Lefty Gomez

Most of us have fallen on hard times in our lives.  Sometimes, all that is needed is a little boost to get us over the hump.

Would this group be interested in a Part 15 financial assistance effort?  If we all could spare even just a few bucks perhaps Joe could hang on to his equipment for a while.  Hopefully something will come up in the near future and he can get back on track.

Joe's ideals for The ALPB are member stations helping member stations.  Here is a chance to really bring that idea home.  

A lot of time is spent thinking about, and even worrying about, the state of affairs that seems to parallel the age of the internet: the most efficient communications medium of all time tends to produce no revenue.

Part 15 is part of the larger puzzle because the internet empowers part15 news sharing, websiting and streaming, to strengthen stations that otherwise would exist in a vacuum.

As a part15 programmer for 14-years, I have seen many noble and worthy programs and stations disappear for failure to develop a base of funding.

Right now I know a long list of radio services that are vital to providing essential human news and information, but they are sagging under the cost of operation.

My own stations produce no revenue and the overall cost makes me a foolish hobbyist, but I believe it is worthwhile and I will only stop if an eviction notice is served.

We have a crisis, and lending a helping hand is worthy of generousity. Think about it.

Hi Guys   I like to say i wish lefty gomez wouldn't leave, and giving up his dream, But like mram said try to help him out get over the hump, How would like a possible fund raiser or donation etc something for him to keep his gear and keep him on the air. Just to let you know my story i been in that hump for 4 years and cant find a job but i haven't given up on my dream getting a part 15 on the air its just taken a little longer then i wish but i save a little and purchase stuff when i can so i can buy transmitter and build antenna and do my testing and i'm almost done so i can go on the air permant, I'm making it through lefty it's hard for me but i'm getting through and i hope my story picks up your spirits and wish all the best. Station8 jeff

Although it is for Joe to say, it's my understanding that Joe will still foster a love for Part 15 radio and will still be participating on line both here and at The ALPB.

I'm still dwelling on the problem brought into the discussion because of Lefty's situation.

Having gotten to know Lefty from his founding of the ALPB and his two very enthusiastic startups with radio for his area, not to mention his reign as a popular commercial DJ before that station went corporate, Santa Cruz would surely benefit from what Lefty envisions.

Trouble is the whole job requires more time and more energy than one man ever has.

Even radio ventures with dedicated groups of busy helpers sometimes do not reach lift-off.

Obviously being wealthy enough to own a licensed station is not the answer either, otherwise more of those stations would be doing creative and public minded programming.

Part15.us and the ALPB exist in an effort to better the state of affairs in radio broadcasting. We talk of little adjustments, like slightly more power or lengthier antennas, but the same road blocks would catch us short.

Anyway, we're here, and we're talking and thinking.

I think the best way to help would be to simply send what ever amount you feel appropriate and comfortable with directly to Joe's PayPal account.

Joe felt he could raise approximately $400 by selling all of his station equipment.

If just 20 people could each send $20, this would raise the same amount and Joe could continue with his Part 15 efforts.

He has offered a heck of a deal on the equipment and I myself am prepared to purchase his ATU - if as a group we can't help to circumvent his having to do that.

Another option would be for us as a group to "sponsor" an ALPB station.  The equipment, paid for by The ALPB members, would remain in service as an ALPB network station.  Joe would manage the station facilities.  Imagine, your programing scheduled into a time slot to be heard in Santa Cruz.

It may be a radical idea or it may be the start of a bigger, better ALPB.

I can associate with Leftys predicament, every winter I run into trying to just squeeze by on a much too tight budget, and there have been more times then one I entertained the thought of selling off a few pieces of equipment to relax the strain, and even considered it the most prudent action..

But I always refrained from doing so.. I fear selling off your primary equipment may be too drastic an action.. (assuming you do want to continue in the hobby), replacing equipment is not so easy to do, and I could forsee the fact that what would probally end up happening is regret..

I hope you reconsider your options, and maybe find another way to get over your current hump without sacrificing your part 15 objectives and pastime pleasure. I can't help but think you would regret it if you did.

As cliche as it is: Hang in there, it's going to work out fine.

Well, it's been a day or so.  Anyone beside me in favor of sponsoring Joe's station?  20 people, $20 bucks each.  The more the merrier!

If not, I'll just have to take him up on the ATU offer.  First dibs...  

MRAM is persuasive. Uh!

I'm trying to stick to a solid policy of not trying to save the world.

But when the world is Lefty Gomez, the founder of the ALPB, I begin to melt.

My little station doesn't earn money, but it costs money.

My poverty is an investment in egomania being heard over of three block area.

I'm weakening...

Trying not to give to any cause, but we're talking about Banana Belt Radio.

Oh jeez, now I'm looking over at the hiding place where I keep a spare twenty.

It's that MRAM. He makes me think this way.

No wonder he's got a TIS and an LPFM and a Part 15 and is Chairman of the worldwide ALPB and just about runs part of Ohio!

Oh. I forgot. This is getting posted on the web!

Excuse me. I have something else... later!!

I'm not trying to coerce anyone by beating them with a guilt stick.  I just thought that spreading the expense over a larger help base would be easier on everyone involved and Joe could maintain his operation.

I realize disposable income is hard to come by these days and would not expect anyone to put themselves in harms way.

That being said, I have expressed my interest in the ATU to Joe and as soon as I remember where the key to my billfold is at I will make the arrangements.

OK, everyone relax.  Joe sweetened the pot so I took him up on it and bought both the SSTRAN and the ATU.

With the pressures of everyday life, tough decisions have to be made.  I just hope the decision to sale was solely monetary and not the aggravation sometimes associated with this "hobby".

With that said, I fully expect Joe to continue Banana Belt Radio online and be back on-air when things get back on track.

Lefty, the very best to you in dealing with life, the world, and everything.

You'll always have a home in radio, and I think I speak for probably everybody when I say that you will be welcomed back big time when you are ready for the next go round.

well.. i just live a few miles from Santa Cruz, and I have some spare stuff - if he wants a station ... i can probably do something.. I think i have a talking house (no atu), a partially built AMT3000, and maybe even a spare computer for automation...

(Lefty only please)

i'm thinking of selling all my part 15 shit as well or putting my money where my mouth is since no one seems to want to make any doantions to the summit center non profit i'm working with and just donating all my shit to them.

i'm about fed up with the radio hobby the aggrivation the negativity and fear mongering and assholeism lack of proper funding from either donations or sales or equipment trades the general all around selfishness (mlr's offer to lefty is the first act of non slefishness i have seen in the hobby) of people etc that plauges both part 15 and ham radio.

the fact that i can't find a woman who is completely understanding of the radio and electronics hobby further aggrivates things.

that is why i haven't been around much these days because i have been getting driven away from the hobby both part 15 and ham.

in short i am fed up with the hobby and the people who are presently in control of the country and the the right wing conservative extremists who vote these people in.

i just want to unload everything off my back (radios, electroncis, model cars and trains) so when the shit hits the fan in this country and a good 70% of us wind up jobless pennyless and homeless and it's coming soon i have nothing holding me down.

it's been a good run but i think the fun is over for almost everybody and the hard times are just only getting started.