5BDXCC and 5BWAS take considerable effort, time, and money to achieve. Some are proud enough of their achievement to spend the money for the Plaque. Then as they continue to operate they work towards endorsements for the other bands. The amount of time and money spent on chasing these awards can be considerable.

I have the 5BDXCC plaque. I also had the credits to get the 17m and 30m endorsement medallions when I ordered it. Very nice medallions that say '5 BAND DXCC AWARD' around the circumference.

A couple of months ago I achieved DXCC on 12m and promptly ordered the 12m Medallion for the plaque. After one 'got lost in the mail', the medallion arrived this week. After putting in on the plaque I noticed it didn't match the 17m and 30m medallions. Instead of '5 BAND DXCC AWARD' it says '5 BAND AWARD'. And explanation for the Awards Desk was that this was changed to save money so all the 5 Band awards would use the same medallion.

IMHO, an endorsement medallion that goes on plaque that that takes many many years to achieve should remain consistent for the recipient. The mix of medallion styles is not nearly as aesthetically pleasing as when they all match. Is the change really saving the ARRL that much money compared to the cost of award to the recipient? Aside from the QSLing and Card/LoTW applications the basic plaque is $60 + $10.50 for each endorsement medallion bring the lifetime costs, if you succeed getting all the bands, to $123. Is the ARRL losing money on these awards?

Please stop mucking with the designs.
--scott N9LJX

PS - FWIW I did NOT get the plaque for 5BWAS opting for just the certificate. Hopefully when I achieve the endorsement stickers for 6m and 160m they will match my 12/17/30 stickers.

Medallions? Is this a revision to the plexiglass plaque? I have the

wooden one and I got plates on mine that listed the band. They don't

say 5 Band DXCC award on them.

Ria

N2RJ

On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 4:14 PM Scott Stembaugh <radio.n9ljx@...> wrote:

> 

> 5BDXCC and 5BWAS take considerable effort, time, and money to achieve.  Some are proud enough of their achievement to spend the money for the Plaque.  Then as they continue to operate they work towards endorsements for the other bands.  The amount of time and money spent on chasing these awards can be considerable.

> 

> I have the 5BDXCC plaque.  I also had the credits to get the 17m and 30m endorsement medallions when I ordered it.  Very nice medallions that say '5 BAND DXCC AWARD' around the circumference.

> 

> A couple of months ago I achieved DXCC on 12m and promptly ordered the 12m Medallion for the plaque.  After one 'got lost in the mail', the medallion arrived this week.  After putting in on the plaque I noticed it didn't match the 17m and 30m medallions.  Instead of '5 BAND DXCC AWARD' it says '5 BAND AWARD'.  And explanation for the Awards Desk was that this was changed to save money so all the 5 Band awards would use the same medallion.

> 

> IMHO, an endorsement medallion that goes on plaque that that takes many many years to achieve should remain consistent for the recipient.  The mix of medallion styles is not nearly as aesthetically pleasing as when they all match.  Is the change really saving the ARRL that much money compared to the cost of award to the recipient?  Aside from the QSLing and Card/LoTW applications the basic plaque is $60 + $10.50 for each endorsement medallion bring the lifetime costs, if you succeed getting all the bands, to $123.  Is the ARRL losing money on these awards?

> 

> Please stop mucking with the designs.

> --scott N9LJX

> 

> PS - FWIW I did NOT get the plaque for 5BWAS opting for just the certificate.  Hopefully when I achieve the endorsement stickers for 6m and 160m they will match my 12/17/30 stickers.

>

Ria,

They did away with the nice wooden ones that were envisioned on the wall for years and years. Something about the vendor. There are 100’s of plaque makers that would take that business in a heartbeat. When I found out that my 5-band would be a piece of plastic that looked identical to the certificate for the same price as the wood one I went ballistic. I can buy the same frame at Walmart, stick the $12.00 fancy “new” certificate in it and be ahead $40.00. It is a shame. It is sad. I wanted the wooden one. I had dreamed of it. Was not to be. I will not buy that cheap piece which is no different from the paper. The awards people think that 2¢ saved on an award will please the membership because it goes to the bottom line. I don’t remember the membership being asked if they wanted something different. Some things don’t change. The prestige of earning 5 band DXCC does not. The whim of the awards department does.

I’m not aiming this directly at you, but it’s crap. That’s the way I feel, and I have already had a talk with my director about it. Awards said they would look into the matter. That was over a year ago. Now I see many other hard to complete awards going the same way. Now it sounds like they are changing boats again. It’s BS. The awards program is being compromised and cheapened.

Dale Cole K8TS



Sent from Mail for Windows 10



From: Ria, N2RJ
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 4:22 PM
To: ARRL-Awards@...
Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions



Medallions? Is this a revision to the plexiglass plaque? I have the

wooden one and I got plates on mine that listed the band. They don't

say 5 Band DXCC award on them.



Ria

N2RJ



On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 4:14 PM Scott Stembaugh <radio.n9ljx@...> wrote:

5BDXCC and 5BWAS take considerable effort, time, and money to achieve. Some are proud enough of their achievement to spend the money for the Plaque. Then as they continue to operate they work towards endorsements for the other bands. The amount of time and money spent on chasing these awards can be considerable.

I have the 5BDXCC plaque. I also had the credits to get the 17m and 30m endorsement medallions when I ordered it. Very nice medallions that say '5 BAND DXCC AWARD' around the circumference.

A couple of months ago I achieved DXCC on 12m and promptly ordered the 12m Medallion for the plaque. After one 'got lost in the mail', the medallion arrived this week. After putting in on the plaque I noticed it didn't match the 17m and 30m medallions. Instead of '5 BAND DXCC AWARD' it says '5 BAND AWARD'. And explanation for the Awards Desk was that this was changed to save money so all the 5 Band awards would use the same medallion.

IMHO, an endorsement medallion that goes on plaque that that takes many many years to achieve should remain consistent for the recipient. The mix of medallion styles is not nearly as aesthetically pleasing as when they all match. Is the change really saving the ARRL that much money compared to the cost of award to the recipient? Aside from the QSLing and Card/LoTW applications the basic plaque is $60 + $10.50 for each endorsement medallion bring the lifetime costs, if you succeed getting all the bands, to $123. Is the ARRL losing money on these awards?

Please stop mucking with the designs.

--scott N9LJX

PS - FWIW I did NOT get the plaque for 5BWAS opting for just the certificate. Hopefully when I achieve the endorsement stickers for 6m and 160m they will match my 12/17/30 stickers.

Ria,

To mention that there was a pre-release model, suggests that there was thought put into it. Why was the membership not asked their opinion? If they were, when and where? I’m sorry, this is a very sore subject with many. Many did it the hard way (myself included). No beams, no towers, no 4-squares, no amps. Just ground mounted verticals and wires. And then to find out that the beloved plaque no longer existed, only a resemblance of the certificate on plexiglass was a slap in the face of many who worked hard for it. I don’t know how many others did/do feel, but I personally resented it.

If it had to be changed, for some unknown reasons, why was it not made distinguishable from the certificate, instead of a copy-cat version wrapped in plexiglass?

On this issue, the lack of transparency is pretty foggy. It has cheapened an outstanding award. The opinion is again of the tail wagging the dog, with little or no input from the membership. The cost has probably been reduced for the Awards Department, but I didn’t notice any significate decrease to the membership who spent years and hundreds of dollars achieving it.

Like Dick said, why pay outrageous fees and shipping when the frame can be purchased from Walmart, and the trip to the trophy shop for a minute amount compared to the ARRL fees?

I’m not quitting ARRL over this, but it sure does not tilt the scales in their direction. ARRL is back to their old ways. Membership organization? HA.

73,

Dale K8TS

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

Ria,

To mention that there was a pre-release model, suggests that there was thought put into it. Why was the membership not asked their opinion? If they were, when and where? I’m sorry, this is a very sore subject with many. Many did it the hard way (myself included). No beams, no towers, no 4-squares, no amps. Just ground mounted verticals and wires. And then to find out that the beloved plaque no longer existed, only a resemblance of the certificate on plexiglass was a slap in the face of many who worked hard for it. I don’t know how many others did/do feel, but I personally resented it.

 

If it had to be changed, for some unknown reasons, why was it not made distinguishable from the certificate, instead of a copy-cat version wrapped in plexiglass?

 

On this issue, the lack of transparency is pretty foggy. It has cheapened an outstanding award. The opinion is again of the tail wagging the dog, with little or no input from the membership. The cost has probably been reduced for the Awards Department, but I didn’t notice any significate decrease to the membership who spent years and hundreds of dollars achieving it.

 

Like Dick said, why pay outrageous fees and shipping when the frame can be purchased from Walmart, and the trip to the trophy shop for a minute amount compared to the ARRL fees?

 

I’m not quitting ARRL over this, but it sure does not tilt the scales in their direction. ARRL is back to their old ways. Membership organization? HA.

73,

Dale K8TS

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

From: Dick
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 12:59 AM
To: ARRL-Awards@...
Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions

 

When I needed to add another Band to my 5BDXCC Plaque,

I took it to a local Trophy store.

 

$7 later ...

 

73, Dick, W1KSZ

From: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...> on behalf of w2ttt <w2ttt@...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 8:39 PM
To: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...>
Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions

 

Ria,

I realize that these medallions are being updated for cost and flexibility, but how odd do they look with old and new styles on the same plaque?

I don't have a dog in this fight, but it seems like a logical concern.

73,

Gordon Beattie, W2TTT

201.314.6964

Get Outlook for Android

 

From: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...> on behalf of Ria, N2RJ <rjairam@...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 6:11:35 PM
To: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...>
Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions

 

Hi Dale,

Yes, I had seen these (the new style plastic ones) pre-release at HQ
before anyone had gotten them. I know about them. I wasn't aware that
they had revised the medallions further.

73
Ria, N2RJ

On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 6:05 PM K8TS <dalecole3502@...> wrote:
>
> Ria,
>
> They did away with the nice wooden ones that were envisioned on the wall for years and years. Something about the vendor.  There are 100’s of plaque makers that would take that business in a heartbeat.  When I found out that my 5-band would be a piece of plastic that looked identical to the certificate for the same price as the wood one I went ballistic.  I can buy the same frame at Walmart, stick the $12.00 fancy “new” certificate in it and be ahead $40.00. It is a shame. It is sad. I wanted the wooden one. I had dreamed of it. Was not to be. I will not buy that cheap piece which is no different from the paper. The awards people think that 2¢ saved on an award will please the membership because it goes to the bottom line. I don’t remember the membership being asked if they wanted something different. Some things don’t change.  The prestige of earning 5 band DXCC does not. The whim of the awards department does.
>
> I’m not aiming this directly at you, but it’s crap. That’s the way I feel, and I have already had a talk with my director about it.  Awards said they would look into the matter. That was over a year ago. Now I see many other hard to complete awards going the same way. Now it sounds like they are changing boats again. It’s BS. The awards program is being compromised and cheapened.
>
> Dale Cole K8TS
>
>
>
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
>
>
>
> From: Ria, N2RJ
> Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 4:22 PM
> To: ARRL-Awards@...
> Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions
>
>
>
> Medallions? Is this a revision to the plexiglass plaque? I have the
>
> wooden one and I got plates on mine that listed the band. They don't
>
> say 5 Band DXCC award on them.
>
>
>
> Ria
>
> N2RJ
>
>
>
> On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 4:14 PM Scott Stembaugh <radio.n9ljx@...> wrote:
>
> >
>
> > 5BDXCC and 5BWAS take considerable effort, time, and money to achieve.  Some are proud enough of their achievement to spend the money for the Plaque.  Then as they continue to operate they work towards endorsements for the other bands.  The amount of time and money spent on chasing these awards can be considerable.
>
> >
>
> > I have the 5BDXCC plaque.  I also had the credits to get the 17m and 30m endorsement medallions when I ordered it.  Very nice medallions that say '5 BAND DXCC AWARD' around the circumference.
>
> >
>
> > A couple of months ago I achieved DXCC on 12m and promptly ordered the 12m Medallion for the plaque.  After one 'got lost in the mail', the medallion arrived this week.  After putting in on the plaque I noticed it didn't match the 17m and 30m medallions.  Instead of '5 BAND DXCC AWARD' it says '5 BAND AWARD'.  And explanation for the Awards Desk was that this was changed to save money so all the 5 Band awards would use the same medallion.
>
> >
>
> > IMHO, an endorsement medallion that goes on plaque that that takes many many years to achieve should remain consistent for the recipient.  The mix of medallion styles is not nearly as aesthetically pleasing as when they all match.  Is the change really saving the ARRL that much money compared to the cost of award to the recipient?  Aside from the QSLing and Card/LoTW applications the basic plaque is $60 + $10.50 for each endorsement medallion bring the lifetime costs, if you succeed getting all the bands, to $123.  Is the ARRL losing money on these awards?
>
> >
>
> > Please stop mucking with the designs.
>
> > --scott N9LJX
>
> >
>
> > PS - FWIW I did NOT get the plaque for 5BWAS opting for just the certificate.  Hopefully when I achieve the endorsement stickers for 6m and 160m they will match my 12/17/30 stickers.
>
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

 

Ria,

To mention that there was a pre-release model, suggests that there was thought put into it. Why was the membership not asked their opinion? If they were, when and where? I’m sorry, this is a very sore subject with many. Many did it the hard way (myself included). No beams, no towers, no 4-squares, no amps. Just ground mounted verticals and wires. And then to find out that the beloved plaque no longer existed, only a resemblance of the certificate on plexiglass was a slap in the face of many who worked hard for it. I don’t know how many others did/do feel, but I personally resented it.

 

If it had to be changed, for some unknown reasons, why was it not made distinguishable from the certificate, instead of a copy-cat version wrapped in plexiglass?

 

On this issue, the lack of transparency is pretty foggy. It has cheapened an outstanding award. The opinion is again of the tail wagging the dog, with little or no input from the membership. The cost has probably been reduced for the Awards Department, but I didn’t notice any significate decrease to the membership who spent years and hundreds of dollars achieving it.

 

Like Dick said, why pay outrageous fees and shipping when the frame can be purchased from Walmart, and the trip to the trophy shop for a minute amount compared to the ARRL fees?

 

I’m not quitting ARRL over this, but it sure does not tilt the scales in their direction. ARRL is back to their old ways. Membership organization? HA.

73,

Dale K8TS

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

From: Dick
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 12:59 AM
To: ARRL-Awards@...
Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions

 

When I needed to add another Band to my 5BDXCC Plaque,

I took it to a local Trophy store.

 

$7 later ...

 

73, Dick, W1KSZ

From: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...> on behalf of w2ttt <w2ttt@...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 8:39 PM
To: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...>
Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions

 

Ria,

I realize that these medallions are being updated for cost and flexibility, but how odd do they look with old and new styles on the same plaque?

I don't have a dog in this fight, but it seems like a logical concern.

73,

Gordon Beattie, W2TTT

201.314.6964

Get Outlook for Android

 

From: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...> on behalf of Ria, N2RJ <rjairam@...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 6:11:35 PM
To: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...>
Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions

 

Hi Dale,

Yes, I had seen these (the new style plastic ones) pre-release at HQ
before anyone had gotten them. I know about them. I wasn't aware that
they had revised the medallions further.

73
Ria, N2RJ

On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 6:05 PM K8TS <dalecole3502@...> wrote:
>
> Ria,
>
> They did away with the nice wooden ones that were envisioned on the wall for years and years. Something about the vendor.  There are 100’s of plaque makers that would take that business in a heartbeat.  When I found out that my 5-band would be a piece of plastic that looked identical to the certificate for the same price as the wood one I went ballistic.  I can buy the same frame at Walmart, stick the $12.00 fancy “new” certificate in it and be ahead $40.00. It is a shame. It is sad. I wanted the wooden one. I had dreamed of it. Was not to be. I will not buy that cheap piece which is no different from the paper. The awards people think that 2¢ saved on an award will please the membership because it goes to the bottom line. I don’t remember the membership being asked if they wanted something different. Some things don’t change.  The prestige of earning 5 band DXCC does not. The whim of the awards department does.
>
> I’m not aiming this directly at you, but it’s crap. That’s the way I feel, and I have already had a talk with my director about it.  Awards said they would look into the matter. That was over a year ago. Now I see many other hard to complete awards going the same way. Now it sounds like they are changing boats again. It’s BS. The awards program is being compromised and cheapened.
>
> Dale Cole K8TS
>
>
>
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
>
>
>
> From: Ria, N2RJ
> Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 4:22 PM
> To: ARRL-Awards@...
> Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions
>
>
>
> Medallions? Is this a revision to the plexiglass plaque? I have the
>
> wooden one and I got plates on mine that listed the band. They don't
>
> say 5 Band DXCC award on them.
>
>
>
> Ria
>
> N2RJ
>
>
>
> On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 4:14 PM Scott Stembaugh <radio.n9ljx@...> wrote:
>
> >
>
> > 5BDXCC and 5BWAS take considerable effort, time, and money to achieve.  Some are proud enough of their achievement to spend the money for the Plaque.  Then as they continue to operate they work towards endorsements for the other bands.  The amount of time and money spent on chasing these awards can be considerable.
>
> >
>
> > I have the 5BDXCC plaque.  I also had the credits to get the 17m and 30m endorsement medallions when I ordered it.  Very nice medallions that say '5 BAND DXCC AWARD' around the circumference.
>
> >
>
> > A couple of months ago I achieved DXCC on 12m and promptly ordered the 12m Medallion for the plaque.  After one 'got lost in the mail', the medallion arrived this week.  After putting in on the plaque I noticed it didn't match the 17m and 30m medallions.  Instead of '5 BAND DXCC AWARD' it says '5 BAND AWARD'.  And explanation for the Awards Desk was that this was changed to save money so all the 5 Band awards would use the same medallion.
>
> >
>
> > IMHO, an endorsement medallion that goes on plaque that that takes many many years to achieve should remain consistent for the recipient.  The mix of medallion styles is not nearly as aesthetically pleasing as when they all match.  Is the change really saving the ARRL that much money compared to the cost of award to the recipient?  Aside from the QSLing and Card/LoTW applications the basic plaque is $60 + $10.50 for each endorsement medallion bring the lifetime costs, if you succeed getting all the bands, to $123.  Is the ARRL losing money on these awards?
>
> >
>
> > Please stop mucking with the designs.
>
> > --scott N9LJX
>
> >
>
> > PS - FWIW I did NOT get the plaque for 5BWAS opting for just the certificate.  Hopefully when I achieve the endorsement stickers for 6m and 160m they will match my 12/17/30 stickers.
>
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

 

Not everyone in leadership at the League 

Has their ears closed

There are leaders that are listening to our concerns 

Yet it is a big organization that responds slowly 

 

For one example 

The payment plan for Life Membership 

Will return as soon as they have the details worked on how to take payments and record them,

The devil is in the details.

 

I personally am aware of the work to get this payment plan returned.

 

Is there much more that needs done

Yes a boat load

 

Are we as amateur radio ops better off With the ARRL, yes of course.

 

As a DXer, Contest op

I don't like everything user happening with the Traditional awards

 

In fact I was Les than ecstatic about the drop of RTTY as a DXCC award category 

And grouped into Digital 

And would really be pissed if they did thst to CW

 

I want change not only for myself but other fellow members

 

Therefore was the reason I wanted to attempt to be a part of the solution at least on the Section level

And became an ARRLNTX SM a little over two years ago.

 

I continue to be sadden by the number of ARRL members  that have little or no clue as to what 

ARRL field Service is

 

Or how to even contact their SM or Division Director

Yet page 15 and 16 of any QST has that info

 

The ARRL is far from perfect 

It is also made up

Of humans that are fellow amateur radio ops

 

I also know only a very small percent of members even look at the executive board minutes 

Which are readily available to all members

 

Thanks for allowing me to voice my view

 

73

 

Steve

KG5VK 

 

On Wed, May 26, 2021 at 11:49 AM W0MU <w0mu@...> wrote:

The reason I resigned from the CAC.  Many years of promised changes and nothing.  Many years of the same Stuff different day.   New directors fell right into the same trap or they were not honest with the membership to get elected.

The ARRL rules like the Gov't.  They know what is best and how dare you question them.

If I was not a life member I would not be a member because the ARRL stopped servicing the needs of them members years and years ago. 

Resistant to change is a huge understatement.

The ARRL does not poll the membership because they simply do not want our feedback.

W0MU

On 5/26/2021 10:07 AM, K8TS wrote:

Ria,

To mention that there was a pre-release model, suggests that there was thought put into it. Why was the membership not asked their opinion? If they were, when and where? I'm sorry, this is a very sore subject with many. Many did it the hard way (myself included). No beams, no towers, no 4-squares, no amps. Just ground mounted verticals and wires. And then to find out that the beloved plaque no longer existed, only a resemblance of the certificate on plexiglass was a slap in the face of many who worked hard for it. I don't know how many others did/do feel, but I personally resented it.

 

If it had to be changed, for some unknown reasons, why was it not made distinguishable from the certificate, instead of a copy-cat version wrapped in plexiglass?

 

On this issue, the lack of transparency is pretty foggy. It has cheapened an outstanding award. The opinion is again of the tail wagging the dog, with little or no input from the membership. The cost has probably been reduced for the Awards Department, but I didn't notice any significate decrease to the membership who spent years and hundreds of dollars achieving it.

 

Like Dick said, why pay outrageous fees and shipping when the frame can be purchased from Walmart, and the trip to the trophy shop for a minute amount compared to the ARRL fees?

 

I'm not quitting ARRL over this, but it sure does not tilt the scales in their direction. ARRL is back to their old ways. Membership organization? HA.

73,

Dale K8TS

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

From: Dick
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 12:59 AM
To: ARRL-Awards@...
Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions

 

When I needed to add another Band to my 5BDXCC Plaque,

I took it to a local Trophy store.

 

$7 later ...

 

73, Dick, W1KSZ

From: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...> on behalf of w2ttt <w2ttt@...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 8:39 PM
To: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...>
Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions

 

Ria,

I realize that these medallions are being updated for cost and flexibility, but how odd do they look with old and new styles on the same plaque?

I don't have a dog in this fight, but it seems like a logical concern.

73,

Gordon Beattie, W2TTT

201.314.6964

Get Outlook for Android

 

From: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...> on behalf of Ria, N2RJ <rjairam@...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 6:11:35 PM
To: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...>
Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions

 

Hi Dale,

Yes, I had seen these (the new style plastic ones) pre-release at HQ
before anyone had gotten them. I know about them. I wasn't aware that
they had revised the medallions further.

73
Ria, N2RJ

On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 6:05 PM K8TS <dalecole3502@...> wrote:
>
> Ria,
>
> They did away with the nice wooden ones that were envisioned on the wall for years and years. Something about the vendor.  There are 100's of plaque makers that would take that business in a heartbeat.  When I found out that my 5-band would be a piece of plastic that looked identical to the certificate for the same price as the wood one I went ballistic.  I can buy the same frame at Walmart, stick the $12.00 fancy "new" certificate in it and be ahead $40.00. It is a shame. It is sad. I wanted the wooden one. I had dreamed of it. Was not to be. I will not buy that cheap piece which is no different from the paper. The awards people think that 2¢ saved on an award will please the membership because it goes to the bottom line. I don't remember the membership being asked if they wanted something different. Some things don't change.  The prestige of earning 5 band DXCC does not. The whim of the awards department does.
>
> I'm not aiming this directly at you, but it's crap. That's the way I feel, and I have already had a talk with my director about it.  Awards said they would look into the matter. That was over a year ago. Now I see many other hard to complete awards going the same way. Now it sounds like they are changing boats again. It's BS. The awards program is being compromised and cheapened.
>
> Dale Cole K8TS
>
>
>
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
>
>
>
> From: Ria, N2RJ
> Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 4:22 PM
> To: ARRL-Awards@...
> Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions
>
>
>
> Medallions? Is this a revision to the plexiglass plaque? I have the
>
> wooden one and I got plates on mine that listed the band. They don't
>
> say 5 Band DXCC award on them.
>
>
>
> Ria
>
> N2RJ
>
>
>
> On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 4:14 PM Scott Stembaugh <radio.n9ljx@...> wrote:
>
> >
>
> > 5BDXCC and 5BWAS take considerable effort, time, and money to achieve.  Some are proud enough of their achievement to spend the money for the Plaque.  Then as they continue to operate they work towards endorsements for the other bands.  The amount of time and money spent on chasing these awards can be considerable.
>
> >
>
> > I have the 5BDXCC plaque.  I also had the credits to get the 17m and 30m endorsement medallions when I ordered it.  Very nice medallions that say '5 BAND DXCC AWARD' around the circumference.
>
> >
>
> > A couple of months ago I achieved DXCC on 12m and promptly ordered the 12m Medallion for the plaque.  After one 'got lost in the mail', the medallion arrived this week.  After putting in on the plaque I noticed it didn't match the 17m and 30m medallions.  Instead of '5 BAND DXCC AWARD' it says '5 BAND AWARD'.  And explanation for the Awards Desk was that this was changed to save money so all the 5 Band awards would use the same medallion.
>
> >
>
> > IMHO, an endorsement medallion that goes on plaque that that takes many many years to achieve should remain consistent for the recipient.  The mix of medallion styles is not nearly as aesthetically pleasing as when they all match.  Is the change really saving the ARRL that much money compared to the cost of award to the recipient?  Aside from the QSLing and Card/LoTW applications the basic plaque is $60 + $10.50 for each endorsement medallion bring the lifetime costs, if you succeed getting all the bands, to $123.  Is the ARRL losing money on these awards?
>
> >
>
> > Please stop mucking with the designs.
>
> > --scott N9LJX
>
> >
>
> > PS - FWIW I did NOT get the plaque for 5BWAS opting for just the certificate.  Hopefully when I achieve the endorsement stickers for 6m and 160m they will match my 12/17/30 stickers.
>
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

 

 

 

 

--

Steve

KG5VK

Tele 318-470-9806
ARRL NTX Section Manager 

Please note: My Out Going Email address is LottsPhoto@...

KG5VK@... is forwarded to my Gmail address

-- 
Bruce A. Manning

Here is my 2 cents worth. I was first licensed in 1972, but I, like many others, had other things in life to do. I started working on DXCC in the early 90's. I now have 9 Band DXCC CW all with 100 watts and wire antenna and an inverted "L" for 160. When I started this quest I looked at the Plaque and dreamed of the day that I could display that plaque on my wall. And it is there today. I also have DX Challenge with the 1,500 medallion. I have 1999 worked and 1974 confirmed. I hope some day to get the 2,000 medallion to put on that plaque. I hope it is the same as the other 2. Oaky so finally I'll get to my point. So many of us have worked for years to achieve these awards. We have seen these in others Amateurs stations. We have seen picture of these online. And these are the awards we wanted to get. So after many years of working toward one of these awards only to find out the award has changed really reduces our pride in what we have worked for. I know I would be willing to pay the extra few dollars to get what I set out to achieve. So I would hope the League would look into restoring these awards for those that have worked long and hard to achieve. One more thing I am 2 away from DXCC CW Honor Roll. Been setting in that spot for 6+ years. I hope soon I can get that and I hope it looks like the one I set out to get 30+ years ago. 

73

 Bruce NJ3K Life Member.

On Wed, 26 May 2021 12:12:53 -0500, "Steven Lott Smith KG5VK ARRL NTX SM" <lottsphoto@...> wrote:

Not everyone in leadership at the League 

Has their ears closed

There are leaders that are listening to our concerns 

Yet it is a big organization that responds slowly 

 

For one example 

The payment plan for Life Membership 

Will return as soon as they have the details worked on how to take payments and record them,

The devil is in the details.

 

I personally am aware of the work to get this payment plan returned.

 

Is there much more that needs done

Yes a boat load

 

Are we as amateur radio ops better off With the ARRL, yes of course.

 

As a DXer, Contest op

I don't like everything user happening with the Traditional awards

 

In fact I was Les than ecstatic about the drop of RTTY as a DXCC award category 

And grouped into Digital 

And would really be pissed if they did thst to CW

 

I want change not only for myself but other fellow members

 

Therefore was the reason I wanted to attempt to be a part of the solution at least on the Section level

And became an ARRLNTX SM a little over two years ago.

 

I continue to be sadden by the number of ARRL members  that have little or no clue as to what 

ARRL field Service is

 

Or how to even contact their SM or Division Director

Yet page 15 and 16 of any QST has that info

 

The ARRL is far from perfect 

It is also made up

Of humans that are fellow amateur radio ops

 

I also know only a very small percent of members even look at the executive board minutes 

Which are readily available to all members

 

Thanks for allowing me to voice my view

 

73

 

Steve

KG5VK 

 

 

On Wed, May 26, 2021 at 11:49 AM W0MU <w0mu@...> wrote:

The reason I resigned from the CAC.  Many years of promised changes and nothing.  Many years of the same Stuff different day.   New directors fell right into the same trap or they were not honest with the membership to get elected.

The ARRL rules like the Gov't.  They know what is best and how dare you question them.

If I was not a life member I would not be a member because the ARRL stopped servicing the needs of them members years and years ago. 

Resistant to change is a huge understatement.

The ARRL does not poll the membership because they simply do not want our feedback.

W0MU

 

On 5/26/2021 10:07 AM, K8TS wrote:

Ria,

To mention that there was a pre-release model, suggests that there was thought put into it. Why was the membership not asked their opinion? If they were, when and where? I'm sorry, this is a very sore subject with many. Many did it the hard way (myself included). No beams, no towers, no 4-squares, no amps. Just ground mounted verticals and wires. And then to find out that the beloved plaque no longer existed, only a resemblance of the certificate on plexiglass was a slap in the face of many who worked hard for it. I don't know how many others did/do feel, but I personally resented it.

 

If it had to be changed, for some unknown reasons, why was it not made distinguishable from the certificate, instead of a copy-cat version wrapped in plexiglass?

 

On this issue, the lack of transparency is pretty foggy. It has cheapened an outstanding award. The opinion is again of the tail wagging the dog, with little or no input from the membership. The cost has probably been reduced for the Awards Department, but I didn't notice any significate decrease to the membership who spent years and hundreds of dollars achieving it.

 

Like Dick said, why pay outrageous fees and shipping when the frame can be purchased from Walmart, and the trip to the trophy shop for a minute amount compared to the ARRL fees?

 

I'm not quitting ARRL over this, but it sure does not tilt the scales in their direction. ARRL is back to their old ways. Membership organization? HA.

73,

Dale K8TS

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

From: Dick
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 12:59 AM
To: ARRL-Awards@...
Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions

 

When I needed to add another Band to my 5BDXCC Plaque,

I took it to a local Trophy store.

 

$7 later ...

 

73, Dick, W1KSZ

From: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...> on behalf of w2ttt <w2ttt@...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 8:39 PM
To: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...>
Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions

 

Ria,

I realize that these medallions are being updated for cost and flexibility, but how odd do they look with old and new styles on the same plaque?

I don't have a dog in this fight, but it seems like a logical concern.

73,

Gordon Beattie, W2TTT

201.314.6964

Get Outlook for Android

 

From: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...> on behalf of Ria, N2RJ <rjairam@...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 6:11:35 PM
To: ARRL-Awards@... <ARRL-Awards@...>
Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions

 

Hi Dale,

Yes, I had seen these (the new style plastic ones) pre-release at HQ
before anyone had gotten them. I know about them. I wasn't aware that
they had revised the medallions further.

73
Ria, N2RJ

On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 6:05 PM K8TS <dalecole3502@...> wrote:
>
> Ria,
>
> They did away with the nice wooden ones that were envisioned on the wall for years and years. Something about the vendor.  There are 100's of plaque makers that would take that business in a heartbeat.  When I found out that my 5-band would be a piece of plastic that looked identical to the certificate for the same price as the wood one I went ballistic.  I can buy the same frame at Walmart, stick the $12.00 fancy "new" certificate in it and be ahead $40.00. It is a shame. It is sad. I wanted the wooden one. I had dreamed of it. Was not to be. I will not buy that cheap piece which is no different from the paper. The awards people think that 2¢ saved on an award will please the membership because it goes to the bottom line. I don't remember the membership being asked if they wanted something different. Some things don't change.  The prestige of earning 5 band DXCC does not. The whim of the awards department does.
>
> I'm not aiming this directly at you, but it's crap. That's the way I feel, and I have already had a talk with my director about it.  Awards said they would look into the matter. That was over a year ago. Now I see many other hard to complete awards going the same way. Now it sounds like they are changing boats again. It's BS. The awards program is being compromised and cheapened.
>
> Dale Cole K8TS
>
>
>
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
>
>
>
> From: Ria, N2RJ
> Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 4:22 PM
> To: ARRL-Awards@...
> Subject: Re: [ARRL-Awards] 5B DXCC and WAS Medallions
>
>
>
> Medallions? Is this a revision to the plexiglass plaque? I have the
>
> wooden one and I got plates on mine that listed the band. They don't
>
> say 5 Band DXCC award on them.
>
>
>
> Ria
>
> N2RJ
>
>
>
> On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 4:14 PM Scott Stembaugh <radio.n9ljx@...> wrote:
>
> >
>
> > 5BDXCC and 5BWAS take considerable effort, time, and money to achieve.  Some are proud enough of their achievement to spend the money for the Plaque.  Then as they continue to operate they work towards endorsements for the other bands.  The amount of time and money spent on chasing these awards can be considerable.
>
> >
>
> > I have the 5BDXCC plaque.  I also had the credits to get the 17m and 30m endorsement medallions when I ordered it.  Very nice medallions that say '5 BAND DXCC AWARD' around the circumference.
>
> >
>
> > A couple of months ago I achieved DXCC on 12m and promptly ordered the 12m Medallion for the plaque.  After one 'got lost in the mail', the medallion arrived this week.  After putting in on the plaque I noticed it didn't match the 17m and 30m medallions.  Instead of '5 BAND DXCC AWARD' it says '5 BAND AWARD'.  And explanation for the Awards Desk was that this was changed to save money so all the 5 Band awards would use the same medallion.
>
> >
>
> > IMHO, an endorsement medallion that goes on plaque that that takes many many years to achieve should remain consistent for the recipient.  The mix of medallion styles is not nearly as aesthetically pleasing as when they all match.  Is the change really saving the ARRL that much money compared to the cost of award to the recipient?  Aside from the QSLing and Card/LoTW applications the basic plaque is $60 + $10.50 for each endorsement medallion bring the lifetime costs, if you succeed getting all the bands, to $123.  Is the ARRL losing money on these awards?
>
> >
>
> > Please stop mucking with the designs.
>
> > --scott N9LJX
>
> >
>
> > PS - FWIW I did NOT get the plaque for 5BWAS opting for just the certificate.  Hopefully when I achieve the endorsement stickers for 6m and 160m they will match my 12/17/30 stickers.
>
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

 

 

 

 

--

Steve

KG5VK

Tele 318-470-9806
ARRL NTX Section Manager 

Please note: My Out Going Email address is LottsPhoto@...

KG5VK@... is forwarded to my Gmail address

-- 

Bruce A. Manning