Ham radio operators traditionally exchange cards after making a radio contact, an expected courtesy. These “QSL” cards get their name from the “Q” sign – three letter shorthand signals. Back in the days of Morse Code only, three letters beginning with “Q” and not followed by “U” were used to convey various questions and answers. “QSL?” meant can you confirm you received? “QSL” without the question mark meant, I confirm.
I hadn’t been as active on the ham bands as I would have liked, so I hadn’t ordered any QSL cards in a while. For those contacts I did make I designed and printed my own QSL cards, but they were just not right. Actually, I printed and sent fewer than I owed.
Recently I broke down and ordered some professionally printed cards. As the older guys who used to print these have retired, younger guys took over and I had to find one. I did, and he put together a great card for me. (Hams, if you’re interested – contact Glade at www.gggraphicsstore.com.)
It’s amazing how – over 8 years – a few contacts here and there can add up. I’m busy now, catching up on filling in, labeling and addressing the cards that I owe.
I wonder if I have enough stamps…
sfnowak 
Good golly my 1st hub and I in our earlier years…20s were operators out of Jackman, Maine. I believe he is still doing it as is our 73 year old landlord next door. Been years here but I’d take it over digital belch any day. 😉
It’s the chance to try things that makes it so much fun. “I wonder what would happen if…?”
All the best & 73,
Steve