Return to W5 Bureau...QSL Managers Please Consider
There is a discouraging trend among some QSL Managers to not answer cards
sent via the bureau. To those of you considering being a manager or to those
who already are managers we ask that you read Carl's message from his
QRZ DX Newsletter and give it
careful consideration. The decision to not answer bureau cards not only creates
a lot of additional overhead for the VOLUNTEERS who man incoming bureaus, but
more importantly, it deprives many hams who do not have the means to QSL
direct of obtaining a perhaps much needed card. The message below is Carl's
opinion on the subject, but it is an opinion shared by those of us who are
doing our best to serve the 5th area hams. In fairness, the majority of
QSL Managers gladly answer bureau cards and keep their incoming bureaus supplied
with envelopes. This message is for those who, for whatever reason, are not able
to do this, we simply ask that you reconsider.
- The W5 Incoming Bureau -
I keep hearing reports of "QSL Managers" who absolutely refuse to accept cards sent
through the bureau system. At Dayton I heard of a particular WA2 who refuses to
acknowledge contact from bureau personnel, refuses to accept cards sent through that
bureau, and generally won't even discuss the subject. I know from personal experience
that Bureau cards can be an expensive process for a QSL Manager. He doesn't get any
money from anyone to pay for printing of cards, packaging them up to send, nor the
postage to send them back through the system. HOWEVER, I also know from personal
experience that it doesn't take any longer to process the card itself than those with a $10
bill inside. AND, there are a lot of people sending at least $1.00 and usually more than
that with their requests. If a QSL Manager doesn't feel he can handle bureau cards, then
perhaps he should get some help, or rethink his personal reasons for being a QSL
Manager. A QSL Manager should not be doing the job for the $$$$ he can collect....he
should be doing it to supply cards to the people who need them------or am I just too old
fashioned????
Carl, N4AA
Editor, The QRZ DX Newsletter