January 1, 2015

NJ2X's QSL/QSO Ratio for 2014

With the arrival of the New Year, it is time for our annual measurement of our QSL/QSO LoTW ratio.


2013 2014 2015 Delta
QSO 3556 3955 4745 790
QSL 1486 1780 2338 558
Ratio 42% 45% 49% 4%

As we write this on January 1, 2015, there are 72,697 hams registered with LoTW (increase of 17,947 users over this time 1 year ago) and our QSL/QSO LoTW ratio is at 49%.  Our prediction of our QSL/QSO LoTW ratio would increase in time continues to hold true with a 4% increase from last year's measurement.  We attribute this increase to having more hams join in the LoTW fun by becoming LoTW subscribers and uploading their logs.
 

Additionally, we spent a good of our operating activity this year working on the ARRL Centennial QSO Party.  These contacts would have a strong bias for LoTW subscribers which would also account for some portion of the increase in our QSL/QSO LoTW ratio.

The LoTW is an excellent example of network economics in action.  The more hams that subscribe to the LoTW and submit their logs the more utility each already-subscribed ham derives (in the form of more of confirmed contacts).  An increase in LoTW subscribers thus will increase the QSL/QSO ratio on average for all subscribed hams.

I am looking forward to the day when we see the number of registered LoTW users increase to 200,000 hams worldwide.  At the present growth rate, there is a good chance we will see over 100,000 users in the next year.  How about 1,000,000 LoTW subscribers?  What will the average QSL/QSO LoTW ratio be when that happens?

So how does your QSL/QSO LoTW ratio compare?  Not using the LoTW yet?  Well come on and join the fun.

Good DX and 73, NJ2X


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© Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.


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