no comp. was Re: Saying "No" (was Convention is focused)

[Richard Brekne]

Thanks Bob and Wim for some nicely thought out stuff. 

Bob the reasons you give are right on the money in my book.
Wim I agree that the exams section needs all the help it can
get. That's where I spent nearly all my time in Arlington,
taking my own and then helping out with others, even
volunteered to help an extra exam for our good friend Brian.
And I spent all my time in Reno in the exams room helping
and learning the CTE ropes. My experience there has taught
me much more then I could have imagined, and it seems to me
the least I can do to offer back my time for so much so many
have freely given to me through the years. 

That, and writing an article for the Swedish publication,
teaching classes at the Nordic conventions, arranging a
voicing seminar with Antares here in Bergen, and promoting
increased exchange over the seas is all I have managed to do
so far in my 3 years PTG membership and 5 years in the
Norwegian. But I take every chance I get and I hope very
much to be able to do a class at the PTG convention one day.
And I agree big time with your first point below. Indeed all
of them to a tee.

There are plenty of opportunities for all in our field to
exploit their skills and knowledge for personal gain.
Probably a lot more and varied then most of us realize. I
just don't think that Conventions of the sort the PTG annual
and the regional are, or even regular local chapter meetings
are the place to do it. 

BobDavis and Wim write
> 
> Wim writes:
> 
> I am going to jump in on this thread with an opposite
> point of view. One thing I would like to see happen,
> contrary to what I have said in the past, and contrary to
> what every one has been saying, is that instructors not be
> paid at all.
> 
> BobDavis :
>
> Also, while others were at receptions, I was preparing a piano for a class,
> or breaking it down to be used by someone else. I left the banquet early for
> the same reason.
> 
> So why would I subject myself to this?
> 1. I learn more than they do. The discipline of preparation has forced me to
> think about subjects I'm interested in, more deeply than I might have.
> 2. I think I have something to say that might help someone, and it is SMALL
> payback for the VAST quantities of information I have received from others
> who felt the same way. I am SO greatful that they were willing to share.
> 3. The system works. I think we all benefit from the free exchange of
> information. My competitors have gained, but so have I, in direct proportion
> to the amount of energy I have put into learning and teaching. When
> everybody's doing better work, the respect that our clients have for the
> craft increases, raising our standing, financial and otherwise.
> 4. Nobody knows everything. I would rather spend a lot of energy on a topic
> that excites me, and go to a convention where I can meet someone else with a
> different focus, with whom I can trade the fruits of deeper research.
> 5. I enjoy teaching willing and committed students. It's just plain fun.
> 6. Anyone who doesn't admit to a LITTLE ego boost isn't very honest.
> 
> Bob Davis
>