So i've been licensed about 8 months now and im starting to get into the whole contact confirmation thing and honestly its a bit overwhelming. Like i get the basic idea, you worked someone, you confirm it, cool. But theres like three different ways to do it and i cant figure out if i need all of them or just pick one or what.

I signed up for LoTW because everyone said to do that first and i uploaded my log from WSJT-X and some contacts showed up as confirmed which was exciting. But then i see people talking about eQSL and also actual paper cards and i dont really know how they all relate to each other or which awards accept which ones.

Also the paper card thing — do people actually still mail those? Like real stamps and envelopes? I got one in the mail last week from a guy in Ohio and it was honestly really cool but i wouldnt even know how to send one back. Do i need to go through the bureau or can i just mail it directly to the guy? He included his address on the card so im assuming i can just send one back to him directly but i wanted to ask before i did something dumb.

Yeah the three-system thing trips up a lot of new folks, dont feel bad about it. Quick version: LoTW is run by ARRL and is the gold standard for DXCC and a lot of other awards, so that one is basically mandatory if you care about chasing awards eventually. eQSL is separate, some people use it some dont, and it has its own awards system. The two dont talk to each other at all which is annoying but thats just how it is.

Paper cards are still very much a thing and a lot of DX stations and older ops really appreciate getting them. If someone put their address on the card they sent you then yeah just mail directly, thats the easiest way. The bureau system is more for when you dont have a direct address and want to send cards internationally without paying a bunch in postage — your ARRL section has a bureau for incoming and outgoing. But for a guy in Ohio just stick a stamp on it, way simpler.

For your actual question about which one to use — most people do all three eventually but if i had to rank them id say get LoTW sorted first, then worry about the rest. Sounds like youre already on the right track.

the paper cards are honestly my favorite part of the hobby, i know that sounds old fashioned but getting something physical in the mail from someone you talked to over the radio is just really satisfying. i have a whole binder of them going back years now.

one thing worth knowing — you can print your own cards at home pretty cheaply or order them from places like kb0pgf or a few others that do custom designs. doesnt have to be fancy, even a simple one with your call, grid square, and rig info is totally fine. most people just appreciate getting something back when they send one.