Tom Kneitel, SK
The combination "SK" to a Morse Code operator indicates the end of transmission; the station is closing down for the day. By derivation, SK and the term "Silent Key" came to indicate something else: a sentimental term of honor for an operator who had died.
In my bio in fanfiction.net, I thank "Tom Kneitel (Max Fleischer's grandson), who published my first fic mumblety-mumblety years ago." Although Tom was once interested in witchery, my fic certainly wasn't a Potter fic, as it ran in 19..- well anyway, it was ages ago, trust me.
For half a century, Tom wrote about the world of radio, prolifically and well. He had a large hand in the popularity of CB in North America. He edited several magazines in his time, wrote a slew of books on ham radio and shortwave listening, made uncountable fans and friends - and would give a beginner a chance to be published. It was only one page (and too esoteric and outdated to revive it now) but it was very encouraging to see it in print.
About two years ago, I found Tom on the Internet, retired to Florida but still typing away. I wanted to mention my revived interest in writing, and to thank him. (Astonishingly, he remembered that one page, and commented on it!)
On August 22, W4XAA became a Silent Key. Tom was 75.
In my bio in fanfiction.net, I thank "Tom Kneitel (Max Fleischer's grandson), who published my first fic mumblety-mumblety years ago." Although Tom was once interested in witchery, my fic certainly wasn't a Potter fic, as it ran in 19..- well anyway, it was ages ago, trust me.
For half a century, Tom wrote about the world of radio, prolifically and well. He had a large hand in the popularity of CB in North America. He edited several magazines in his time, wrote a slew of books on ham radio and shortwave listening, made uncountable fans and friends - and would give a beginner a chance to be published. It was only one page (and too esoteric and outdated to revive it now) but it was very encouraging to see it in print.
About two years ago, I found Tom on the Internet, retired to Florida but still typing away. I wanted to mention my revived interest in writing, and to thank him. (Astonishingly, he remembered that one page, and commented on it!)
On August 22, W4XAA became a Silent Key. Tom was 75.