Good Morning!
It’s January 1st, 2025, and I’d wish to want you all a really Comfortable New Yr!
As I discussed on Patreon yesterday, in some ways, I’m glad to see 2024 within the rear-view mirror.
It was a difficult yr for our household, however even amidst the difficulties, there have been numerous moments of pleasure and celebration.
Our largest takeaway from 2024 was experiencing the overwhelming love, kindness, and assist from our group after my mom’s passing, my father and father-in-law’s (a number of) hospitalizations, and, most notably, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
This unbelievable group pulled us via, and for that, we’re deeply grateful. Thanks!
As we enter the brand new yr, I’m dedicated to sustaining a constructive outlook. Considered one of my key targets is to proceed pouring vitality into the SWLing Publish.
Over time, the SWLing Publish has grown right into a vibrant and various group of radio fanatics, and it’s a privilege to curate so many unbelievable visitor contributions. I’m continually impressed by your ardour for the world of radio.
On the house entrance, we hope to slot in some journey this summer season and work on the lengthy record of storm repairs.
If you understand me, you understand how a lot I worth the effort and time individuals put into reaching out. I take nice delight in responding to each e mail I obtain.
That mentioned, even in the perfect of occasions, maintaining with correspondence is a problem. I usually obtain 12–24 private messages day by day—typically extra—and that’s along with emails from our household enterprise, organizations, and different duties. All of it provides up.
After Hurricane Helene, I used to be deeply moved by the flood of supportive messages from SWLing Publish readers. Whereas I’ve learn each one, replying has been a problem. Between storm restoration, household commitments, and operating the location, my capacity to maintain up with correspondence nearly disappeared.
Current hand soreness from storm cleanup has made prolonged typing troublesome, and my overly aggressive SPAM filter has doubtless deleted over 30% of messages from new senders. Regardless of my greatest efforts, my backlog now exceeds 350 particular person emails, and I do know some messages have been completely misplaced.
After a lot thought and recommendation from a good friend, I’ve determined to implement a correspondence moratorium for 2025.
This implies I’ll archive my present 2024 e mail backlog and begin recent.
When you’ve despatched me a visitor submit, information tip, or story for the SWLing Publish and haven’t heard again, please re-send it—I’ll prioritize these contributions and get them within the pipeline. (These of you who’ve despatched me articles this previous week, I’ve obtained them within the pipeline.)
For many who despatched notes of encouragement: please know I’ve learn and appreciated each phrase, even when I couldn’t reply.
Thanks in your understanding and persistence.
Whereas storm restoration initiatives will proceed into the summer season, I’m optimistic about discovering extra steadiness this yr. As my daughters begin their college journeys this fall, my household and I are deeply grateful for the assist and kindness you’ve proven us.
Right here’s wishing you and yours a 2025 full of pleasure, peace, and, after all, nice DX!
Warmest regards,
Thomas (K4SWL)
