Well, like Terry something happened to my computer's ability to receive the list for the last 6 weeks and here I am picking up on this lively thread. Having only looked at the last few posts, I'd like to weigh in. I know some great techs who are loners or don't like to share ideas out side of a one on one or very small group of colleagues, we're all probably like that with a lot of our shared knowledge. Take for instance things that we haven't fully worked out and would not throw out on the list yet or at a chapter meeting. This profession lends itself to all kind of personalities. The true geniuses out there may very well not be a part of the PTG, I've seen evidence to suggest that. I joined in 1979 and passed the tests in 1980, I had no experience before the PTG with mentoring groups or sharing of knowledge and it took me awhile to get it, I've since learned that like the Beatle's song, the knowledge you give is equal to the knowledge you get. Being part of the PTG has given me great confidence and skills in the last 30 years, I would be willing to put my work on display for the entire membership to critique, not because I think it's so great, but because of what I would learn from a group that is genuinely interested in giving constructive criticism and improving our industry. Starting a conversation with virtually any expert in this guild with the comment " I don't understand..." or, " could you explain to me how...", when done with respect, has with out fail received a gracious reply. I don't think that goes on in too many trades. My wife calls it 'Piano Nerding.' Being a RPT doesn't do much for my business, but the PTG does and I will continue to support it. Becoming a member and upgrading to RPT supports the organization and I encourage all members to work at this achievement, think about it associates, why would RPTs want you too upgrade, not for our sakes, but for the good of our guild and our industry. Fenton ----- Original Message ----- From: David Love To: pianotech at ptg.org Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2008 10:00 AM Subject: Re: [pianotech] Question of Protocol; was: but will it split Well, that's just not my experience at all on this list, at conventions or in an information gathering phone call. The generosity with which people share what might be considered proprietary information belies that idea. People who spend a lot of time developing ideas, techniques and procedures and put themselves at risk for criticism in sharing those ideas better be a bit tough minded because there is often such resistance to anything new or which falls outside the norm. However, that people have strong opinions or defend their ideas with strong language, incredulousness, sarcasm, facetiousness or wit should not be confused with being egotistical or thinking that others are as you describe so indelicately. There are lots of ways to skin a cat (disgusting expression really) but sometimes there are better ways. Hopefully, we're all looking for a better way and have the willingness and toughness to put ourselves on the line and defend those ideas. Without that, even with a few rough spots in communication protocols, the trade stagnates. David Love www.davidlovepianos.com From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Shawn Brock Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2008 9:05 AM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] Question of Protocol; was: but will it split List, I have not followed this thread so I don't have an opinion on who is right or wrong. From what posts I have taken the time to read though the same old point is driven home once again. Some piano technicians think they are god, and no one else could work the miracles that they do and everyone other than them is just s**t. A colleague in the Cincinnati chapter once pointed this out to me. I was vary arguable for a time thinking the technician just had a chip on his shoulder. The longer I'm around a large number of technicians though the more I think the colleague was correct in his thinking. At one time I would do anything to be a part of this list and all PTG chapter meetings and conventions. My mind has changed though... Its not worth it! Its not worth putting up with people who have such a bad attitude. I just go to my appointments, do my shop work and try to keep my mouth shut. Musicians are legendary for having large egos and most of my life I worked in that competitive throat cutting environment. I have to tell you though piano technicians are just as egotistical, perhaps more so than the musicians they/we serve. That is a true shame! We work on perhaps the most primitive junk piles in the musical world but yet some of us think we are just the gods all pianists have been waiting fore. Don't misunderstand me, I am not talking about any certain person, its just that this thread brought these ramblings to the front of my mind. So, I guess that's all I have to say now. I'm out to voice and tune an S&S B. Shawn Brock, RPT 513-316-0563 www.shawnbrock.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech_ptg.org/attachments/20081227/39d3a9f1/attachment-0001.html>
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