Day #18 - 11/2/97 - 5:13PM

I have to say, the amount of email I've received - and the good thoughts you all have sent along - is starting to make me feel guilty! People lose jobs everyday in all walks of life. I'm not that special. I just happen to have a very public career.

Maybe the difference is, few of them start writing a diary for the world to peek at. Last night, my wife said to me, "You've made yourself so vulnerable. There you are, wearing your heart on your sleeve and anyone, anywhere could flame you at any time."

She's right, of course. But, amazingly, out of all the email I've received about this project, only ONE was really nasty. To the rest of you, I am really humbled by your kindness. Quotes from some recent email:

"I just listened to your aircheck. Loved it! I'm going to tape it and listen to it on my way to work in the morning. There is nothing worthwhile on the radio any more." - Barb York (former Cleveland listener)

"Thank you for sharing this experience with all of us. I lost my gig when a bigger broadcasting company bought up the biggest stations (mine included) in my medium-sized market, back in July." -Joyce Jefferson

"Still following your trials and tribulations...godspeed to you and the family. On a similar note, I have plenty of time to read your diary now ..I was fired last Saturday." - Fandango

"I used to listen to you with Chris Bailey at Z-104 in Norfolk when I was stationed at Fort Eustis, VA for a stay in the Army. Now I am doing afternoon drive at Oldies 93 in Greensboro/Winston Salem. Thanks Corey!!! [CUE ANNOUNCER] "That's right, you too can enjoy the benefits of being inspired by true radio talent when you LISTEN TO COREY DEITZ'S AIRCHECK!" -Dave Solomon PM Drive/APD WMQX, Greensboro, NC

I'm happy you've found a safe, constructive way to "vent" after what you've been through. It's a wonder we all don't just snap and "go postal" one day. (after being fired 5 times in 19 years, trust me, homocidal thoughts HAVE scampered through my brain--in fact, I had one former PD, who I affectionately named "Mr. Turnip Head" unknowingly cross the street right in front of my car one day---ohhh the temptation!!) -Karyn Kasi, Overnights, WCKG/Chicago

When I first started my diary, I thought it would give me something to do and a few people would get a kick out of it. It has grown a bit more interactive than I imagined...and I have had a lot more fun with some of the entries than I thought I would. Who knows? Maybe I should turn these diary pages into an unemployment resource for Radio Folks?