Electronic QSLs, however, are the future. A normal QSL comes no faster than the mail can deliver it, or the bureau can package and send; I understand that some international QSLs can take years to arrive! An electronic QSL comes nearly immediately, depending on the users.
Seeing as I'm pretty new to Ham Radio, I've discovered that there are two primary methods to confirm contacts electronically. The first is eQSL and the second is the Logbook of the World.
eQSL
The system is relatively easy to use. There is an authentication method to ensure that you are the operator you claim to be. You can either directly upload your FCC license or you can opt for the postcard method, in which they send you a postcard to your address. It contains instructions to confirm your account. It's not very complicated, and its not required to use the system.
Logbook of the World
Once that is complete, you must wait a day or two for the staff to generate your certificate, then it is emailed to you. Once you load it into TQSL, you have the ability to upload your logs.
I get the sense that this system is automatic. In other words, if the logs match with another user, you get immediate credit. I'm not positive if that is correct or not, as I haven't made any contacts since I set this up (hey, it's cold outside!).
I don't believe that you actually receive any QSL cards, electronic or otherwise. Instead, you get a confirmation of a contact in your log. If we're going purely by how a computer system is supposed to be used (streamlining workflows by changing perceptions, instead of simply digitizing current paper processes), this is the method of the future. But similar to the argument of paper-feel when discussing electronic books versus real books, "I just like QSL cards!"
A little tension?
If you read through eQSL's website, they make some claims that they requested ARRL to make modifications to allow their systems to talk together; and ARRL did not agree. On one hand, this is unsurprising - QSLs and awards, after all, is a business. On the other, a big part of ham radio seems to be an "open source" type community, where sharing is caring. I'm a little surprised that there's so little communication between the two systems.
Conclusion
I'm not a contester (yet?) so I don't feel strongly about any awards. I'm more interested in playing with the gear and rag chewing with others. I'd like to make more contacts, but I'm not so competitive that I want to deal with huge pileups and fights to get onto someone's log.
I feel that by signing up for both, I'm much more likely to increase the types of QSLs that I can receive. So, if you hear me out there, I'm on both eQSL and LoTW.