[pianotech] conventional terms

[Tom Sivak]

I just thought it was interesting that everyone on the list was referring to the recent event as the "convention".
I guess if it walks like a duck, and it quacks like a duck, people will refer to it as a duck, even if the people running the duck call it an institute.
I used to tell people (neighbors, clients, etc.) that I was going to an institute next week and they always asked, "What's that?"  or "What do you mean?" 
So I started to call it a convention, and everyone understands exactly what it is.  
Tom Sivak

--- On Thu, 7/23/09, wimblees at aol.com <wimblees at aol.com> wrote:

From: wimblees at aol.com <wimblees at aol.com>
Subject: Re: [pianotech] conventional terms
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2009, 6:38 PM

Tom.



This is not the forum for what we call our members, but several years ago I suggested that the PTG convention's name be changed to "PTG Technical Institute and Convention", to better describe the event. 



Wim





-----Original Message-----

From: Tom Sivak <tvaktvak at sbcglobal.net>

To: pianotech <pianotech at ptg.org>

Sent: Thu, Jul 23, 2009 3:16 am

Subject: [pianotech] conventional terms









I think it's interesting that everyone, including myself, always refers to the National Institute, as the "convention".   The PTG should just change its terminology to fit the conventions of modern day terminology.  This event is more succinctly defined as a convention. 






According to one dictionary source, an institute is "an association organized to promote art or science or education."  







A convention is "a large formal assembly".







It's no coincidence that everyone calls it a "convention" because that's what it is.    I'm sure I'm not the only one who called it an "institute" in conversation with a non-tuner and was then questioned about it.  Call it a convention and everyone knows what you're talkingn about.







Hey, isn't that what language is all about?  Communication?










But then, if we're going to talk terminology, my first priority would be to change the term "Registered Piano Technician".  This term bears no weight in the every day world.  It sounds like I took the time to fill out a card and now I'm registered with the PTG.  Like a dog is registered with the village and wears a little medallion on his collar.







Two standard definitions of "Registered" are


"enrolled"


or


"recorded in writing"







Does that describe accurately the status of a technician who has passed his exams?  


"Technician who has been enrolled"?


"Technician who has his name recorded in writing"?







The PTG should use English terms that accurately describe what it is they are trying to define.







Tom Sivak


Chicago




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