[Dx-qsl] 6M QSLing

Thu Jul 2 12:29:59 EDT 2009

At 10:18 AM 7/2/2009, Steve Sullivan wrote:
>Is it me or are 6 meter operators the worst qslers in the US?

Steve,
There must be some sort of Vulcan 6M QSL mind-meld thing going on 
between us, as I've been pondering the exact same question here lately.
What is up with US 6M stations not QSLing!!??!!
Case in point, I've been trying for over a year to get a 6M QSL from 
my neighboring state of Alabama. Should be easy, right? Five direct 
attempts, all with SASE's (2 to the same station TWICE) - no card.
It's often been said that the final courtesy of a QSO is a QSL. I 
believe that. Therefore I also believe that there is no worse 
DIS-courtesy than not answering someone's QSL request, even more so 
when the requesting OP includes an SASE. Sure, it is every operator's 
right to not QSL, but it's downright rude and insulting to make no 
response at all. I mean, if you don't QSL you could at least scribble 
a note to that effect across my QSL and send it back to me in my own 
SASE. After all, I did pay the postage!
Maybe these guys have developed their own cottage industry, 
re-addressing all the SASE's they don't return, and using them for 
their own mailing needs?
I answer every QSL request that comes my way, via the same method as 
received. LotW is great, but for some things you want paper. In my 
case, I'm trying to complete 6M WAS, and need only a couple more cards.
I too am beginning to think that their must be some "secret 
handshake" to enter the fraternity of 6M QSLing, a sort of "Skull and 
Bones" of the Magic Band. Or, maybe not QSLing is just the new "hip". 
Or, maybe the non-QSLers are just lazy on a scale that I cannot 
imagine. Maybe they're just so jaded by amateur radio these days that 
they just can't share in the joy and zeal of those of us who do still 
get some excitement out of it. Maybe they "get off" on having others 
beg them for their cards. I don't know. Some interesting psychology 
at work here, though, for sure.
Anyway, that's my two cent's worth. I'm sure it won't change 
anything. But listen guys: think back, way back, to the days when 
every QSO gave you a thrill, when the art of radio still filled you 
with wonder. Don't you remember going to the mailbox every morning 
with a sense of anticipation for what QSL cards would await you 
there? Then think about the other guy. Show a little consideration.
73,
Charles - K5ZK