When first deciding to research and analyze the collection, it was difficult to narrow in on just a few of the areas which could be studied. However, the relationships between the images, the text, and the code, or different use of language was readily apparent; for it is not just what a person writes that establishes meaning, but how they write it. To find a collection such as these 140 QSL cards is unusual and to study them has been a joy as a scholar and as a relative of the collection's owner. Overall, the subject of this study proved to be one full of possibilities for further study in the field of rhetoric and social semiotics, in the study of community, and in the study of the relationship between the uses of different languages. Despite seeming to focus on just a few areas of study, this analysis was still a bit broad. Narrowing the topic to perhaps just social semiotics would have provided more depth to the research.

 

My understanding of rhetoric has deepened due to this research. Although persuasion is present in forms of discourse, noticing how the words and images work together is what can enhance ones understanding of meaning and see the persuasion. Persuasion does not have to be overt; it can simply be allowing ones ethos to show for purposes of discourse and understanding. The QSL cards in this collection exhibit this type of rhetoric: the rhetoric of how the words and images work together to form meaning. In addition, applying the academic definitions of a discourse community to this collection of QSLs was eye-opening to the research potential and importance of this type of discourse. The challenge of applying modern-day definitions to historical documents is well worth the time and effort and only strengthens and hones the academic definitions we use.

​

​​​This project opens up a new avenue of research for all in the study of rhetoric. Not only are there further items to study with these historical documents but comparing them with modern usage of QSLs would be appropriate. This type of comparison would not only strengthen what we know about discourse communities and rhetoric but could possibly open up new avenues of research. Also, studying the verbal discourse or the Morse code usage of hams in addition to their use of written text is a wide area to study. Is there a difference between what is spoken and what is written? What is the significance, outside of collecting QSL cards, of receiving written confirmation of a spoken conversation? These and other research questions are rich with untapped knowledge.

​

On a personal note, I have established a connection with the grandfather I never met. This collection adds a depth to his character that was missing from the stories I've heard from my mother and grandmother. My grandfather's passion for the ham radio community and the collection of QSL cards was different than what was lacking in him as a husband and parent. Learning to see different aspects of a person is always a humbling experience, and this is a lesson that I continue to learn.

​

- 73 (Best Regards) 

​