Launch Party
After months and months of hard work, it was time to celebrate! On a the evening of 26 October, a lively group of seasoned radio amateurs, joined by equally curious newcomers, gathered at a Helsinki library for a launch event for Atlas of QSL Cards. There, the hardcover edition of the book said hello to the softcover print, and saw its first public outing into the world.
With coffee and cake in hand, I shared the book's journey through photos: late nights piecing together stories; a slightly bemused librarian retrieving old radio magazines from the basement archive; design drafts taped to our fridge door. I recounted nervously driving to meet Martti Laine (OH2BH) for the first proofreading session, and our kids helping with proofreading and double-checking location names on maps.
Speaking of maps in the book, we of course had to talk about them as well. An ostensibly simple ‘dotted maps’ concept, intended to steer clear of excessive effort, soon turned into developing a custom app to transform images into stylised graphics — a far greater challenge than met the eye at first glance.
I couldn’t resist sharing some cheeky news, either: Atlas of QSL Cards briefly hit the top #1 spot in the Explorations category at Amazon Netherlands, ahead of Stephen Hawking! Niche category or not, I’ll take it!
On stage with me was Martti Laine (OH2BH), who entertained the audience with his astounding stories. Tuija Tarkiainen, the book’s graphic designer, was also there; her creative vision brought the project to life. Olli Rissanen, (OH2BBM/OH0XX) joined us over video from Oulu, to share the fascinating history of the groundbreaking OH2AM QSL punch card from 1968 (there’s more to come about that in short order!)
To top it all off, Henri Olander, President of the Finnish Amateur Radio League (SRAL), presented me with their 100-Year History book—a truly meaningful gesture.
The atmosphere at the event was enthusiastic and cordial. This was a major milestone in the book’s journey, and a wonderful reminder of the support I’ve received from friends, family, and the radio amateur community. With all the interest, I won’t be surprised if some new radio amateurs emerge from this event down the line!
From left to right: Martti Laine (OH2BH), author Laura Piipari, and the book's graphic designer Tuija Tarkiainen from Studio Kiss, holding a QSL card featuring Olli Rissanen (OH2BBM/OH0XX) perched in a palm tree in French Guiana around 1988—anything for a good signal!
