At the end of December, I solicited help for a new timetable covering several of the mountain states. I promised a free copy to anybody who offered new information. You can read more about it here: http://www.altamontpress.com/discussion/read.php?1,36731 . The flyer was also sent by e-mail and posted on other discussion boards. Today was the deadline for submissions.

The response was far less than I predicted. One person replied from the states of Nebraska, Utah, and Wyoming. I think there were ten responses from Colorado and Nevada combined. And a handful of people responded from other states. Unfortunately, only five people had new information. Nevertheless, I appreciate every person who took the time to respond.

I sensed this would be a problem about two weeks ago. I began to contact some folks in Utah, where the need for help is the greatest. Of the eight people I contacted, six of them didn’t respond to the voicemails or e-mails I left. One man I spoke to was very kind but couldn’t help, the other man was insulting and refused to help. Maybe he was having a bad day, I’m not sure.

He made a remark that I believe is tied to a commonly held misconception. I’d like to clear this up once and for all. This business has never been a cash cow, not by any stretch of the imagination. From the day I became owner in 2006 (and long before that, for Rob) there hasn’t been any financial incentive whatsoever to keep this business up and running. I do it for the sake of giving back to a hobby that has treated me very well over the years.

So when I approach people for help, it’s because I’ve exhausted all other resources. It’s not because I’m “exploiting people,” a “freeloader” or looking for the “easy way out” at other people’s expense. I care greatly about the accuracy of the timetables, and I’m not willing to sacrifice this to sell a product.

Researching timetable information without the cooperation of others is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. There aren’t enough hours in the day, and even if there was, I’d probably spend that time doing the activities and hobbies I haven’t had time for the last few years. My gas tank is running on empty, I’m afraid.

Even though the recession has wreaked havoc on timetable sales, this doesn’t upset me much due to the fact I hate money. I get much greater satisfaction out of helping people in need, but I can only do so much.

For these reasons, the mountain states timetable will more than likely be my last. I doubt there’s enough left in the tank to proceed any further. Also, there will not be a California Timetable #21 this year. I hope to have the mountain timetable ready in April.

Thank you for all your support over the years,

David Curlee
Altamont Press