Les Bartlett said: "As with any club, you join by their rules, not your own. If you want identification with the club and whatever benefits derived from it then you play by their rules. When you get "in" you get to vote and be part of some of the decision making. Until then, any argument as to your qualifications to work on certain things, or even hunt ducks isn't important. I fought this battle years ago, and was so hacked over it I had one RPT call me an SOB online in the public forum because of my remarks about the process. I eventually took the blasted tests, didn't study for them, passed with high marks, and the guy who had berated me did a bunch of backpedaling........... That being said, there are benefits to being in the club. Each must decide for himself if this is the case. In my case it was PTG people who taught me, helped me gain skills, and I felt some loyalty to the club. Now, I wear PTG shirts as part of my daily garb. Some have suggested I get my own shirts, but I prefer to say I am aligned with a group "larger than myself'. In the long run, it seems to add a modicum of credibility, and also gives me opportunity to teach customers about their pianos. NO matter how smart one is, the corporate wealth of knowledge of Guild people far outstrips the finest individual technician, and this is borne out every year at national convention where many of the best in the land are teaching. But the bottom line is, "If you want to be in the club, you come in as they say you do." It's true with any club. The outsider doesn't dictate what the insiders do. You have to decide if RPT is a thing worth your time. If not phooey on it. I said that for years. I did my proper bowing and scraping, and now am one of the club. I really don't think it gave me more confidence. The work I have done, on which others have commented gives me credibility and thus some measure of confidence. However, the PTG is an honestly sincere group of folks who really want techs to be knowledgeable, so they do what they can. Thus I will extol them to my customers, encourage customers to take advantage of the PTG website, and appreciate the kind tutelege of those who have made my rather reasonable rise possible. Les, (w/a capitol L<G>) You have said it better than I could! Bravo! May all your ducks forever be in line.<G> Best Regards, Joseph Garrett, R.P.T. Captain, Tool Police Squares R I
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