectors and awards chasers, and activity in the bureau is maintaining and
even increasing despite the lack of sunspots." 
Kramer said, "We take great care with people's DXCC applications. The DXCC
crew is very diligent in handling and checking each applicant's cards. We
don't rush the process because we don't want to make mistakes -- we know how
important this program is to DXCC participants." more excuses for continued delays - in most businesses someone accepts responsibility for failure and if they can't fix it quickly they loose their job! No question the ARRL is a BIG BUSINESS
73, Bob W8GC
Boris Knezovic T93Y wrote:
> Danny Douglas wrote:
>>> Just FYI. My most recent application has finally shown up as logged 
>> in at
>> the DXCC desk, The application/cards were checked in at a local 
>> hamfest on
>> 2 Feb and would have been mailed in on 4 or 5 Feb, by the field checker.
>> Normally it takes them less than a week after the field check, before it
>> shows to be in queue at DXCC. This time, it took more than 2 weeks. So
>> that aspect of the application process is also very backloged. They are
>> reporting a nominal 12 week delay from the date of log-in. And now - we
>> have another potential new entity showing up-- its not going to get 
>> better
>> any time soon.
>>>>>> Danny Douglas
>> N7DC
>> ex WN5QMX ET2US WA5UKR ET3USA
>> SV0WPP VS6DD N7DC/YV5 G5CTB
>> All 2 years or more (except Novice)
>> Pls QSL direct, buro, or LOTW preferred,
>> I Do not use, but as a courtesy do upload to eQSL for
>> those who do.
>>> Danny,
>> My field checked application was recorded on 20-Dec-2007 and few days 
> ago I saw my numbers updated in PDF's available on DXCC WEB Page. So, 
> actual processing delay in my case was about 7-8 weeks (including 
> holidays season). Not so bed knowing the number of major expeditions 
> in 2007 and number of requests received at end of the year.
>> 73's Boris T93Y