Issue 37 Six News, April 1993
In issue 28 of Six News, we printed the Ten "Do's and Dont's" for the direct QSL. As many of you were not UK6MG members at this time, it is well worth reprinting this article, as the Es season approaches and we once again start chasing those new ones. If you follow these basic rules your chances of receiving a reply should be greatly increased. Many newly licensed members should find the following tips essential reading.
DO enclose a
self-addressed envelope, approx 145mm by 90mm.
DO enclose one IRC
(new type marked "airmail"). A dollar bill is (at the
moment) cheaper to buy than an IRC and can be easily obtained
from a bank or Travel agent. For USA replies $10 worth of US
stamps (current rate 50c) go along way if you send a $10 bill to
a friendly American asking him to buy them for you. Remember that
in a lot of "out of the way" places IRCs are worthless.
DO use a self
adhesive own address label, without mention of amateur radio, on
the reverse of the envelope you are mailing.
DO fold your
self-addressed envelope over the IRC/$ with the address
innermost.
DO use interesting
QSL cards with your QSO information on the same side as the
callsign and write a few remarks on the card.
DO NOT include
callsign in the address to which you are sending.
DO NOT make
reference to amateur radio on the envelope.
DO NOT use
attractive special issue postage stamps, as these can be removed
and used in exchange for goods in some countries, with your QSL
lost.
DO NOT keep sending
dollar bills or IRC's if you do not get a reply. Why should
anyone reply if he keeps receiving your money!?
DO NOT alter errors
on cards it looks untidy and some award authorities may not
accept them. Make a fresh card out, the DX station may need your
card also.
These few basic rules go along way in making sure your QSL arrives at itdestination and is dealt with promptly. When a reasonable amount of time has passed and the above rules have been followed, questions may be asked, but not before. Remember your card is probably one of hundreds received and to expect a DX station (after the expense of the DX-pedition) or QSL manager to find funds for return postage is somewhat naive.
