W
WCWalker
Guest
A new Editorial in the Guest Commentary section will interest anyone that's involved with professional part 15 broadcasting. www.wilw.com
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P
pbolyn
Guest
> A new Editorial in the Guest Commentary section will
> interest anyone that's involved with professional part 15
> broadcasting. www.wilw.com
>
How do I get to the "Guest Commentary" section?. The closest I can figure out is to click "Commentary" > "Guest", but the only thing I see there is a page written by you. Am I missing something? Is this what you meant?
<P ID="signature">______________
Phil B
</P>
> interest anyone that's involved with professional part 15
> broadcasting. www.wilw.com
>
How do I get to the "Guest Commentary" section?. The closest I can figure out is to click "Commentary" > "Guest", but the only thing I see there is a page written by you. Am I missing something? Is this what you meant?
<P ID="signature">______________
Phil B
</P>
W
WCWalker
Guest
***That is simply the Title to the page. Yes, that commentary was written by me. Occasionally I do post an actual Guest editorial on that page but it has been a while since someone either submitted a commentary or I happened upon one that contained a good topic. Since I am not one to let a perfectly good page to go to waste...
> > A new Editorial in the Guest Commentary section will
> > interest anyone that's involved with professional part 15
> > broadcasting. www.wilw.com
> >
>
> How do I get to the "Guest Commentary" section?. The closest
> I can figure out is to click "Commentary" > "Guest", but the
> only thing I see there is a page written by you. Am I
> missing something? Is this what you meant?
>
> > A new Editorial in the Guest Commentary section will
> > interest anyone that's involved with professional part 15
> > broadcasting. www.wilw.com
> >
>
> How do I get to the "Guest Commentary" section?. The closest
> I can figure out is to click "Commentary" > "Guest", but the
> only thing I see there is a page written by you. Am I
> missing something? Is this what you meant?
>
D
dbdigital
Guest
> ***That is simply the Title to the page. Yes, that
> commentary was written by me. Occasionally I do post an
> actual Guest editorial on that page but it has been a while
> since someone either submitted a commentary or I happened
> upon one that contained a good topic. Since I am not one to
> let a perfectly good page to go to waste...
>
>
> > > A new Editorial in the Guest Commentary section will
> > > interest anyone that's involved with professional part
> 15
> > > broadcasting. www.wilw.com
> > >
> >
> > How do I get to the "Guest Commentary" section?. The
> closest
> > I can figure out is to click "Commentary" > "Guest", but
> the
> > only thing I see there is a page written by you. Am I
> > missing something? Is this what you meant?
> >
>
I dunno, William, being forced to leave one small town after another... I are you sure you don't need to work on your PR skills a little?
Although I hail from So. California, I did have a brief experience with a small town and it wasn't at all bad. It was in the early '70s, I'd just gotten out of college and was offered a temporary job at a 5Kw AM station in the town of Norton, Kansas.
To be sure, I did encounter prejudice at first and it was an eye-opener. But I was able to overcome much of it by not adopting a 'them vs. me' attitude, being humble, hanging out with the locals and raving about how much better Norton was to Los Angeles (and in many ways it was better; clean air, no traffic or crowds and except for harvest time, a slower pace of life).
I also didn't try to 'make it' with the local women (although a few local daughters did come by the station or where I was living with pies and cakes). Over time, the townsfolk warmed up to me. In fact, whenever I was introduced they would say, " He's from California, but he's real nice." That was the true coin of the realm for acceptance, when a local would endorse me in that way.
At the end of my 5 month stint, most of the townsfolk was sorry to see me leave. They even threw a small party for me.
It's interesting that Radio Brandy is in Taft, CA. I've been through Taft a couple of times and it's a lot like Kansas in terrain and people. I can't comment on their situation because I don't know all the facts.
But I can tell you this; you cannot come into a small town on your terms and expect the folks to embrace you. You need to sow and cultivate seeds of trust and that takes time.
db
> commentary was written by me. Occasionally I do post an
> actual Guest editorial on that page but it has been a while
> since someone either submitted a commentary or I happened
> upon one that contained a good topic. Since I am not one to
> let a perfectly good page to go to waste...
>
>
> > > A new Editorial in the Guest Commentary section will
> > > interest anyone that's involved with professional part
> 15
> > > broadcasting. www.wilw.com
> > >
> >
> > How do I get to the "Guest Commentary" section?. The
> closest
> > I can figure out is to click "Commentary" > "Guest", but
> the
> > only thing I see there is a page written by you. Am I
> > missing something? Is this what you meant?
> >
>
I dunno, William, being forced to leave one small town after another... I are you sure you don't need to work on your PR skills a little?
Although I hail from So. California, I did have a brief experience with a small town and it wasn't at all bad. It was in the early '70s, I'd just gotten out of college and was offered a temporary job at a 5Kw AM station in the town of Norton, Kansas.
To be sure, I did encounter prejudice at first and it was an eye-opener. But I was able to overcome much of it by not adopting a 'them vs. me' attitude, being humble, hanging out with the locals and raving about how much better Norton was to Los Angeles (and in many ways it was better; clean air, no traffic or crowds and except for harvest time, a slower pace of life).
I also didn't try to 'make it' with the local women (although a few local daughters did come by the station or where I was living with pies and cakes). Over time, the townsfolk warmed up to me. In fact, whenever I was introduced they would say, " He's from California, but he's real nice." That was the true coin of the realm for acceptance, when a local would endorse me in that way.
At the end of my 5 month stint, most of the townsfolk was sorry to see me leave. They even threw a small party for me.
It's interesting that Radio Brandy is in Taft, CA. I've been through Taft a couple of times and it's a lot like Kansas in terrain and people. I can't comment on their situation because I don't know all the facts.
But I can tell you this; you cannot come into a small town on your terms and expect the folks to embrace you. You need to sow and cultivate seeds of trust and that takes time.
db
W
WCWalker
Guest
***Yes, I understand what you are saying and no I never developed a "me vs. them" mentality. It was quite the opposite really and I opened my door up as a friend and shared my station (in some cases) with the community. I did not try to force my political beliefs on others through the station and offered equal time to anyone of any political persuasion.
I have discussed this with a number of people including transplants from metro areas to rural areas and a gent from New York City (retired) summed it up best. He said that it is very difficult for an outsider to be accepted in a rural town unless he is a lot like they are. He's right. My experiences prove it. Unless you walk, talk, think, look, dress and act like they do you are immmediately labeled as something undesirable and problems ensue.
About ten years ago I worked with a woman at a supermarket in CT. She was from Rhode Island but married a guy from a small town called Milo, Maine which is not far from my current location. After they moved to Milo she too discovered how "friendly" rural America was. Despite the fact she was married into the town she could not find a job for 8 months in a good economy and they would not talk to her for THREE YEARS!
I don't try to "make it" with the local women. I don't even want to talk to them let alone date them. Hello and goodbye is sufficient enough. I would wave or say hell to the neighbors but would not get it in return. I've run into more liars and thieving bastards in rural America than in our cities and suburbs. I don't need people like that to warm up to me.
I certainly don't expect others to change for me but it is going to be a cold day in hell when I am forced to change who and what I am to "fit" in. Hitler preached that same garbage and anyone that did not "fit" into his ideal of a perfect world was forced out of the country or dealt with in an most unappealing manner. Need I say more?
I have not had anywhere near this much trouble in metro areas even though I've run into a fair amount of conformist geeks and goose steppers in those places too. But at least I am able to find a few enlightened, non conformist types that get it and I am not judged as harshly for being independent.
Yes, my PR does need some work but not for the sleazy, ignorant people I've encountered in these small towns.
> > ***That is simply the Title to the page. Yes, that
> > commentary was written by me. Occasionally I do post an
> > actual Guest editorial on that page but it has been a
> while
> > since someone either submitted a commentary or I happened
> > upon one that contained a good topic. Since I am not one
> to
> > let a perfectly good page to go to waste...
> >
> >
> > > > A new Editorial in the Guest Commentary section will
> > > > interest anyone that's involved with professional part
>
> > 15
> > > > broadcasting. www.wilw.com
> > > >
> > >
> > > How do I get to the "Guest Commentary" section?. The
> > closest
> > > I can figure out is to click "Commentary" > "Guest", but
>
> > the
> > > only thing I see there is a page written by you. Am I
> > > missing something? Is this what you meant?
> > >
> >
>
> I dunno, William, being forced to leave one small town after
> another... I are you sure you don't need to work on your PR
> skills a little?
>
> Although I hail from So. California, I did have a brief
> experience with a small town and it wasn't at all bad. It
> was in the early '70s, I'd just gotten out of college and
> was offered a temporary job at a 5Kw AM station in the town
> of Norton, Kansas.
>
> To be sure, I did encounter prejudice at first and it was an
> eye-opener. But I was able to overcome much of it by not
> adopting a 'them vs. me' attitude, being humble, hanging out
> with the locals and raving about how much better Norton was
> to Los Angeles (and in many ways it was better; clean air,
> no traffic or crowds and except for harvest time, a slower
> pace of life).
>
> I also didn't try to 'make it' with the local women
> (although a few local daughters did come by the station or
> where I was living with pies and cakes). Over time, the
> townsfolk warmed up to me. In fact, whenever I was
> introduced they would say, " He's from California, but he's
> real nice." That was the true coin of the realm for
> acceptance, when a local would endorse me in that way.
>
> At the end of my 5 month stint, most of the townsfolk was
> sorry to see me leave. They even threw a small party for me.
>
>
> It's interesting that Radio Brandy is in Taft, CA. I've
> been through Taft a couple of times and it's a lot like
> Kansas in terrain and people. I can't comment on their
> situation because I don't know all the facts.
>
> But I can tell you this; you cannot come into a small town
> on your terms and expect the folks to embrace you. You need
> to sow and cultivate seeds of trust and that takes time.
>
> db
>
I have discussed this with a number of people including transplants from metro areas to rural areas and a gent from New York City (retired) summed it up best. He said that it is very difficult for an outsider to be accepted in a rural town unless he is a lot like they are. He's right. My experiences prove it. Unless you walk, talk, think, look, dress and act like they do you are immmediately labeled as something undesirable and problems ensue.
About ten years ago I worked with a woman at a supermarket in CT. She was from Rhode Island but married a guy from a small town called Milo, Maine which is not far from my current location. After they moved to Milo she too discovered how "friendly" rural America was. Despite the fact she was married into the town she could not find a job for 8 months in a good economy and they would not talk to her for THREE YEARS!
I don't try to "make it" with the local women. I don't even want to talk to them let alone date them. Hello and goodbye is sufficient enough. I would wave or say hell to the neighbors but would not get it in return. I've run into more liars and thieving bastards in rural America than in our cities and suburbs. I don't need people like that to warm up to me.
I certainly don't expect others to change for me but it is going to be a cold day in hell when I am forced to change who and what I am to "fit" in. Hitler preached that same garbage and anyone that did not "fit" into his ideal of a perfect world was forced out of the country or dealt with in an most unappealing manner. Need I say more?
I have not had anywhere near this much trouble in metro areas even though I've run into a fair amount of conformist geeks and goose steppers in those places too. But at least I am able to find a few enlightened, non conformist types that get it and I am not judged as harshly for being independent.
Yes, my PR does need some work but not for the sleazy, ignorant people I've encountered in these small towns.
> > ***That is simply the Title to the page. Yes, that
> > commentary was written by me. Occasionally I do post an
> > actual Guest editorial on that page but it has been a
> while
> > since someone either submitted a commentary or I happened
> > upon one that contained a good topic. Since I am not one
> to
> > let a perfectly good page to go to waste...
> >
> >
> > > > A new Editorial in the Guest Commentary section will
> > > > interest anyone that's involved with professional part
>
> > 15
> > > > broadcasting. www.wilw.com
> > > >
> > >
> > > How do I get to the "Guest Commentary" section?. The
> > closest
> > > I can figure out is to click "Commentary" > "Guest", but
>
> > the
> > > only thing I see there is a page written by you. Am I
> > > missing something? Is this what you meant?
> > >
> >
>
> I dunno, William, being forced to leave one small town after
> another... I are you sure you don't need to work on your PR
> skills a little?
>
> Although I hail from So. California, I did have a brief
> experience with a small town and it wasn't at all bad. It
> was in the early '70s, I'd just gotten out of college and
> was offered a temporary job at a 5Kw AM station in the town
> of Norton, Kansas.
>
> To be sure, I did encounter prejudice at first and it was an
> eye-opener. But I was able to overcome much of it by not
> adopting a 'them vs. me' attitude, being humble, hanging out
> with the locals and raving about how much better Norton was
> to Los Angeles (and in many ways it was better; clean air,
> no traffic or crowds and except for harvest time, a slower
> pace of life).
>
> I also didn't try to 'make it' with the local women
> (although a few local daughters did come by the station or
> where I was living with pies and cakes). Over time, the
> townsfolk warmed up to me. In fact, whenever I was
> introduced they would say, " He's from California, but he's
> real nice." That was the true coin of the realm for
> acceptance, when a local would endorse me in that way.
>
> At the end of my 5 month stint, most of the townsfolk was
> sorry to see me leave. They even threw a small party for me.
>
>
> It's interesting that Radio Brandy is in Taft, CA. I've
> been through Taft a couple of times and it's a lot like
> Kansas in terrain and people. I can't comment on their
> situation because I don't know all the facts.
>
> But I can tell you this; you cannot come into a small town
> on your terms and expect the folks to embrace you. You need
> to sow and cultivate seeds of trust and that takes time.
>
> db
>
W
WCWalker
Guest
PS
FYI. I have a friend that worked at the same station in Norton that you've mentioned. Overall he said the two years he spent there were pretty good and he has generally favorable things to say about the people.
On the other hand he's lived in several other small towns in KS and OK since that time and each one of them have turned out to be every bit as moronic as the one's I've been in.
DB, I'd say you got lucky and found one that was decent.
Just because you found one that was decent does not mean they all are. I had one that turned out to be OK but the rest have been pretty bad to downright horrible.
FYI. I have a friend that worked at the same station in Norton that you've mentioned. Overall he said the two years he spent there were pretty good and he has generally favorable things to say about the people.
On the other hand he's lived in several other small towns in KS and OK since that time and each one of them have turned out to be every bit as moronic as the one's I've been in.
DB, I'd say you got lucky and found one that was decent.
Just because you found one that was decent does not mean they all are. I had one that turned out to be OK but the rest have been pretty bad to downright horrible.
D
dbdigital
Guest
Re: PS
> FYI. I have a friend that worked at the same station in
> Norton that you've mentioned. Overall he said the two years
> he spent there were pretty good and he has generally
> favorable things to say about the people.
>
> On the other hand he's lived in several other small towns in
> KS and OK since that time and each one of them have turned
> out to be every bit as moronic as the one's I've been in.
>
> DB, I'd say you got lucky and found one that was decent.
> Just because you found one that was decent does not mean
> they all are. I had one that turned out to be OK but the
> rest have been pretty bad to downright horrible.
>
Admittedly, my experience with small towns is limited.
I mention the point about not making it with the local women because I knew that most small town folk perceived Californians as uniformly immoral (and probably still do). In fact when I first got to Norton, I remember one guy saying, "So you're from Californicate, eh?" He was obviously trying to bait me (and was unsuccessful, I might add). But I wasn't going to reinforce the stereotype, so while being friendly with them, I kept a 'hands off' approach to the women.
Typically, though, if you're from either coast or from any big city, you're going to meet with prejudice in small town. The trick is trying to find a way to overcome it, if it's at all possible while not losing your identity.
db
> FYI. I have a friend that worked at the same station in
> Norton that you've mentioned. Overall he said the two years
> he spent there were pretty good and he has generally
> favorable things to say about the people.
>
> On the other hand he's lived in several other small towns in
> KS and OK since that time and each one of them have turned
> out to be every bit as moronic as the one's I've been in.
>
> DB, I'd say you got lucky and found one that was decent.
> Just because you found one that was decent does not mean
> they all are. I had one that turned out to be OK but the
> rest have been pretty bad to downright horrible.
>
Admittedly, my experience with small towns is limited.
I mention the point about not making it with the local women because I knew that most small town folk perceived Californians as uniformly immoral (and probably still do). In fact when I first got to Norton, I remember one guy saying, "So you're from Californicate, eh?" He was obviously trying to bait me (and was unsuccessful, I might add). But I wasn't going to reinforce the stereotype, so while being friendly with them, I kept a 'hands off' approach to the women.
Typically, though, if you're from either coast or from any big city, you're going to meet with prejudice in small town. The trick is trying to find a way to overcome it, if it's at all possible while not losing your identity.
db
W
WCWalker
Guest
Re: PS
***Yes, this is true. Stuff like that I simply let roll off my back and didn't think much of it. But the more serious issues (too numerous to mention) were the clincher. Sticks and stones.
The friend I refer to is originally from a small town in Alabama and his wife from a small town in Nebraska. There experiences have been pretty much the same as mine aside from the small town in MO that he grew up in and then Norton.
> > FYI. I have a friend that worked at the same station in
> > Norton that you've mentioned. Overall he said the two
> years
> > he spent there were pretty good and he has generally
> > favorable things to say about the people.
> >
> > On the other hand he's lived in several other small towns
> in
> > KS and OK since that time and each one of them have turned
>
> > out to be every bit as moronic as the one's I've been in.
>
> >
> > DB, I'd say you got lucky and found one that was
> decent.
> > Just because you found one that was decent does not mean
> > they all are. I had one that turned out to be OK but the
> > rest have been pretty bad to downright horrible.
> >
>
> Admittedly, my experience with small towns is limited.
>
> I mention the point about not making it with the local women
> because I knew that most small town folk perceived
> Californians as uniformly immoral (and probably still do).
> In fact when I first got to Norton, I remember one guy
> saying, "So you're from Californicate, eh?" He was
> obviously trying to bait me (and was unsuccessful, I might
> add). But I wasn't going to reinforce the stereotype, so
> while being friendly with them, I kept a 'hands off'
> approach to the women.
>
> Typically, though, if you're from either coast or from any
> big city, you're going to meet with prejudice in small town.
> The trick is trying to find a way to overcome it, if it's at
> all possible.
>
> db
>
***Yes, this is true. Stuff like that I simply let roll off my back and didn't think much of it. But the more serious issues (too numerous to mention) were the clincher. Sticks and stones.
The friend I refer to is originally from a small town in Alabama and his wife from a small town in Nebraska. There experiences have been pretty much the same as mine aside from the small town in MO that he grew up in and then Norton.
> > FYI. I have a friend that worked at the same station in
> > Norton that you've mentioned. Overall he said the two
> years
> > he spent there were pretty good and he has generally
> > favorable things to say about the people.
> >
> > On the other hand he's lived in several other small towns
> in
> > KS and OK since that time and each one of them have turned
>
> > out to be every bit as moronic as the one's I've been in.
>
> >
> > DB, I'd say you got lucky and found one that was
> decent.
> > Just because you found one that was decent does not mean
> > they all are. I had one that turned out to be OK but the
> > rest have been pretty bad to downright horrible.
> >
>
> Admittedly, my experience with small towns is limited.
>
> I mention the point about not making it with the local women
> because I knew that most small town folk perceived
> Californians as uniformly immoral (and probably still do).
> In fact when I first got to Norton, I remember one guy
> saying, "So you're from Californicate, eh?" He was
> obviously trying to bait me (and was unsuccessful, I might
> add). But I wasn't going to reinforce the stereotype, so
> while being friendly with them, I kept a 'hands off'
> approach to the women.
>
> Typically, though, if you're from either coast or from any
> big city, you're going to meet with prejudice in small town.
> The trick is trying to find a way to overcome it, if it's at
> all possible.
>
> db
>
Re: WILW Updates Radio Brandy & Taft
The people of Taft are a very warm outstanding bunch, Many Taft residents are third generation hard working oil field employees. It's when you try to start a business of any kind in Taft all hell breaks out, unless you are a member of one of the two preferred service clubs it can be a real nightmare.
You should keep in mind it's different for business owners than employees, I myself have traveled the radio circut as a DJ, Program Director and later as a operations manager. I never had any problems as a employee but I knew the owners were up to their eye balls in small town BS.
What William writes in his guest column is right on target most small towns don't like outsiders period radio stations included. It's not Wal-Mart killing these little towns, they are doing it to themselves.
Phil B you are always welcome to write a guest column on the Radio Brandy Site as is William and any others in community radio just e-mail it. I will place them in the part 15 section.
Steve
www.RadioBrandy.com
> It's interesting that Radio Brandy is in Taft, CA. I've
> been through Taft a couple of times and it's a lot like
> Kansas in terrain and people. I can't comment on their
> situation because I don't know all the facts.
>
> But I can tell you this; you cannot come into a small town
> on your terms and expect the folks to embrace you. You need
> to sow and cultivate seeds of trust and that takes time.
>
> db
>
The people of Taft are a very warm outstanding bunch, Many Taft residents are third generation hard working oil field employees. It's when you try to start a business of any kind in Taft all hell breaks out, unless you are a member of one of the two preferred service clubs it can be a real nightmare.
You should keep in mind it's different for business owners than employees, I myself have traveled the radio circut as a DJ, Program Director and later as a operations manager. I never had any problems as a employee but I knew the owners were up to their eye balls in small town BS.
What William writes in his guest column is right on target most small towns don't like outsiders period radio stations included. It's not Wal-Mart killing these little towns, they are doing it to themselves.
Phil B you are always welcome to write a guest column on the Radio Brandy Site as is William and any others in community radio just e-mail it. I will place them in the part 15 section.
Steve
www.RadioBrandy.com
> It's interesting that Radio Brandy is in Taft, CA. I've
> been through Taft a couple of times and it's a lot like
> Kansas in terrain and people. I can't comment on their
> situation because I don't know all the facts.
>
> But I can tell you this; you cannot come into a small town
> on your terms and expect the folks to embrace you. You need
> to sow and cultivate seeds of trust and that takes time.
>
> db
>
W
WCWalker
Guest
Re: WILW Updates Radio Brandy & Taft
***Very well put Steve. Yes, in Medina, NY I did run into a number of fine people and they were involved with my station but the local government is bent on driving business out of town especially when they cannot legally control it.
> The people of Taft are a very warm outstanding bunch, Many
> Taft residents are third generation hard working oil field
> employees. It's when you try to start a business of any kind
> in Taft all hell breaks out, unless you are a member of one
> of the two preferred service clubs it can be a real
> nightmare.
> You should keep in mind it's different for business owners
> than employees, I myself have traveled the radio circut as a
> DJ, Program Director and later as a operations manager. I
> never had any problems as a employee but I knew the owners
> were up to their eye balls in small town BS.
> What William writes in his guest column is right on target
> most small towns don't like outsiders period radio stations
> included. It's not Wal-Mart killing these little towns, they
> are doing it to themselves.
> Phil B you are always welcome to write a guest column on
> the Radio Brandy Site as is William and any others in
> community radio just e-mail it. I will place them in the
> part 15 section.
>
> Steve
> www.RadioBrandy.com
>
>
> > It's interesting that Radio Brandy is in Taft, CA. I've
> > been through Taft a couple of times and it's a lot like
> > Kansas in terrain and people. I can't comment on their
> > situation because I don't know all the facts.
> >
> > But I can tell you this; you cannot come into a small town
>
> > on your terms and expect the folks to embrace you. You
> need
> > to sow and cultivate seeds of trust and that takes time.
> >
> > db
> >
>
***Very well put Steve. Yes, in Medina, NY I did run into a number of fine people and they were involved with my station but the local government is bent on driving business out of town especially when they cannot legally control it.
> The people of Taft are a very warm outstanding bunch, Many
> Taft residents are third generation hard working oil field
> employees. It's when you try to start a business of any kind
> in Taft all hell breaks out, unless you are a member of one
> of the two preferred service clubs it can be a real
> nightmare.
> You should keep in mind it's different for business owners
> than employees, I myself have traveled the radio circut as a
> DJ, Program Director and later as a operations manager. I
> never had any problems as a employee but I knew the owners
> were up to their eye balls in small town BS.
> What William writes in his guest column is right on target
> most small towns don't like outsiders period radio stations
> included. It's not Wal-Mart killing these little towns, they
> are doing it to themselves.
> Phil B you are always welcome to write a guest column on
> the Radio Brandy Site as is William and any others in
> community radio just e-mail it. I will place them in the
> part 15 section.
>
> Steve
> www.RadioBrandy.com
>
>
> > It's interesting that Radio Brandy is in Taft, CA. I've
> > been through Taft a couple of times and it's a lot like
> > Kansas in terrain and people. I can't comment on their
> > situation because I don't know all the facts.
> >
> > But I can tell you this; you cannot come into a small town
>
> > on your terms and expect the folks to embrace you. You
> need
> > to sow and cultivate seeds of trust and that takes time.
> >
> > db
> >
>
C
carlvanorden
Guest
for William..
> ***Yes, I understand what you are saying and no I never> developed a "me vs. them" mentality. It was quite the> opposite really and I opened my door up as a friend and> shared my station (in some cases) with the community. I did> not try to force my political beliefs on others through the> station and offered equal time to anyone of any political> persuasion.> > I have discussed this with a number of people including> transplants from metro areas to rural areas and a gent from> New York City (retired) summed it up best. He said that it> is very difficult for an outsider to be accepted in a rural> town unless he is a lot like they are. He's right. My> experiences prove it. Unless you walk, talk, think, look,> dress and act like they do you are immmediately labeled as> something undesirable and problems ensue.> > About ten years ago I worked with a woman at a supermarket> in CT. She was from Rhode Island but married a guy from a> small town called Milo, Maine which is not far from my> current location. After they moved to Milo she too> discovered how "friendly" rural America was. Despite the> fact she was married into the town she could not find a job> for 8 months in a good economy and they would not talk to> her for THREE YEARS!> > I don't try to "make it" with the local women. I don't even> want to talk to them let alone date them. Hello and goodbye> is sufficient enough. I would wave or say hell to the> neighbors but would not get it in return. I've run into> more liars and thieving bastards in rural America than in> our cities and suburbs. I don't need people like that to> warm up to me.> > I certainly don't expect others to change for me but it is> going to be a cold day in hell when I am forced to change> who and what I am to "fit" in. Hitler preached that same> garbage and anyone that did not "fit" into his ideal of a> perfect world was forced out of the country or dealt with in> an most unappealing manner. Need I say more?> > I have not had anywhere near this much trouble in metro> areas even though I've run into a fair amount of conformist> geeks and goose steppers in those places too. But at least> I am able to find a few enlightened, non conformist types> that get it and I am not judged as harshly for being> independent.> > Yes, my PR does need some work but not for the sleazy,> ignorant people I've encountered in these small towns.> > > > > ***That is simply the Title to the page. Yes, that> > > commentary was written by me. Occasionally I do post an> > > > actual Guest editorial on that page but it has been a> > while> > > since someone either submitted a commentary or I> happened> > > upon one that contained a good topic. Since I am not> one> > to> > > let a perfectly good page to go to waste...> > > > > > > > > > > A new Editorial in the Guest Commentary section will> > > > > > interest anyone that's involved with professional> part> > > > > 15> > > > > broadcasting. www.wilw.com> > > > > > > > > > > > > How do I get to the "Guest Commentary" section?. The> > > closest> > > > I can figure out is to click "Commentary" > "Guest",> but> > > > > the> > > > only thing I see there is a page written by you. Am I> > > > missing something? Is this what you meant?> > > >> > > > > > > I dunno, William, being forced to leave one small town> after> > another... I are you sure you don't need to work on your> PR> > skills a little?> > > > Although I hail from So. California, I did have a brief> > experience with a small town and it wasn't at all bad. It> > was in the early '70s, I'd just gotten out of college and> > was offered a temporary job at a 5Kw AM station in the> town> > of Norton, Kansas.> > > > To be sure, I did encounter prejudice at first and it was> an> > eye-opener. But I was able to overcome much of it by not> > adopting a 'them vs. me' attitude, being humble, hanging> out> > with the locals and raving about how much better Norton> was> > to Los Angeles (and in many ways it was better; clean air,> > > no traffic or crowds and except for harvest time, a slower> > > pace of life). > > > > I also didn't try to 'make it' with the local women> > (although a few local daughters did come by the station or> > > where I was living with pies and cakes). Over time, the> > townsfolk warmed up to me. In fact, whenever I was> > introduced they would say, " He's from California, but> he's> > real nice." That was the true coin of the realm for> > acceptance, when a local would endorse me in that way. > > > > At the end of my 5 month stint, most of the townsfolk was> > sorry to see me leave. They even threw a small party for> me.> > > > > > It's interesting that Radio Brandy is in Taft, CA. I've> > been through Taft a couple of times and it's a lot like> > Kansas in terrain and people. I can't comment on their> > situation because I don't know all the facts.> > > > But I can tell you this; you cannot come into a small town> > > on your terms and expect the folks to embrace you. You> need> > to sow and cultivate seeds of trust and that takes time.> > > > db> >> I knew db hit it on the head, and then in reading further, you also did........For sure, when a "city slicker" moves to the country, it PAYS for them to "be" like the townspeople they will be living with.......here is an example:....I grew up in one town; it started as a rural town of surprisingly Catholic families; mine was the one Protestant family in the neighborhood.....but we all got along because we were all always there.......NOW, that town has urbanized and I (and my family) are happy to be outa there.....it is full of city people and where there was not one iota of crime there, it is beginning to get ugly.......I've been living in a rural town in PA for many moons now; difference is I fit in here perfectly........so I have never had a problem getting along with the locals.....so much so that no one who hasn't known me for 20 years would know I'm from somewhere else..........NOW, where radio is concerned, I have to say both William and Steve are absoulutely correct!...any type of new media, be it radio, a newspaper, even a LPTV could come underfire immediately for any number of reasons.......my biggest issue is the fact that "we don't want antennas in our backyard".....so, I've come up with great ways to get around it; the content of programming was never an issue, but I suppose it could instantly be depending upon the politics and religeon of the townspeople.......and here is an example of THAT:.....I guess at one time I played a record on air (on my part 15) that was objectionable to a person who holds a very important position in my community;...and it was that one song that began my trouble; not because I wasn't Protestant, or whatever.....but this woman is a "born-again" floor thumper.....the way I remedied it was to include a short program of popular gospel music...a former radio programmer friend of mine had a rather large collection of this music and I incorporated it into the programming: Problem Solved.....the other thing that happened was twofold:my format was also being played on a local FM, so I needed to change it to accomodate the demos of the area. The community "leader" (who has since passed on) didn't give me an ultimatum, but said it would be "best" if I changed the format; that I would get more support....that also worked.....and I had a program on that leaned right (cause that was all I could get)....I ended up with a program that leaned left, and everyone was happy, because there was a choice.......................................the jist of this is; yes, you gotta try to blend in; I'm not saying change your lifestyle, but like the kid who got beat up by the school bully everyday cause he was different, it kind of pays to fit in.....in more ways than one.........................................As always I wish both gentlemen good luck in their next endeavor.....Carl<P ID="signature">______________
[email protected], [email protected],[email protected]</P>
> ***Yes, I understand what you are saying and no I never> developed a "me vs. them" mentality. It was quite the> opposite really and I opened my door up as a friend and> shared my station (in some cases) with the community. I did> not try to force my political beliefs on others through the> station and offered equal time to anyone of any political> persuasion.> > I have discussed this with a number of people including> transplants from metro areas to rural areas and a gent from> New York City (retired) summed it up best. He said that it> is very difficult for an outsider to be accepted in a rural> town unless he is a lot like they are. He's right. My> experiences prove it. Unless you walk, talk, think, look,> dress and act like they do you are immmediately labeled as> something undesirable and problems ensue.> > About ten years ago I worked with a woman at a supermarket> in CT. She was from Rhode Island but married a guy from a> small town called Milo, Maine which is not far from my> current location. After they moved to Milo she too> discovered how "friendly" rural America was. Despite the> fact she was married into the town she could not find a job> for 8 months in a good economy and they would not talk to> her for THREE YEARS!> > I don't try to "make it" with the local women. I don't even> want to talk to them let alone date them. Hello and goodbye> is sufficient enough. I would wave or say hell to the> neighbors but would not get it in return. I've run into> more liars and thieving bastards in rural America than in> our cities and suburbs. I don't need people like that to> warm up to me.> > I certainly don't expect others to change for me but it is> going to be a cold day in hell when I am forced to change> who and what I am to "fit" in. Hitler preached that same> garbage and anyone that did not "fit" into his ideal of a> perfect world was forced out of the country or dealt with in> an most unappealing manner. Need I say more?> > I have not had anywhere near this much trouble in metro> areas even though I've run into a fair amount of conformist> geeks and goose steppers in those places too. But at least> I am able to find a few enlightened, non conformist types> that get it and I am not judged as harshly for being> independent.> > Yes, my PR does need some work but not for the sleazy,> ignorant people I've encountered in these small towns.> > > > > ***That is simply the Title to the page. Yes, that> > > commentary was written by me. Occasionally I do post an> > > > actual Guest editorial on that page but it has been a> > while> > > since someone either submitted a commentary or I> happened> > > upon one that contained a good topic. Since I am not> one> > to> > > let a perfectly good page to go to waste...> > > > > > > > > > > A new Editorial in the Guest Commentary section will> > > > > > interest anyone that's involved with professional> part> > > > > 15> > > > > broadcasting. www.wilw.com> > > > > > > > > > > > > How do I get to the "Guest Commentary" section?. The> > > closest> > > > I can figure out is to click "Commentary" > "Guest",> but> > > > > the> > > > only thing I see there is a page written by you. Am I> > > > missing something? Is this what you meant?> > > >> > > > > > > I dunno, William, being forced to leave one small town> after> > another... I are you sure you don't need to work on your> PR> > skills a little?> > > > Although I hail from So. California, I did have a brief> > experience with a small town and it wasn't at all bad. It> > was in the early '70s, I'd just gotten out of college and> > was offered a temporary job at a 5Kw AM station in the> town> > of Norton, Kansas.> > > > To be sure, I did encounter prejudice at first and it was> an> > eye-opener. But I was able to overcome much of it by not> > adopting a 'them vs. me' attitude, being humble, hanging> out> > with the locals and raving about how much better Norton> was> > to Los Angeles (and in many ways it was better; clean air,> > > no traffic or crowds and except for harvest time, a slower> > > pace of life). > > > > I also didn't try to 'make it' with the local women> > (although a few local daughters did come by the station or> > > where I was living with pies and cakes). Over time, the> > townsfolk warmed up to me. In fact, whenever I was> > introduced they would say, " He's from California, but> he's> > real nice." That was the true coin of the realm for> > acceptance, when a local would endorse me in that way. > > > > At the end of my 5 month stint, most of the townsfolk was> > sorry to see me leave. They even threw a small party for> me.> > > > > > It's interesting that Radio Brandy is in Taft, CA. I've> > been through Taft a couple of times and it's a lot like> > Kansas in terrain and people. I can't comment on their> > situation because I don't know all the facts.> > > > But I can tell you this; you cannot come into a small town> > > on your terms and expect the folks to embrace you. You> need> > to sow and cultivate seeds of trust and that takes time.> > > > db> >> I knew db hit it on the head, and then in reading further, you also did........For sure, when a "city slicker" moves to the country, it PAYS for them to "be" like the townspeople they will be living with.......here is an example:....I grew up in one town; it started as a rural town of surprisingly Catholic families; mine was the one Protestant family in the neighborhood.....but we all got along because we were all always there.......NOW, that town has urbanized and I (and my family) are happy to be outa there.....it is full of city people and where there was not one iota of crime there, it is beginning to get ugly.......I've been living in a rural town in PA for many moons now; difference is I fit in here perfectly........so I have never had a problem getting along with the locals.....so much so that no one who hasn't known me for 20 years would know I'm from somewhere else..........NOW, where radio is concerned, I have to say both William and Steve are absoulutely correct!...any type of new media, be it radio, a newspaper, even a LPTV could come underfire immediately for any number of reasons.......my biggest issue is the fact that "we don't want antennas in our backyard".....so, I've come up with great ways to get around it; the content of programming was never an issue, but I suppose it could instantly be depending upon the politics and religeon of the townspeople.......and here is an example of THAT:.....I guess at one time I played a record on air (on my part 15) that was objectionable to a person who holds a very important position in my community;...and it was that one song that began my trouble; not because I wasn't Protestant, or whatever.....but this woman is a "born-again" floor thumper.....the way I remedied it was to include a short program of popular gospel music...a former radio programmer friend of mine had a rather large collection of this music and I incorporated it into the programming: Problem Solved.....the other thing that happened was twofold:my format was also being played on a local FM, so I needed to change it to accomodate the demos of the area. The community "leader" (who has since passed on) didn't give me an ultimatum, but said it would be "best" if I changed the format; that I would get more support....that also worked.....and I had a program on that leaned right (cause that was all I could get)....I ended up with a program that leaned left, and everyone was happy, because there was a choice.......................................the jist of this is; yes, you gotta try to blend in; I'm not saying change your lifestyle, but like the kid who got beat up by the school bully everyday cause he was different, it kind of pays to fit in.....in more ways than one.........................................As always I wish both gentlemen good luck in their next endeavor.....Carl<P ID="signature">______________
[email protected], [email protected],[email protected]</P>
W
WCWalker
Guest
Re: for William..
***Carl's story reminds me of another one that sticks with this motif.
While I was "courting" Medina, NY for my radio station I spoke to someone in town that told me a shocking story. This shows just how corrupt the community really is. Turns out a former Mayor whose family happened to own a downtown clothing store for generations used his office to prevent a new clothing store from moving into the center of town. Apparently he did not want the competition and made every effort possible, while in office, to keep the outsider from moving in.
Turns out he succeeded and his clothing store did not gain a competitor. But just a few years later that cloting store went out of business due to a lack of customers. If they had allowed that new store into town it would have resulted in more pedestrian traffic and customers in the center which in turn probably could have resulted in more sales. Instead they discouraged this new business from coming in and it not only left an empty store front to remain empty it resulted in the loss of other downtown stores.
> > ***Yes, I understand what you are saying and no I never>
> developed a "me vs. them" mentality. It was quite the>
> opposite really and I opened my door up as a friend and>
> shared my station (in some cases) with the community. I
> did> not try to force my political beliefs on others through
> the> station and offered equal time to anyone of any
> political> persuasion.> > I have discussed this with a
> number of people including> transplants from metro areas to
> rural areas and a gent from> New York City (retired) summed
> it up best. He said that it> is very difficult for an
> outsider to be accepted in a rural> town unless he is a lot
> like they are. He's right. My> experiences prove it.
> Unless you walk, talk, think, look,> dress and act like they
> do you are immmediately labeled as> something undesirable
> and problems ensue.> > About ten years ago I worked with a
> woman at a supermarket> in CT. She was from Rhode Island
> but married a guy from a> small town called Milo, Maine
> which is not far from my> current location. After they
> moved to Milo she too> discovered how "friendly" rural
> America was. Despite the> fact she was married into the
> town she could not find a job> for 8 months in a good
> economy and they would not talk to> her for THREE YEARS!> >
> I don't try to "make it" with the local women. I don't
> even> want to talk to them let alone date them. Hello and
> goodbye> is sufficient enough. I would wave or say hell to
> the> neighbors but would not get it in return. I've run
> into> more liars and thieving bastards in rural America than
> in> our cities and suburbs. I don't need people like that
> to> warm up to me.> > I certainly don't expect others to
> change for me but it is> going to be a cold day in hell when
> I am forced to change> who and what I am to "fit" in.
> Hitler preached that same> garbage and anyone that did not
> "fit" into his ideal of a> perfect world was forced out of
> the country or dealt with in> an most unappealing manner.
> Need I say more?> > I have not had anywhere near this much
> trouble in metro> areas even though I've run into a fair
> amount of conformist> geeks and goose steppers in those
> places too. But at least> I am able to find a few
> enlightened, non conformist types> that get it and I am not
> judged as harshly for being> independent.> > Yes, my PR does
> need some work but not for the sleazy,> ignorant people I've
> encountered in these small towns.> > > > > ***That is simply
> the Title to the page. Yes, that> > > commentary was
> written by me. Occasionally I do post an> > > > actual
> Guest editorial on that page but it has been a> > while> >
> > since someone either submitted a commentary or I>
> happened> > > upon one that contained a good topic. Since I
> am not> one> > to> > > let a perfectly good page to go to
> waste...> > > > > > > > > > > A new Editorial in the Guest
> Commentary section will> > > > > > interest anyone that's
> involved with professional> part> > > > > 15> > > > >
> broadcasting. www.wilw.com> > > > > > > > > > > > > How do
> I get to the "Guest Commentary" section?. The> > > closest>
> > > > I can figure out is to click "Commentary" > "Guest",>
> but> > > > > the> > > > only thing I see there is a page
> written by you. Am I> > > > missing something? Is this what
> you meant?> > > >> > > > > > > I dunno, William, being
> forced to leave one small town> after> > another... I are
> you sure you don't need to work on your> PR> > skills a
> little?> > > > Although I hail from So. California, I did
> have a brief> > experience with a small town and it wasn't
> at all bad. It> > was in the early '70s, I'd just gotten out
> of college and> > was offered a temporary job at a 5Kw AM
> station in the> town> > of Norton, Kansas.> > > > To be
> sure, I did encounter prejudice at first and it was> an> >
> eye-opener. But I was able to overcome much of it by not> >
> adopting a 'them vs. me' attitude, being humble, hanging>
> out> > with the locals and raving about how much better
> Norton> was> > to Los Angeles (and in many ways it was
> better; clean air,> > > no traffic or crowds and except for
> harvest time, a slower> > > pace of life). > > > > I also
> didn't try to 'make it' with the local women> > (although a
> few local daughters did come by the station or> > > where I
> was living with pies and cakes). Over time, the> > townsfolk
> warmed up to me. In fact, whenever I was> > introduced they
> would say, " He's from California, but> he's> > real nice."
> That was the true coin of the realm for> > acceptance, when
> a local would endorse me in that way. > > > > At the end of
> my 5 month stint, most of the townsfolk was> > sorry to see
> me leave. They even threw a small party for> me.> > > > > >
> It's interesting that Radio Brandy is in Taft, CA. I've> >
> been through Taft a couple of times and it's a lot like> >
> Kansas in terrain and people. I can't comment on their> >
> situation because I don't know all the facts.> > > > But I
> can tell you this; you cannot come into a small town> > > on
> your terms and expect the folks to embrace you. You> need> >
> to sow and cultivate seeds of trust and that takes time.> >
> > > db> >> I knew db hit it on the head, and then in reading
> further, you also did........For sure, when a "city slicker"
> moves to the country, it PAYS for them to "be" like the
> townspeople they will be living with.......here is an
> example:....I grew up in one town; it started as a rural
> town of surprisingly Catholic families; mine was the one
> Protestant family in the neighborhood.....but we all got
> along because we were all always there.......NOW, that town
> has urbanized and I (and my family) are happy to be outa
> there.....it is full of city people and where there was not
> one iota of crime there, it is beginning to get
> ugly.......I've been living in a rural town in PA for many
> moons now; difference is I fit in here perfectly........so
> I have never had a problem getting along with the
> locals.....so much so that no one who hasn't known me for 20
> years would know I'm from somewhere else..........NOW, where
> radio is concerned, I have to say both William and Steve are
> absoulutely correct!...any type of new media, be it radio, a
> newspaper, even a LPTV could come underfire immediately for
> any number of reasons.......my biggest issue is the fact
> that "we don't want antennas in our backyard".....so, I've
> come up with great ways to get around it; the content of
> programming was never an issue, but I suppose it could
> instantly be depending upon the politics and religeon of the
> townspeople.......and here is an example of THAT:.....I
> guess at one time I played a record on air (on my part 15)
> that was objectionable to a person who holds a very
> important position in my community;...and it was that one
> song that began my trouble; not because I wasn't
> Protestant, or whatever.....but this woman is a "born-again"
> floor thumper.....the way I remedied it was to include a
> short program of popular gospel music...a former radio
> programmer friend of mine had a rather large collection of
> this music and I incorporated it into the programming:
> Problem Solved.....the other thing that happened was
> twofold:my format was also being played on a local FM, so I
> needed to change it to accomodate the demos of the area.
> The community "leader" (who has since passed on) didn't give
> me an ultimatum, but said it would be "best" if I changed
> the format; that I would get more support....that also
> worked.....and I had a program on that leaned right (cause
> that was all I could get)....I ended up with a program that
> leaned left, and everyone was happy, because there was a
> choice.......................................the jist of
> this is; yes, you gotta try to blend in; I'm not saying
> change your lifestyle, but like the kid who got beat up by
> the school bully everyday cause he was different, it kind of
> pays to fit in.....in more ways than
> one.........................................As always I wish
> both gentlemen good luck in their next endeavor.....Carl
>
***Carl's story reminds me of another one that sticks with this motif.
While I was "courting" Medina, NY for my radio station I spoke to someone in town that told me a shocking story. This shows just how corrupt the community really is. Turns out a former Mayor whose family happened to own a downtown clothing store for generations used his office to prevent a new clothing store from moving into the center of town. Apparently he did not want the competition and made every effort possible, while in office, to keep the outsider from moving in.
Turns out he succeeded and his clothing store did not gain a competitor. But just a few years later that cloting store went out of business due to a lack of customers. If they had allowed that new store into town it would have resulted in more pedestrian traffic and customers in the center which in turn probably could have resulted in more sales. Instead they discouraged this new business from coming in and it not only left an empty store front to remain empty it resulted in the loss of other downtown stores.
> > ***Yes, I understand what you are saying and no I never>
> developed a "me vs. them" mentality. It was quite the>
> opposite really and I opened my door up as a friend and>
> shared my station (in some cases) with the community. I
> did> not try to force my political beliefs on others through
> the> station and offered equal time to anyone of any
> political> persuasion.> > I have discussed this with a
> number of people including> transplants from metro areas to
> rural areas and a gent from> New York City (retired) summed
> it up best. He said that it> is very difficult for an
> outsider to be accepted in a rural> town unless he is a lot
> like they are. He's right. My> experiences prove it.
> Unless you walk, talk, think, look,> dress and act like they
> do you are immmediately labeled as> something undesirable
> and problems ensue.> > About ten years ago I worked with a
> woman at a supermarket> in CT. She was from Rhode Island
> but married a guy from a> small town called Milo, Maine
> which is not far from my> current location. After they
> moved to Milo she too> discovered how "friendly" rural
> America was. Despite the> fact she was married into the
> town she could not find a job> for 8 months in a good
> economy and they would not talk to> her for THREE YEARS!> >
> I don't try to "make it" with the local women. I don't
> even> want to talk to them let alone date them. Hello and
> goodbye> is sufficient enough. I would wave or say hell to
> the> neighbors but would not get it in return. I've run
> into> more liars and thieving bastards in rural America than
> in> our cities and suburbs. I don't need people like that
> to> warm up to me.> > I certainly don't expect others to
> change for me but it is> going to be a cold day in hell when
> I am forced to change> who and what I am to "fit" in.
> Hitler preached that same> garbage and anyone that did not
> "fit" into his ideal of a> perfect world was forced out of
> the country or dealt with in> an most unappealing manner.
> Need I say more?> > I have not had anywhere near this much
> trouble in metro> areas even though I've run into a fair
> amount of conformist> geeks and goose steppers in those
> places too. But at least> I am able to find a few
> enlightened, non conformist types> that get it and I am not
> judged as harshly for being> independent.> > Yes, my PR does
> need some work but not for the sleazy,> ignorant people I've
> encountered in these small towns.> > > > > ***That is simply
> the Title to the page. Yes, that> > > commentary was
> written by me. Occasionally I do post an> > > > actual
> Guest editorial on that page but it has been a> > while> >
> > since someone either submitted a commentary or I>
> happened> > > upon one that contained a good topic. Since I
> am not> one> > to> > > let a perfectly good page to go to
> waste...> > > > > > > > > > > A new Editorial in the Guest
> Commentary section will> > > > > > interest anyone that's
> involved with professional> part> > > > > 15> > > > >
> broadcasting. www.wilw.com> > > > > > > > > > > > > How do
> I get to the "Guest Commentary" section?. The> > > closest>
> > > > I can figure out is to click "Commentary" > "Guest",>
> but> > > > > the> > > > only thing I see there is a page
> written by you. Am I> > > > missing something? Is this what
> you meant?> > > >> > > > > > > I dunno, William, being
> forced to leave one small town> after> > another... I are
> you sure you don't need to work on your> PR> > skills a
> little?> > > > Although I hail from So. California, I did
> have a brief> > experience with a small town and it wasn't
> at all bad. It> > was in the early '70s, I'd just gotten out
> of college and> > was offered a temporary job at a 5Kw AM
> station in the> town> > of Norton, Kansas.> > > > To be
> sure, I did encounter prejudice at first and it was> an> >
> eye-opener. But I was able to overcome much of it by not> >
> adopting a 'them vs. me' attitude, being humble, hanging>
> out> > with the locals and raving about how much better
> Norton> was> > to Los Angeles (and in many ways it was
> better; clean air,> > > no traffic or crowds and except for
> harvest time, a slower> > > pace of life). > > > > I also
> didn't try to 'make it' with the local women> > (although a
> few local daughters did come by the station or> > > where I
> was living with pies and cakes). Over time, the> > townsfolk
> warmed up to me. In fact, whenever I was> > introduced they
> would say, " He's from California, but> he's> > real nice."
> That was the true coin of the realm for> > acceptance, when
> a local would endorse me in that way. > > > > At the end of
> my 5 month stint, most of the townsfolk was> > sorry to see
> me leave. They even threw a small party for> me.> > > > > >
> It's interesting that Radio Brandy is in Taft, CA. I've> >
> been through Taft a couple of times and it's a lot like> >
> Kansas in terrain and people. I can't comment on their> >
> situation because I don't know all the facts.> > > > But I
> can tell you this; you cannot come into a small town> > > on
> your terms and expect the folks to embrace you. You> need> >
> to sow and cultivate seeds of trust and that takes time.> >
> > > db> >> I knew db hit it on the head, and then in reading
> further, you also did........For sure, when a "city slicker"
> moves to the country, it PAYS for them to "be" like the
> townspeople they will be living with.......here is an
> example:....I grew up in one town; it started as a rural
> town of surprisingly Catholic families; mine was the one
> Protestant family in the neighborhood.....but we all got
> along because we were all always there.......NOW, that town
> has urbanized and I (and my family) are happy to be outa
> there.....it is full of city people and where there was not
> one iota of crime there, it is beginning to get
> ugly.......I've been living in a rural town in PA for many
> moons now; difference is I fit in here perfectly........so
> I have never had a problem getting along with the
> locals.....so much so that no one who hasn't known me for 20
> years would know I'm from somewhere else..........NOW, where
> radio is concerned, I have to say both William and Steve are
> absoulutely correct!...any type of new media, be it radio, a
> newspaper, even a LPTV could come underfire immediately for
> any number of reasons.......my biggest issue is the fact
> that "we don't want antennas in our backyard".....so, I've
> come up with great ways to get around it; the content of
> programming was never an issue, but I suppose it could
> instantly be depending upon the politics and religeon of the
> townspeople.......and here is an example of THAT:.....I
> guess at one time I played a record on air (on my part 15)
> that was objectionable to a person who holds a very
> important position in my community;...and it was that one
> song that began my trouble; not because I wasn't
> Protestant, or whatever.....but this woman is a "born-again"
> floor thumper.....the way I remedied it was to include a
> short program of popular gospel music...a former radio
> programmer friend of mine had a rather large collection of
> this music and I incorporated it into the programming:
> Problem Solved.....the other thing that happened was
> twofold:my format was also being played on a local FM, so I
> needed to change it to accomodate the demos of the area.
> The community "leader" (who has since passed on) didn't give
> me an ultimatum, but said it would be "best" if I changed
> the format; that I would get more support....that also
> worked.....and I had a program on that leaned right (cause
> that was all I could get)....I ended up with a program that
> leaned left, and everyone was happy, because there was a
> choice.......................................the jist of
> this is; yes, you gotta try to blend in; I'm not saying
> change your lifestyle, but like the kid who got beat up by
> the school bully everyday cause he was different, it kind of
> pays to fit in.....in more ways than
> one.........................................As always I wish
> both gentlemen good luck in their next endeavor.....Carl
>
Re: Transplant from Seattle...
> A new Editorial in the Guest Commentary section will
> interest anyone that's involved with professional part 15
> broadcasting. www.wilw.com
>
Responding after reading the above...
I relocated from Seattle, WA. to a small Island community in South Georgia back in 1996 to an area which really dislikes outsiders... being so, my intent was to run a small radio station and get the community to support it!
Now I did not mention anything about setting up such a business... instead, I cooperated with local issues, my children and my wife became part of the community, she is a teacher here, the swim team president, PTA members, local business and community activists, etc.
Now it's 2005 and it's now time to start the radio station... how did they react? They can't wait for the station to be on the air! I have more people wanting to be on the air than I can handle! I have sportscasters wanting to do shows (local's), businesses wanting to advertise on the radio... in fact I even have a gentlemen here wanting to give me office space!
Now... this is because I didn't just bust in with my big city attitude or talk wanting to change anything here, just wanting to be part of the community and it was welcomed by the all! Gaining trust and community loyalty takes time... a very long time... do this and you'll be welcomed no matter where you live, sure there will be places where "Bubba" and his bunch will rule the area, but you'll know soon and you'll either leave the area or learn to live with it!
Radiopilot
> A new Editorial in the Guest Commentary section will
> interest anyone that's involved with professional part 15
> broadcasting. www.wilw.com
>
Responding after reading the above...
I relocated from Seattle, WA. to a small Island community in South Georgia back in 1996 to an area which really dislikes outsiders... being so, my intent was to run a small radio station and get the community to support it!
Now I did not mention anything about setting up such a business... instead, I cooperated with local issues, my children and my wife became part of the community, she is a teacher here, the swim team president, PTA members, local business and community activists, etc.
Now it's 2005 and it's now time to start the radio station... how did they react? They can't wait for the station to be on the air! I have more people wanting to be on the air than I can handle! I have sportscasters wanting to do shows (local's), businesses wanting to advertise on the radio... in fact I even have a gentlemen here wanting to give me office space!
Now... this is because I didn't just bust in with my big city attitude or talk wanting to change anything here, just wanting to be part of the community and it was welcomed by the all! Gaining trust and community loyalty takes time... a very long time... do this and you'll be welcomed no matter where you live, sure there will be places where "Bubba" and his bunch will rule the area, but you'll know soon and you'll either leave the area or learn to live with it!
Radiopilot
Re: PS
> > FYI. I have a friend that worked at the same station in
> > Norton that you've mentioned. Overall he said the two
> years
> > he spent there were pretty good and he has generally
> > favorable things to say about the people.
> >
> > On the other hand he's lived in several other small towns
> in
> > KS and OK since that time and each one of them have turned
>
> > out to be every bit as moronic as the one's I've been in.
>
> >
> > DB, I'd say you got lucky and found one that was
> decent.
> > Just because you found one that was decent does not mean
> > they all are. I had one that turned out to be OK but the
> > rest have been pretty bad to downright horrible.
> >
>
> Admittedly, my experience with small towns is limited.
In reading Williams posts, it's really a shame that this kind of thing still occurs in small town America. What harm can a small radio station do? Do they think they're being invaded or something. I live in Edgewater, NJ in the shadows of NYC. When I started my station about 3 years ago - I just went on the air starting out as a station for our condo complex. I didn't ask anyones permission. I then added the internet station. After the station had been on for awhile, I began to distribute flyers. I visited the Community Center frequently. Most comments were: Why can't we hear the station all over town. I would explain that the town is 3 1/2 miles long and the station can only reach about 1 mile. Even though, living in an urban area as opposed to a rural one, people really don't care what you do. They don't really embrace it but they don't reject it either. I do get requests to air "this or air that" for the community and I always try to accomodate the best way I can.
IF I started in a small town, I would just put the station on the air maybe begin by broadcasting music, then in time introduce myself to the locals -- very slowly. I would put emphasis on the music format and then add community events. After they realize that you really do no harm and some actually like the music, they may not be so bad. Still - I can't understand how people could be so narrow minded. Just an opinion.
Jim
murphmac
>
> I mention the point about not making it with the local women
> because I knew that most small town folk perceived
> Californians as uniformly immoral (and probably still do).
> In fact when I first got to Norton, I remember one guy
> saying, "So you're from Californicate, eh?" He was
> obviously trying to bait me (and was unsuccessful, I might
> add). But I wasn't going to reinforce the stereotype, so
> while being friendly with them, I kept a 'hands off'
> approach to the women.
>
> Typically, though, if you're from either coast or from any
> big city, you're going to meet with prejudice in small town.
> The trick is trying to find a way to overcome it, if it's at
> all possible while not losing your identity.
>
> db
>
> > FYI. I have a friend that worked at the same station in
> > Norton that you've mentioned. Overall he said the two
> years
> > he spent there were pretty good and he has generally
> > favorable things to say about the people.
> >
> > On the other hand he's lived in several other small towns
> in
> > KS and OK since that time and each one of them have turned
>
> > out to be every bit as moronic as the one's I've been in.
>
> >
> > DB, I'd say you got lucky and found one that was
> decent.
> > Just because you found one that was decent does not mean
> > they all are. I had one that turned out to be OK but the
> > rest have been pretty bad to downright horrible.
> >
>
> Admittedly, my experience with small towns is limited.
In reading Williams posts, it's really a shame that this kind of thing still occurs in small town America. What harm can a small radio station do? Do they think they're being invaded or something. I live in Edgewater, NJ in the shadows of NYC. When I started my station about 3 years ago - I just went on the air starting out as a station for our condo complex. I didn't ask anyones permission. I then added the internet station. After the station had been on for awhile, I began to distribute flyers. I visited the Community Center frequently. Most comments were: Why can't we hear the station all over town. I would explain that the town is 3 1/2 miles long and the station can only reach about 1 mile. Even though, living in an urban area as opposed to a rural one, people really don't care what you do. They don't really embrace it but they don't reject it either. I do get requests to air "this or air that" for the community and I always try to accomodate the best way I can.
IF I started in a small town, I would just put the station on the air maybe begin by broadcasting music, then in time introduce myself to the locals -- very slowly. I would put emphasis on the music format and then add community events. After they realize that you really do no harm and some actually like the music, they may not be so bad. Still - I can't understand how people could be so narrow minded. Just an opinion.
Jim
murphmac
>
> I mention the point about not making it with the local women
> because I knew that most small town folk perceived
> Californians as uniformly immoral (and probably still do).
> In fact when I first got to Norton, I remember one guy
> saying, "So you're from Californicate, eh?" He was
> obviously trying to bait me (and was unsuccessful, I might
> add). But I wasn't going to reinforce the stereotype, so
> while being friendly with them, I kept a 'hands off'
> approach to the women.
>
> Typically, though, if you're from either coast or from any
> big city, you're going to meet with prejudice in small town.
> The trick is trying to find a way to overcome it, if it's at
> all possible while not losing your identity.
>
> db
>
J
JasonW
Guest
Part 15 stations--Just Do it
I strongly "second" this way of starting a Part 15 station. It is better to simply go on the air unannounced, with no fanfare or publicity, and gradually "fade into" the awareness of your community.
In 2003 I was helping actor Thom Bray (he played Murray on the television series "Riptide") start a Part 15 AM radio station. He made the mistake of mentioning it to his neighbors before going on the air. Some of them expressed "concern" about his project, and because of his desire to keep the peace in his neighborhood he abandoned it before ever going on the air. Had he simply gone on the air unannounced, the neighbors would have discovered his station after the fact and found that it didn't interfere with their favorite stations. -- JasonW
> > > FYI. I have a friend that worked at the same station in
>
> > > Norton that you've mentioned. Overall he said the two
> > years
> > > he spent there were pretty good and he has generally
> > > favorable things to say about the people.
> > >
> > > On the other hand he's lived in several other small
> towns
> > in
> > > KS and OK since that time and each one of them have
> turned
> >
> > > out to be every bit as moronic as the one's I've been
> in.
> >
> > >
> > > DB, I'd say you got lucky and found one that was
> > decent.
> > > Just because you found one that was decent does not mean
>
> > > they all are. I had one that turned out to be OK but
> the
> > > rest have been pretty bad to downright horrible.
> > >
> >
> > Admittedly, my experience with small towns is limited.
>
> In reading Williams posts, it's really a shame that this
> kind of thing still occurs in small town America. What harm
> can a small radio station do? Do they think they're being
> invaded or something. I live in Edgewater, NJ in the shadows
> of NYC. When I started my station about 3 years ago - I just
> went on the air starting out as a station for our condo
> complex. I didn't ask anyones permission. I then added the
> internet station. After the station had been on for awhile,
> I began to distribute flyers. I visited the Community Center
> frequently. Most comments were: Why can't we hear the
> station all over town. I would explain that the town is 3
> 1/2 miles long and the station can only reach about 1 mile.
> Even though, living in an urban area as opposed to a rural
> one, people really don't care what you do. They don't really
> embrace it but they don't reject it either. I do get
> requests to air "this or air that" for the community and I
> always try to accomodate the best way I can.
>
> IF I started in a small town, I would just put the station
> on the air maybe begin by broadcasting music, then in time
> introduce myself to the locals -- very slowly. I would put
> emphasis on the music format and then add community events.
> After they realize that you really do no harm and some
> actually like the music, they may not be so bad. Still - I
> can't understand how people could be so narrow minded. Just
> an opinion.
>
> Jim
> murphmac
> >
> > I mention the point about not making it with the local
> women
> > because I knew that most small town folk perceived
> > Californians as uniformly immoral (and probably still do).
>
> > In fact when I first got to Norton, I remember one guy
> > saying, "So you're from Californicate, eh?" He was
> > obviously trying to bait me (and was unsuccessful, I might
>
> > add). But I wasn't going to reinforce the stereotype, so
> > while being friendly with them, I kept a 'hands off'
> > approach to the women.
> >
> > Typically, though, if you're from either coast or from any
>
> > big city, you're going to meet with prejudice in small
> town.
> > The trick is trying to find a way to overcome it, if it's
> at
> > all possible while not losing your identity.
> >
> > db
> >
>
I strongly "second" this way of starting a Part 15 station. It is better to simply go on the air unannounced, with no fanfare or publicity, and gradually "fade into" the awareness of your community.
In 2003 I was helping actor Thom Bray (he played Murray on the television series "Riptide") start a Part 15 AM radio station. He made the mistake of mentioning it to his neighbors before going on the air. Some of them expressed "concern" about his project, and because of his desire to keep the peace in his neighborhood he abandoned it before ever going on the air. Had he simply gone on the air unannounced, the neighbors would have discovered his station after the fact and found that it didn't interfere with their favorite stations. -- JasonW
> > > FYI. I have a friend that worked at the same station in
>
> > > Norton that you've mentioned. Overall he said the two
> > years
> > > he spent there were pretty good and he has generally
> > > favorable things to say about the people.
> > >
> > > On the other hand he's lived in several other small
> towns
> > in
> > > KS and OK since that time and each one of them have
> turned
> >
> > > out to be every bit as moronic as the one's I've been
> in.
> >
> > >
> > > DB, I'd say you got lucky and found one that was
> > decent.
> > > Just because you found one that was decent does not mean
>
> > > they all are. I had one that turned out to be OK but
> the
> > > rest have been pretty bad to downright horrible.
> > >
> >
> > Admittedly, my experience with small towns is limited.
>
> In reading Williams posts, it's really a shame that this
> kind of thing still occurs in small town America. What harm
> can a small radio station do? Do they think they're being
> invaded or something. I live in Edgewater, NJ in the shadows
> of NYC. When I started my station about 3 years ago - I just
> went on the air starting out as a station for our condo
> complex. I didn't ask anyones permission. I then added the
> internet station. After the station had been on for awhile,
> I began to distribute flyers. I visited the Community Center
> frequently. Most comments were: Why can't we hear the
> station all over town. I would explain that the town is 3
> 1/2 miles long and the station can only reach about 1 mile.
> Even though, living in an urban area as opposed to a rural
> one, people really don't care what you do. They don't really
> embrace it but they don't reject it either. I do get
> requests to air "this or air that" for the community and I
> always try to accomodate the best way I can.
>
> IF I started in a small town, I would just put the station
> on the air maybe begin by broadcasting music, then in time
> introduce myself to the locals -- very slowly. I would put
> emphasis on the music format and then add community events.
> After they realize that you really do no harm and some
> actually like the music, they may not be so bad. Still - I
> can't understand how people could be so narrow minded. Just
> an opinion.
>
> Jim
> murphmac
> >
> > I mention the point about not making it with the local
> women
> > because I knew that most small town folk perceived
> > Californians as uniformly immoral (and probably still do).
>
> > In fact when I first got to Norton, I remember one guy
> > saying, "So you're from Californicate, eh?" He was
> > obviously trying to bait me (and was unsuccessful, I might
>
> > add). But I wasn't going to reinforce the stereotype, so
> > while being friendly with them, I kept a 'hands off'
> > approach to the women.
> >
> > Typically, though, if you're from either coast or from any
>
> > big city, you're going to meet with prejudice in small
> town.
> > The trick is trying to find a way to overcome it, if it's
> at
> > all possible while not losing your identity.
> >
> > db
> >
>
Re: Transplant from Seattle...
> Gaining trust and community loyalty takes time... a
> very long time... do this and you'll be welcomed no matter
> where you live...
>
> Radiopilot
>
Absolutely True, whether you are talking about Rural Small town USA, Suburban areas or even the big cities. As a resident of the New York City Metropolitan Area, believe me that even in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and The Bronx, you still have neighborhoods. People know each other and word gets around. Joining the community and building trust is of key importance. People fear the unknown, and therefore can do some odd things in order to be protective of what seems normal to them.
So when setting out to start a community radio station, don't pull into town for the first time with the intent to set up shop right away. Take radiopilot's advice and take some time to assimilate into your new environment. Once you make some friends (Maybe there are some local Ham operators) present the Idea "Hey, wouldn't it be great if WE had a local... WE should start up a part 15..." Get them on your side and let them be part of the idea. Then as radiopilot said, you will have a waiting list a mile long of people wanting to help and support.
> Gaining trust and community loyalty takes time... a
> very long time... do this and you'll be welcomed no matter
> where you live...
>
> Radiopilot
>
Absolutely True, whether you are talking about Rural Small town USA, Suburban areas or even the big cities. As a resident of the New York City Metropolitan Area, believe me that even in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and The Bronx, you still have neighborhoods. People know each other and word gets around. Joining the community and building trust is of key importance. People fear the unknown, and therefore can do some odd things in order to be protective of what seems normal to them.
So when setting out to start a community radio station, don't pull into town for the first time with the intent to set up shop right away. Take radiopilot's advice and take some time to assimilate into your new environment. Once you make some friends (Maybe there are some local Ham operators) present the Idea "Hey, wouldn't it be great if WE had a local... WE should start up a part 15..." Get them on your side and let them be part of the idea. Then as radiopilot said, you will have a waiting list a mile long of people wanting to help and support.
W
WCWalker
Guest
Re: Transplant from Seattle...
***My replies are interspersed.
> > Gaining trust and community loyalty takes time... a
> > very long time... do this and you'll be welcomed no
> matter
> > where you live...
> >
> > Radiopilot
***Well, they certainly have not earned my trust or loyalty. When I first meet a person I automatically believe they are good and they have to prove to me otherwise. The only thing I learned in these small towns is that most are out to hustle a buck from a perceived "city slicker" and they have little intent to welcome you even a few years down the road. I just had a conversation with a local guy today about this and he agreed with me. He was born and raised here.
> >
>
> Absolutely True, whether you are talking about Rural Small
> town USA, Suburban areas or even the big cities. As a
> resident of the New York City Metropolitan Area, believe me
> that even in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and The Bronx, you
> still have neighborhoods. People know each other and word
> gets around. Joining the community and building trust is of
> key importance. People fear the unknown, and therefore can
> do some odd things in order to be protective of what seems
> normal to them.
***I don't fear the unknown and quite frankly I don't even comprehend such paranoid thoughts. Obviously they have the hang up and they need to mature to the point where they can go through life dealing with adversity or the unknown with confidence.
>
> So when setting out to start a community radio station,
> don't pull into town for the first time with the intent to
> set up shop right away. Take radiopilot's advice and take
> some time to assimilate into your new environment. Once you
> make some friends (Maybe there are some local Ham operators)
> present the Idea "Hey, wouldn't it be great if WE had a
> local... WE should start up a part 15..." Get them on your
> side and let them be part of the idea. Then as radiopilot
> said, you will have a waiting list a mile long of people
> wanting to help and support.
***I never simply put my station on the air although I did do groundwork prior to moving in order to gauge interest in a potential station. In each case I waited months before going on the air. In my current location I've been here a year and have not even gone on the air.
Your recommendations will work in certain circumstances but in others they won't. I've tried them already after consulting with a number of people on radio issues plus the personal.
>
***My replies are interspersed.
> > Gaining trust and community loyalty takes time... a
> > very long time... do this and you'll be welcomed no
> matter
> > where you live...
> >
> > Radiopilot
***Well, they certainly have not earned my trust or loyalty. When I first meet a person I automatically believe they are good and they have to prove to me otherwise. The only thing I learned in these small towns is that most are out to hustle a buck from a perceived "city slicker" and they have little intent to welcome you even a few years down the road. I just had a conversation with a local guy today about this and he agreed with me. He was born and raised here.
> >
>
> Absolutely True, whether you are talking about Rural Small
> town USA, Suburban areas or even the big cities. As a
> resident of the New York City Metropolitan Area, believe me
> that even in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and The Bronx, you
> still have neighborhoods. People know each other and word
> gets around. Joining the community and building trust is of
> key importance. People fear the unknown, and therefore can
> do some odd things in order to be protective of what seems
> normal to them.
***I don't fear the unknown and quite frankly I don't even comprehend such paranoid thoughts. Obviously they have the hang up and they need to mature to the point where they can go through life dealing with adversity or the unknown with confidence.
>
> So when setting out to start a community radio station,
> don't pull into town for the first time with the intent to
> set up shop right away. Take radiopilot's advice and take
> some time to assimilate into your new environment. Once you
> make some friends (Maybe there are some local Ham operators)
> present the Idea "Hey, wouldn't it be great if WE had a
> local... WE should start up a part 15..." Get them on your
> side and let them be part of the idea. Then as radiopilot
> said, you will have a waiting list a mile long of people
> wanting to help and support.
***I never simply put my station on the air although I did do groundwork prior to moving in order to gauge interest in a potential station. In each case I waited months before going on the air. In my current location I've been here a year and have not even gone on the air.
Your recommendations will work in certain circumstances but in others they won't. I've tried them already after consulting with a number of people on radio issues plus the personal.
>
Re: Transplant from...
> Your recommendations will work in certain circumstances but
> in others they won't.
This is true. Sometimes you get lucky and discover a gold mine. Other times no matter how hard you try to make the best of it, or no matter how nice a place may seem, in the end it can turn out to be a real dung heap.
> I've tried them already after
> consulting with a number of people on radio issues plus the
> personal.
Hey man, good luck with your part 15 station. You are working toward fulfilling a dream of yours, and you keep on working at it. I respect that. I am sure that sooner or later (let's hope sooner!) that you will end up in a favorable location. Once that happens, the town will have an invaluable resource that they and ultimately you can be very proud of.
Long Live Live and Local Radio!
Keep it Real!
> Your recommendations will work in certain circumstances but
> in others they won't.
This is true. Sometimes you get lucky and discover a gold mine. Other times no matter how hard you try to make the best of it, or no matter how nice a place may seem, in the end it can turn out to be a real dung heap.
> I've tried them already after
> consulting with a number of people on radio issues plus the
> personal.
Hey man, good luck with your part 15 station. You are working toward fulfilling a dream of yours, and you keep on working at it. I respect that. I am sure that sooner or later (let's hope sooner!) that you will end up in a favorable location. Once that happens, the town will have an invaluable resource that they and ultimately you can be very proud of.
Long Live Live and Local Radio!
Keep it Real!
- Status