We’re coming up on the five-year anniversary of this original Musings (November 2018). When I heard from the two gentlemen who have been chosen to edit the 11th Edition of this superb textbook, asking if I would be interested in making a contribution to this new edition … how could I say “no.”
It’s been a few weeks since my submission and I have not yet heard if I will “make the cut” and continue my track record of finding my name included for the eleventh time when this updated edition of The Radio Station makes its appearance sometime in 2024 … so we shall see!
Read on … perhaps you’ll find a worthy tidbit of counsel that may prove meaningful to your life!
Last year, I was honored to be asked to write an essay for inclusion in a student-oriented textbook titled The Radio Station, 10th Edition. In what were meant to be the final words to be read by the reader, I was inspired to challenge the student with recognizing and taking to heart three factors which I believe to be key to success in any of life’s endeavors:
- Knowledge/Intelligence
- Creativity/Innovation
- Perseverance/Passion
I then laid on them this statement:
If, by this point, you are not feeling a deep-down passion – “fire in the belly” – for getting into the middle of this wonderful, crazy business, maybe you should be applying to the insurance company who’s advertising for actuaries!
If you would like to read the entire 800-word essay, write me at marlin@marlintaylor.radio and request a copy.
Let me introduce you to the now-released The Radio Station, 10th Edition, which one reviewer described as “unequaled as a textbook about the radio industry.” If you have an interest in what’s the newest and latest in radio station concepts, systems, equipment and laws as well as streaming services and podcasting, it’s all between the covers of this book. Also, if you have or know someone who’s studying mass communications or is considering the field, this book makes a perfect Christmas or birthday gift, as they will supremely benefit from what’s in its more than 500 pages.
I recently heard from co-editor of this latest edition, Dr. Bruce Mims, telling me that Marlin Taylor is the only industry person who’s quoted in all ten editions of this truly educational publication … created by one Michael Keith, the original edition was released in 1986. Guess this sounds like I’m bragging … but my question is, “what could I possibly have offered in wise counsel or information to justify my being quoted this many times over the past 30 years?”
Well, this boy from Pennsylvania, who grew up — like so many others from my generation — not knowing how poor we were, is grateful every day for the “hand I’ve been dealt,” the life I’ve been privileged to experience, even for those days and times which were challenging and we were earnestly seeking “the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Circling back to where I began this Musings, here’s a little something to consider and ponder … Stephen Covey, who I had the privilege of knowing before he became famous through authoring the best-selling self-help book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People … left us with a bit of wise advice which recently was brought back to my memory:
“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing!”
How many of us — ourselves or persons we know — would immensely benefit from truly and honestly adhering to this rule, bringing them closer to achieving a life-long dream or reaching that long-sought goal?
This advice about not going into the radio broadcast industry also applies to operational railroading.
Those who don’t want to work on the trains and the irregular hours and days of work that goes with the life of and operational railroader should never stay in that career field. All too often they make miserable coworkers and in the case of passenger railroading make miserable ambassadors to the passengers who are paying for a ride on their train.
It has been an honor to include yours words of wisdom in each edition.