Last 24th August, I posted a blog complaining about how Radio Taiwan International answered a reception report (sent via their website form) with a QSL left completely blank on the data fields. Yesterday, postmaster delivered a yellow hardpaper envelope, with chinese idioms on it, and a Republic of China address in latin alphabet. Pretty curious, as it was impossible to me to identify the exact sender (although I'd love to learn Mandarin), I opened it, and… it revealed a second QSL card from RTI, this time duly completed, and showing, on its front, the Hsinchu Railway Station. According to the very responsive policy of this station it contained also a nice set of cards commemorative of R.O.C. 100th anniversary.
I  migth be superb, but I like to think my blog entry has gotten to someone at the station (also because the stamp on the envelope dates of 30th August 2011, so after my post), who realized sending a blank card was a nonsense. I'm not someone used to complain, but I think that when there is a reason you have to put it out. Obviously, with a polite style. That said, I would like to acknowledge, by this post, the behaviour of the station. Admitting, and repairing, an error witnesses an intelligent attitude. Thanks a lot, folks at Radio Taiwan International! If I thought complaining was a good idea is just because I don't see a bright future for shortwave radio, and starting to play switching off the light isn't the best option.

73,
Chris

P.S.
Here is a scan of the writings on the envelope. If someone can give me a translation for the Chinese part, I'd be really grateful (also because the address in latin alphabet looks different from the station "official" one on the card).

Many times, while telling about confirmations I get, I've written that as long as you get an answer from a station, you don't have to complain. Today, instead, I will. Once back home, tonight, a Radio Taiwan International envelope was waiting for me. I was quite glad, as this station has been sometimes elusive in terms of verifications. In the past, it has been easier to get a beer coaster from them, than a QSL. Now, while cutting the paper, I felt happy. On 15th June 2011 I did receive what I classed (here) as their Mandarin programme, at 22.44 UTC, on 6150 kHz, and I sent a report through the station's website QSL form. So, the answer could only relate to a confirmation. A card was in the envelope, and a nice one  too (about the 2010 Taipei International Flora Expo, see above), but the data part, on the back, was left completely blank. The envelope contained also an A4 paper schedule in spanish (probably, it's reputed to be the one of their languages most close to italian!). Now, I wonder if it's worth anything putting up a QSL form on your site, to get feedback from listeners, if you're not ready/able to acknowledge it. I'm maybe (too) old fashioned, and not counting among those saying "well, better than nothing". In my opinion, to send people forwarding reports a blank QSL card, it would be better p.r. to send out a sticker. It would leave more sastifiaction, but most of all it would not originate the basic question I'm repeating to myself since I opened the envelope: is what I got a real confirmation? My reception, as you'll see in the video, was "presumed". Are we sure that just getting the card wipes out the doubt?

73,
Chris

How much China can you find on 6 MHz at night? More than you would expect. See the below log from last 15th June. Two different PBS (on five frequencies, with varying signals: it’s interesting, as I always thought they had the same irradiation pattern, given they provide a regional service), and what I’m led to log as Taiwan (that channel is sometimes jammed with CNR1, and being both in Mandarin, if someone could confirm, I’d be grateful). For all the entries, receiver is SDR “Pappradio”, with a “Discone” as antenna. QTH, as always, Aosta in north-western Italy.

PBS Xizang (Lhasa transmitting site)

• 6025 kHz – YL talk in Tibetan and music – 21.48 UTC – 15^th June 2011
• 6050 kHz – Music programme, and short OM talk in Mandarin – 21.58 UTC – 15^th June 2011
• 6110 kHz – OM and YL talk in English, music – 22.33 UTC – 15^th June 2011
• 6130 kHz – YL and OM talk in English – 22.38 UTC – 15^th June 2011

PBS Sichuan (Xichang transmitting site)

• 6060 kHz – Music, then YL talk – 22.12 UTC – 15^th June 2011

Radio Taiwan International (Tentative)

• 6150 kHz – OM talk in Mandarin – 22.44 UTC – 15^th June 2011

Next challenge, after reception, will be QSLing the PBS. Tibet should be easier, Sichuan looks like a harder one. But if you don't try…

73, Chris