An open letter from Joel Rogers to the viewers of CoasterGallery.com:
Two years ago, I put some vacation pictures on my website. Now, CoasterGallery.com contains pictures of over 260 roller coasters from all over the world. I had plans to add more features, more parks, and many more pictures to the website. All of those plans were changed on the morning of September 11, 2001.
As you might know, I am a pilot for one of the world's largest airlines. After being grounded for several days, the airlines have returned to the skies. However, because of massive financial losses and decreased passenger demands, widespread layoffs have been announced. The major airlines are going to reduce their workforce by over 120,000 employees. My airline alone is expected to layoff 10,000 people.
Since I am expected to be furloughed in the near future, I can no longer continue to expand CoasterGallery.com. My airline not only transports me to the various amusement parks, but is also the source of my income.
I am not writing this letter to complain about my situation. My unemployment pales in comparison to what has been suffered by thousands of people directly affected by the events of September 11. However, I wanted to let CoasterGallery fans know why the Gallery will not grow for quite some time.
I fully intend to keep CoasterGallery.com open. But since I have lost my income, I can not spend money on visiting parks, adding pictures, traveling, website hosting, etc. When I resume my flying career, I intend to get back to expanding CoasterGallery.com. But until then, I ask for your patience. So please, do not write and ask when I will be adding more pictures.
While I am not asking for help, I would like to state a few things for the record: I hope that people continue to volunteer to help by giving their time, money, and even blood to the charity or church of their choice. I also encourage amusement park fans to continue their patronage of parks. If you no longer visit parks because of security concerns, the terrorists have further succeeded in their plan.
Now a personal wish: I hope that people keep flying. The aviation system in the United States is even more secure that it was previously. I have flown several days this week and can personally testify that our airlines are very safe and secure. By continuing to fly, you can help the airlines help the 120,000 employees that will soon be out of a job.
Thank you in your patience and understanding in this matter. Thank you for your interest in CoasterGallery.com.
God Bless America!
Joel Rogers