Interesting Wim. Thanks for the information. I hadn't heard that rumor before. I've often wondered why our government regulates so many industries a few of which were mentioned here but not not ours? Honestly, I'm glad they don't. Jer From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of wimblees at aol.com Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 10:55 PM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] Ethics and efficacy of part-time tuning Jerry There is a difference between the government (whether it's state of federal), running a business such as ours, and having standards to follow. Plumbers, hairdressers, electricians, etc. have to be licensed to work. Although there are some who get away without being licensed, customers who do use them do so at their own risk. We (PTG members) complain about the shoddy workmanship of "tooners", who are allowed to rip off customers. But when we (PTG members) discuss some sort of licensing, we object. The PTG is marketing the RPT brand. But custmers can't be forced to choose us, because there are too many highly qualified piano tuner/technicians who do not belong to the PTG. For those of you might not remember, the reason we developed our standardized tuning and technical exams back in the '80's is because there was a rumor going around Washington that Congress was going to 'regulate" our industry. We felt thought that if they were going to do that, perhaps they would choose our exam system, instead of coming up with some off the wall requirements. Wim -----Original Message----- From: Gerald Groot <tunerboy3 at comcast.net> To: pianotech at ptg.org Sent: Mon, 30 Mar 2009 2:47 pm Subject: Re: [pianotech] Ethics and efficacy of part-time tuning We have no govenmental (?) guidelines such as you state before being allowed to attempt to pass the PTG tests which are of very high standards. Our government doesn't get involved with this at all which is probably a good thing seeing as how they run everything else as poorly as they do.... Whether we choose full or part time, we need to do the best work possible under any given circumstance. -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org <mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org?> ] On Behalf Of David Boyce Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 8:17 PM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] Ethics and efficacy of part-time tuning "I think he's saying, if we are going to tune, whether full time or part time, do it right or don't do it at all. That's how I'm reading it. I also agree with that philosophy". I'm interested in the strong views being eloquently expressed here. I have a feeling that the 'mindset' is more open in the trade in the USA than in the UK. There are those who take the view that if you are not full time, you CANNOT do it right, and therefore should not be doing it at all. As one who's doing it part time, that's naturally not a view with which I am particularly in sympathy! In the UK, the pianoforte tuners association makes the following stipulations regarding the possibility of Membership: 5. To qualify for Membership of the Association an applicant must: either: have trained as a Pianoforte Tuner, Technician or Maker in a reputable factory or workshop for not less than three years, or have completed an approved course in Pianoforte Tuning or Technical Studies at a recognised College and have gained the proficiency certificate, and has subsequently earned a living as a Pianoforte Tuner, Technician or Maker for a period (at least two years) which, combined with the training period, is at least five years, or: have earned a living as a Pianoforte Tuner, Technician or Maker for at least seven years. at the time of application, currently be engaged in the piano industry and either: pass a practical test of tuning and elementary repairs, and an oral test of his knowledge of tuning, construction and repair of pianos. or - if applying for Technician membership - pass an assessment of practical ability and theoretical knowledge in a specialist field of piano technology. (from http://www.pianotuner.org.uk/pta4.htm ) You will notice that the wording here leaves little room for those earning supplementary income from piano work. Although, no actual definition is given of "earned a living". Is the membership requirement for the PTG in addition to passing the test, equally stringent? Best regards, David. _____ avast! Antivirus <http://www.avast.com <http://www.avast.com/> > : Outbound message clean. Virus Database (VPS): 090330-0, 03/30/2009 Tested on: 3/30/2009 8:47:22 PM avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2009 ALWIL Software. _____ A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See <http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1220439616x1201372437/aol?redir=htt p:%2F%2Fwww.freecreditreport.com%2Fpm%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fsc%3D668072%26hmpgID% 3D62%26bcd%3DfebemailfooterNO62> yours in just 2 easy steps! _____ avast! Antivirus <http://www.avast.com> : Outbound message clean. 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