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<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>Dear Ed~</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial size=2>I
have enjoyed your posts on the listserves very much over the years and I
sincerely appreciate your taking the time out from your busy schedule to address
some of my concerns. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial size=2>I
appreciate very much your input, and while I agree with much of what you
say, I must most respectfully disagree with some of your ideas. As Jim Bryant
once said "I always have a problem in disagreeing with a person I like and
respect." ;-)</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>By the way, I understand Karen (my wife) is writing you concerning your
comments. Please be reassured that she has her opinions and I have mine.
(-in other words, this is not like I am siccing my Rotweiler on you,
although you may feel like it after she gets through! ;-). You
have my sympathies!) </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>In regards to your comments:</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>1) Thank you very much for the history and background. This very
pertinent information would have helped me (and others) much more had it been
posted on the CAUT info page, which I consulted before deciding to post. Often,
because of the way sites are set up, and a lack of available guidelines about
what is appropriate, it's: "make the mistakes, then we'll tell you what we
expect." Oh well, I guess that's life. -no hard feelings. Also, I
wasn't aware I was cross-posting every thought to both lists. As a matter
of fact, I tried to make a concerted effort not to do this. If you take a closer
look at my recent posts on both lists, I think you will see that, except perhaps
for the subject titles and the initial post, they are quite different. But I do
have more of a sense now for what is "expected" or appropriate behaviour, (even
though I'm still not exactly sure what it is.)</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>2) Very eloquent indeed, and I agree with you about most of what you say
here, except for what the most difficult problem facing the PTG is. The problems
you enumerate are indeed happening; I have observed them from outside the PTG
now, as well as inside. The problems definitely include the
multiple and conflicting standards by which young technicians are judging
their own work, or their need for improvement, including but not limited to:
a) customers who may not know what competence really means, and who
tolerate low standards; and b) experienced technicians who seem to be doing
quite well without the PTG. (It's possible, you know.)</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial size=2>I
agree that motivating people to a higher level of excellence is a major
challenge, especially when Providence seems to be rewarding them for
efforts which fall so short of the mark; or when "subaccomplished"
technicians feel they are doing, or have done, enough, and asking
them to do more is considered an imposition. (Young technicians are
like that. Actually, come to think of it, older ones are
too.)</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>In making the following remarks, I need to emphasize that I am not at all
"against" the Guild. I respect the Guild for many of the wonderful things it
does, and the wonderful members who give so generously of their time to help
others. I experienced this firsthand when I was a member. The Guild
has much to recommend it. These comments of mine that follow are given from the
point of view of someone who has been both in the Guild, and outside of it, and
who has spoken with those both inside, and out of the Guild. My hope is that
these observations about how the Guild is perceived often by non-members, or
former members who have chosen not to renew their membership, may be in some way
helpful in understanding the feelings and thoughts of people who have difficulty
seeing either how they have anything to offer the Guild, or how the Guild has
anything to offer them. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial size=2>I
would like to see the Guild succeed. I just perceive that many of the
problems I see the Guild struggling with have been of its own
making (this is true of most all organizations, in my experience). And
I have noticed that many of the members of the Guild tend to refrain from
practices or behaviors that the Guild seems to endorse, that they perceive would
offend others or tend to alienate them, so I am aware that the Guild is still in
the process of defining itself and its mission, and its processes and practices;
a dynamic and adaptive organism, which is good.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2><SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>One of the real issues here, Ed, for me, and
others, if you really want to know, is the implied punitive nature, and the
double standard, behind retesting. Who must be retested?
Basically those who are considered "delinquent" in paying their
dues. The ones who regularly pay their dues do not have to
retest. That's the double standard. (I have to admit, in our state, they do
this with driver's licenses too. If you let your license expire (by not
paying your "renewal" fees), then you have to take the driving test again,
whether you need it or not.) To deny that there is a penalizing or punitive
aspect to this system, designed to enforce compliance, is to deny
reality. People who have their Guild dues (or their driver's license fees)
paid up do not have to retake the test (even though maybe they should, as well).
But I think that the insistence on retesting, or the revoking of RPT
status, for non-payment of dues, is an inappropriate vehicle for
encouraging compliance, and results in many other problems for the
Guild, and a lot of "otherwise valuable" experienced technicians who leave
the Guild or never renew their membership because they resent being treated
like children. It also causes both the test and RPT status to be
placed in the wrong light, as a reward or punishment (a behavior modification
device, if you will). If everyone had to retest regularly, like airline
pilots, it would be a different matter, and I don't think you would have
all the problems with people not wanting to retest or rejoin because they
felt they were being unfairly singled out or punished.</SPAN> <SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>They have already passed the test and achieved the RPT
status, and you cannot deny that the Guild makes a big deal of that status. But
then the Guild revokes the status over the issue of dues non-payment, which is
sort of like using a cannon to swat a fly, or, if you don't accept that analogy,
then it is raising the act of dues nonpayment (for whatever reason) to the level
of a crime of moral turpitude. -You pick.</SPAN></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2><SPAN
class=187285002-11072008></SPAN></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2><SPAN
class=187285002-11072008><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>And please do not discount or marginalize the amount of time, travel,
preparation, effort and expense it takes to either test, or retest. If it were
truly easy, I'm sure you would have many more technicians than you do flocking
to the Guild. The truth is, young technicians usually have to have a lot of help
and sponsorship in taking the tests, or few of them would succeed. As you
get older, tests and retests are just a pain, and something that is really
difficult to justify, based on all the other demands on your time. -Especially
if you see little or no need for them. The RPT "basic skills" tests really only
cover a tiny fraction of the subject matter (tuning, regulation, minor or
local repairs) that regularly confronts those in the piano professions.
Rebuilding, major repairs, refinishing, appraising, piano moving,
sales, purchasing, inspecting, assessing, bookkeeping, financing, and many
other critical aspects of the piano business are simply not able to be addressed
in this limited testing. Many of us do not spend the bulk of our time tuning or
doing minor repairs and adjustments in the home, so the material in the test
becomes less and less germane to our fields of endeavor. One serious question
that needs to be asked as the Guild becomes more involved in different aspects
of the piano world, is: how big a deal is RPT status and what is its true place
in this organization? Think of all the Associate Members. Are they regularly
pressured (I'm sorry, encouraged) to attain RPT
status?</FONT></SPAN></SPAN></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2><SPAN
class=187285002-11072008></SPAN></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>There is a also a big difference between a technician who has
seen the value of, and<EM> already</EM> passed a certain test, balking at having
to retake it; and one who simply doesn't think he needs it in the first
place. You ignore or overlook this distinction when you say
that</FONT> <FONT face=Arial size=2>less accomplished technicians look at
role models and say "why should I bother? -He doesn't," The first
technician, who HAS taken the test (and passed), can still say to the
younger tech, "you need to take it, <EM>and pass it, like I did (</EM>at least
once.)" But to require people to take the same test over and over again, for
purely punitive or compliance reasons, while letting others off the hook, is not
something I can support. I know the Guild now encourages (or has in
the past) <EM>voluntary</EM> retesting because of the new "modern"
tests. You cannot deny that not having to retest has become
essentially a form of reward for paying your dues on time, so you have
no other recourse, with those who comply. You cannot compel them
to take the new tests. You can only exert pressure. The key
operative word here I think, is <EM>voluntary</EM>, (as opposed to being
<EM>compelled</EM> to retake, in order to be recognized by the PTG).
</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>3) You misunderstand what I meant by jumping through hoops. This means
something that others require you to do that is either unnecessary, or perceived
by the person made to jump through the hoops as being unnecessary. Allow me to
elaborate:</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>Based on what you have already said, you are no doubt aware
that there are plenty of very competent piano tuners, technicians, and
rebuilders who either have never belonged to the Guild, or who no longer
belong to the Guild, because they perceive it is unnecessary, at their advanced
stages of competency, to have to take "Basic Skills" tests, either for the first
time, or over again. I mean, really, Ed, what message is the Guild sending
when it takes this position that everyone must take their "Basic
Tests?" You submit that these are basic skills, and indeed, imply
that every technician worth his salt should have them. That's the problem, right
there. Anyone who understands "basic" psychology should readily be able to see
that no self-respecting tuner/technician who has been in business for years and
is considered competent by his clientele is going to agree to take a test
questioning whether he possesses these "basic" skills. It's assumed that he
has them. (It's different of course for apprentices and beginners, (and
technicians who don't know what they are doing) -for whom the test was really
designed.) The problem arises when someone who has already "arrived," and
their clientele and the public have also acknowledged that they have arrived, is
"questioned" by the Guild in this way. This includes those who have already
passed the the RPT test, and the Guild has acknowledged as "qualified", but
whose membership has lapsed. To question, to require to submit to a test of
"basic" skills, is to not recognize. Really. I don't care how you
reframe this, this is the way that those advanced technicians, whose membership
you are trying to solicit, think. You may say you are simply "confirming" those
skills, but this is not how those technicians see it. And if, for some reason
unrelated to competence, (say nervousness, or an unfamiliarity with the test
process or requirements) they do not pass the test, does this really say
anything about their competency or their skills, or simply that for some reason
they could not comply with your requirements in the prescribed time? You see,
it's really not so simple after all.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>Until you try to understand the position of those you are trying to
recruit into the Guild, or back into the Guild (whose skills and gifts you
do need, by the way) and stop trying to convince them of the Guild's
"irresistible" logic and position, I don't think you are going to get the
results you desire. I humbly submit that you need to acknowledge
that many of these sincere, and competent, and knowledgeable, and
experienced technicians do have legitimate (to them) reasons for not
wanting to become involved with either testing, retesting, or the Guild.
Most of them, in my experience, have little or no animosity towards the Guild,
and wish the Guild no harm. Many of them, indeed, would like to become involved
in the cameraderie of an organization like the PTG: Being a piano
technician can be pretty lonely at times. But what they perceive as the
politics of, or the punitive and controlling aspects of the organization often
scares them off. As long as you discount or marginalize their reasons, and
simply focus on your own reasons that they should test or join, and ignore
their legitimate objections or concerns, you will be alienating people you
really don't want to. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>Sometimes simply acknowledging that someone else "has a good point", or
that something is "a genuine problem" can go a long ways in winning them over.
-If that's what you want to do. (Ever read Dale Carnegie? ;-).
)</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial size=2>I
hope you don't mind if I pose some hard questions for a moment, ones you may not
have considered.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>Recently a sincere individual on this listserve wrote me that he felt
that becoming an "active RPT" and belonging to the PTG would be to my advantage
in the marketplace as "we make further enroads marketing the RPT." I don't
think he understood how this might be offensive to some people, especially
to those who, for whatever reason may have decided not to belong to the Guild.
He really had the best of intents, I am sure. Proselyting is one of the areas
where many organizations get into hot water, because they do not initially
understand how they are impacting others.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><FONT face=Arial><FONT
size=2>I think in <SPAN class=187285002-11072008>"</SPAN>marketing<SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>"</SPAN> RPT "status" the Guild<SPAN
class=187285002-11072008> (or the individual members of the
guild)</SPAN> need to be especially careful in how they characterize those
who don't have, or no longer have this "status" - those who are not members of,
or no longer members of<SPAN class=187285002-11072008>,</SPAN> the
Guild. <SPAN class=187285002-11072008>As I said, in my experience,
these</SPAN> folks are not necessarily animostic towards the Guild nor wish
it harm in any way.<SPAN class=187285002-11072008> They just want to
be left alone to do their piano business in peace.</SPAN> Why
should the Guild want to cause them harm by its "marketing" policies<SPAN
class=187285002-11072008> and practices</SPAN>? And yet <SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>it</SPAN> <SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>inadvertantly </SPAN>do<SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>es</SPAN>. Does the fact that individuals don't
belong to the Guild or have RPT status make them "inferior?" We all
know that is downright silly. And yet that <SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>is one of </SPAN>the implication<SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>s</SPAN>, the meta-message<SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>s</SPAN>, of "marketing RPT status".<SPAN
class=187285002-11072008> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><SPAN
class=187285002-11072008></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><SPAN
class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial size=2>Question: Does the Guild
encourage those having their piano tuned to make sure and check whether the
tuner has a paid up, current RPT card? Yes? Well, and then the Guild
wonders why so many competent, established technicians don't join, or
why some of them want nothing to do with the Guild. When the Guild behaves
like this, effectively marginalizing those who don't belong to the Guild or who
don't have a paid up dues card, what recourse do those outsiders have but to
marginalize the Guild and its tests?</FONT></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><FONT face=Arial><FONT
size=2><SPAN class=187285002-11072008></SPAN></FONT></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><FONT face=Arial><FONT
size=2><SPAN class=187285002-11072008>Churches, too, often inadvertantly
offend potential converts by their proselyting behavior. They certainly don't
mean to, in most cases. But offend they often do. "You need to belong
to OUR church to go to heaven." or "You need to belong to our church or you
won't get blessings." Instead of motivating people, this tends to turn them
off.</SPAN></FONT></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><FONT face=Arial><FONT
size=2>There has been some heated discussion on the listserves
about <SPAN class=187285002-11072008>some of </SPAN>Steinway's
recent <SPAN class=187285002-11072008>apparently
</SPAN>exclusionary <SPAN class=187285002-11072008>marketing
</SPAN>tactics, as well. <SPAN class=187285002-11072008>For a moment I
would like to make some comparisons between some things I perceive that Steinway
is currently doing, and some things I perceive the Guild doing. Just like I
have for the Guild, I have a great respect for Steinway and it's history
and, what I perceive to be its mission; and yet I see Steinway doing some things
that baffle me, that seem like they might be counterproductive to what Steinway
is trying to accomplish, at least in a public relations
sense.</SPAN></FONT></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><FONT size=2><SPAN
class=187285002-11072008></SPAN></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><SPAN
class=187285002-11072008></SPAN><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>Is it true that
only <SPAN class=187285002-11072008>Steinways</SPAN> rebuilt at the
Steinway Rebuilding Facility are valid? That only Steinways with 100% Genuine
Steinway Parts are really Steinways? The question has been asked whether
Steinway employees who are also Guild members can endorse these <SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>marketing </SPAN>tactics with a clear conscience.
-Supposedly the Guild has different values. <SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>And yet the idea of "Genuine Steinway" and
"Genuine RPT" seem uncomfortably similar.</SPAN> An organization
that <SPAN class=187285002-11072008>considers itself, at least in some
areas,</SPAN> a public benefactor needs to be careful how it throws its
weight around. Members, former members, and nonmembers alike are all subsets of
the "public."<SPAN class=187285002-11072008> Self-preservation is one thing. But
self-preservation at the expense of others is something else entirely. Both the
Guild and Steinways are members of, and dependent on, a larger community.
Alienating members of that community can only cause problems down the
line.</SPAN></FONT></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><FONT face=Arial><FONT
size=2><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><SPAN class=187285002-11072008>I see one
of the problems as being that the</SPAN> Guild <SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>seems to be</SPAN> sending a mixed message<SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>.</SPAN></SPAN><SPAN class=639132619-10072008> At
the crux of the conflict<SPAN class=187285002-11072008>:</SPAN> what exactly
does RPT status represent? Is it a<SPAN class=187285002-11072008>n unselfish or
selfless</SPAN> opportunity to better serve others, without recognition or
reward other than the joy of a job well done; or is it a status symbol,
carefully controlled, that can be used to enforce collection of dues and
ultimately can <SPAN class=187285002-11072008>be used to </SPAN>admit or
deny an individual access to the piano community, <SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>regardless of their competence or
qualifications</SPAN>? <SPAN class=187285002-11072008>(-or maybe
both!)</SPAN><SPAN class=187285002-11072008> I can't tell you how you
perceive this issue, but I can tell you how I, and others who have found
themselves outside the Guild and have shared their feelings with me, perceive
things. And public perceptions are important. (That's why organizations like the
Guild and Steinway have P.R.
departments.)</SPAN></SPAN></FONT></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><FONT size=2><FONT
face=Arial><SPAN
class=639132619-10072008></SPAN></FONT></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><SPAN
class=639132619-10072008><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>What about this business
of "active RPT"? (perhaps a poor choice of modifier). Does that mean I am an
"inactive RPT"? Or just no longer an RPT at all, or anything even close? -<SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>Am I no</SPAN> longer able to do the things an RPT
can, as far as piano servicing abilities? What exactly is the Guild trying
to <SPAN class=187285002-11072008>convey</SPAN> here? I really would like
to know, because I do want to know how the Guild's "marketing"
position impacts me and my business,<SPAN class=187285002-11072008> and the
businesses and livelihoods of those of my associates who are not members of the
Guild,</SPAN> just like I am trying to become aware of how
Steinway's <SPAN class=187285002-11072008>latest </SPAN>exclusionary
tactics are ultimately going to impact me and my business. <SPAN
class=187285002-11072008> Does either the Guild or Steinway see how they may be
alienating people by this exclusionary
stance?</SPAN></FONT></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><FONT size=2><FONT
face=Arial><SPAN
class=639132619-10072008></SPAN></FONT></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><SPAN
class=639132619-10072008><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>I think it would do the
Guild well to <SPAN class=187285002-11072008>try and </SPAN>clear up the
confusion, and try and avoid the "us vs them" metaphors and implications, in
advertising, marketing, recruiting, or wherever. (That goes for Steinway as
well.) This type of competitiveness does not reflect well on the Guild, I
feel.<SPAN class=187285002-11072008> (Or Steinway). -Or win them friends. I
really perceive the Guild as a cooperative endeavor, rather than one driven by
competition. (At least it was when I first joined). Perhaps organizations
sometimes mistake competition for
self-preservation.</SPAN></FONT></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><FONT size=2><FONT
face=Arial><SPAN
class=639132619-10072008></SPAN></FONT></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><SPAN
class=639132619-10072008><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>Just because <SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>a person </SPAN>do<SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>es</SPAN> not belong to the Guild, does not
mean <SPAN class=187285002-11072008>he is an adversary,</SPAN> <SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>or</SPAN> the enemy. -Or <SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>is </SPAN>inferior<SPAN class=187285002-11072008> in
some way</SPAN>. <SPAN class=187285002-11072008>(Or just because someone
does not work at Steinway, or no longer works at Steinway, does
not mean they are not qualified to rebuild Steinways). </SPAN>Unfortunately<SPAN
class=187285002-11072008> </SPAN><SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>this</SPAN> is often what is <SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>inadvertantly </SPAN>communicated as a result of the
process the Guild<SPAN class=187285002-11072008> (or Steinway)</SPAN> has
chosen to accomplish its mission.<SPAN class=187285002-11072008>
</SPAN></FONT></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><SPAN
class=639132619-10072008><SPAN
class=187285002-11072008></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><SPAN
class=639132619-10072008><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>My wife Karen, whom I admire very much, is fond of saying
- "Sometimes the means we have chosen to solve a problem are also what's
causing the problem."</FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><SPAN
class=639132619-10072008><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=639132619-10072008><SPAN
class=639132619-10072008><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>Based on what I know of the Guild and its core values, I really don't
think it means to do this.</FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>I<SPAN
class=187285002-11072008> might very much like to join you again. But I need to
make sure that my friends and associates who are not members, and who may
ultimately choose not to join the Guild, are not marginalized, discounted,
or negatively impacted by some of the Guilds practices, especially as pertains
to marketing "RPT," and itself.</SPAN></FONT></FONT></SPAN></DIV></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>Sincerely~</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>~Kendall Ross Bean</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=187285002-11072008></SPAN><SPAN
class=187285002-11072008>
<DIV align=left>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=533361603-16112007>PianoFinders</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=533361603-16112007><A
title=http://www.pianofinders.com
href="http://www.pianofinders.com/">www.pianofinders.com</A></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=533361603-16112007>e-mail: <A
title=mailto:kenbean@pianofinders.com
href="mailto:kenbean@pianofinders.com">kenbean@pianofinders.com</A></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=533361603-16112007></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=533361603-16112007><EM>Connecting Pianos and
People</EM></SPAN></FONT></DIV></DIV> </SPAN></DIV><BR>
<DIV class=OutlookMessageHeader lang=en-us dir=ltr align=left>
<HR tabIndex=-1>
<FONT face=Tahoma size=2><B>From:</B> Ed Sutton [mailto:ed440@mindspring.com]
<BR><B>Sent:</B> Thursday, July 10, 2008 5:46 PM<BR><B>To:</B> College and
University Technicians<BR><B>Subject:</B> Re: [CAUT] Requirements for
contributing/posting<BR></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Kendall-</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>1) <A
href="mailto:Pianotech@ptg.org">Pianotech@ptg.org</A> was originally created by
the College and University Technicians group as a way to discuss their issues
and problems.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>It became very popular and heavily used, so the
CAUTs decided to give Pianotech to the world at large, and to move their
discussions to a new list serve, CAUT. When people cross-post every thought to
both lists, it defeats the purpose of CAUT, which is to serve a dedicated
community in a concise manner.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>2) As you know, piano technology is not a regulated
profession in the USA, and many people take advantage of this to cheat the
public with lousy work. PTG is based on the premise that we can become a
voluntary self-regulating profession. Our most difficult problem is motivating
less accomplished technicians to attain and demonstrate basic skills. "Why
should I when all my customers know I'm competent?" "Why should I
bother when somebody as great as So-and-So (everybody knows he's great)
doesn't bother?</FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2>" </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>By demonstrating willingness to be tested for
basic competency, you motivate your younger colleagues to take competency
seriously.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>3) Jumping through hoops? Do you think the exam
skills are hoop jumping? They look to me like the basic skills we use every day
to do professional work. Did your dentist jump through hoops...or perhaps take
some exams to show basic knowledge of dentistry?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I hope you'll join us and contribute some of your
skills and knowledge to the work of building and maintaining this wonderful
craft.</FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2></DIV></FONT>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Ed Sutton (RPT)</FONT></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr
style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=kenbean@pacbell.net href="mailto:kenbean@pacbell.net">Kendall Ross
Bean</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=caut@ptg.org
href="mailto:caut@ptg.org">'College and University Technicians'</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Thursday, July 10, 2008 8:18
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: [CAUT] Requirements for
contributing/posting</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>Dear Chris:</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>(Sigh.) </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>Must I join your club, and jump through all the hoops (RPT
requalification), and become a bona fide CAUT, (and stay away from purely
technical discussions!) in order to have anything of value to
contribute?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>Or can I by this point be considered to have achieved some degree of
stature in the technical and musical communities, in spite of the
apparent absence of such prima facie endorsements? </FONT></SPAN><SPAN
class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial size=2>(i.e. - haven't I done
enough already?)</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial><FONT
size=2>(On the CAUT info page it says that CAUT is a "community service", and
also that it is an "open list, allowing anyone to subscribe or submit posts."
Did I somehow misunderstand?)</FONT></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>Can't I just be a guest for now?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>(It's okay, if my contributions are not pleasing or wanted I
can go somewhere else... ...sniff... ;-) )</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial
size=2>~Kendall Ross Bean</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=901592123-10072008>
<DIV align=left>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=533361603-16112007>PianoFinders</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=533361603-16112007><A
title=http://www.pianofinders.com
href="http://www.pianofinders.com/">www.pianofinders.com</A></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=533361603-16112007>e-mail: <A
title=mailto:kenbean@pianofinders.com
href="mailto:kenbean@pianofinders.com">kenbean@pianofinders.com</A></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=533361603-16112007></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=533361603-16112007><EM>Connecting Pianos and
People</EM></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=533361603-16112007><EM></EM></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=533361603-16112007><SPAN class=901592123-10072008><EM>"The reward for
jumping through hoops is... ...more
hoops".</EM></SPAN></SPAN></FONT></DIV></DIV></SPAN></DIV><BR></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>