Received-Date: Wed, 11 Nov 92 11:43:09 +0100
X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.3 PL11]
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
Date:         Wed, 11 Nov 1992 11:46:03 MET
Reply-To:     "(Alfredo Cotroneo)" <A.Cotroneo@IT12.BULL.IT>
From:         "(Alfredo Cotroneo)" <A.Cotroneo@IT12.BULL.IT>
Subject:      Re: QSL'ing: How to
              "SWL-L@OHSTVMA.ACS.OHIO-STATE.EDU" at Nov 10, 92 3:11 pm

SWL-L@OHSTVMA.ACS.OHIO-STATE.EDU writes :
>
>Alright, this sounds like fun and I want to give it a try. I have
>a few questions:
>
>	- I've got my Passport to Worldband but it seems sketchy on
>	  the details of how to QSL. Is there any general purpose
>	  document on the net that describes the process?
>
>	- IRCs? Where can I purchase these, at my Post Office? What's
>	  the cost. Are they a waste of money? Should I just send the
>	  $1 that many broadcasters suggest? What has been your
>	  experience?
>
>	- Ham QSL's. Let me get this straight: I can QSL a ham broadcast
>	  once I get their callsign, no? To get the address I have to
>	  look up their callsign in a directory, right?
>
>	- What's the deal on these contests and 'Special Events' I see
>	  in CQ Magazine? I'm not up on the lingo yet. ( I think this
>	  is the hardest part of any new technical hobby)
>
>Feel free to correct my numerous assumptions. I'm trying to tie
>together the various threads that I've read into one coherent
>SWL QSL modus operandi.
>
>As always, email me if this is one of those oft asked questions. I'll
>summarize to those who request it. I'm sure there are many new and
>confused folks like me around.
>
>MJ
>--
>Michael R. Johnston, System Administrator	mjohnsto@shearson.com


Michael:

Have a look at the FAQ document which is released over the net every
month. This is one of the best descriptions on how to fill a reception
report, what is a SINPO or SIO report, and other useful information.

May I add that station do appreciate also - and sometimes ESPECIALLY -
the non-technical reception reports. These days almost every station has
its own monitor, or/and coordinate monitoring activities with other
broadacsters who in turn offer assistance with their own monitoring
stations and monitors around the world. It's like a big network almost
each station has, and make full use of to check if its programmes reach
the target area in good conditions.

I am NOT saying that listeners (technical) reception reports are NOT
useful, but official monitors, and monitoring stations (usually) are
more widely accepted (recognized), since it is usually hard to determine
if the average listener who sends a report is filling the data in
in a 'standard' or even correct way. Do not forget that SINPO / SIO
reports are very subjective - or 'listener dependent'. Hardly two
listeners in the same area would fill the same report for the same
transmission at the same time/day.

Listeners reception reports, on the other hand, are VERY useful to
stations if they contain "programme comments". You may also describe in
words how the signal heard was like. Important data to add are: time and
day when you tuned, frequency (even just an aproximate figure if you have
an analogue receiver), type of receiver, antenna. Speaking with other
broadcasters these are the 'reports` (those containing comments) which
are most useful to every station these days, and these are those who may
even keep the station on the air, especially during these difficult times of
recession. (Do not forget that many stations close or discontinue their
transmissions in a particular language or to a particular area because of lack
 of
'listers' response).

So, do not be afraid of writing - even if you do not know exactly the
format of a technical reception report -, and do not be afraid to ask
either. Most stations will send you literature on SW listening and how
to fill a technical reception reports if you ask for it.

And send your comments - good or bad - on the programming that you have
heard.


73s,

Alfredo.
--
+---------------------------------------------------------------+
| Alfredo E. Cotroneo   email: a.cotroneo@it12.bull.it          |
|   or: 100020.1013@compuserve.com (preferred)
+---------------------------------------------------------------+
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave