..Andy Taylor isn't far off base..or topic..

[DGPEAKE@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-08-27 22:26:04 EDT, you write:

<< 
 ..I know a certain list member who is *just an Associate who pays
 dues* who is working towards having the letters RPT after his
 name..and there have been occasions, that's right, PLURAL, this list
 member has been made to feel like a 2nd class citizen because the
 letters RPT did not follow his name..do you find that hard to
 believe?..i know _I_ did..
 
 ..there are a couple of Larry's who I am forever indebted to for
 getting me started in this business..first was Larry Goldsmith..then
 Larry Crabb..and in a short time and alot of hard work on this
 Associate's part, I began eeking out a living in this business..
 
 ..when I heard the words that I was *just an Associate who pays his
 dues*, it hurt alot..it was said in complete ignorance, something I
 never expected from a group of people who have helped this Associate
 in the past, and who claim to pride themselves in helping others..but
 it was said, and it has been *implied* by some who are reading this
 right now..
 
 ..yes, I'm *just an Associate who pays his dues*..and I'm also just an
 associate who has been asked to pay his dues in a manner that I
 wouldn't wish on any of you reading this at this time..there is NO
 support from the PTG where I live..it doesn't exist, and never did,
 according to a local tech who has been here for awhile and is NOT a
 member of the PTG..*paying my dues* means working in an environment
 that has no local support..my classes to *improve* my status to RPT
 are 500 miles away, and I can't get there nearly enough because it
 costs REAL money to stay in a motel (or with friends), and guess what
 that means?..loss of income for that time..the closest active Guild is
 2.5 hrs. away..how many of you were forced to pay your dues in this
 manner?...I will bet you weren't made to feel like a 2nd class citizen
 while you improved your skills..
 
 ..i've said enough..I've gotten this off my chest..the vast majority
 of you still reading this have been very helpful..but there are a few
 of you who have, for no reason, made it a point that RPT is the
 *elite*..it may be, but there's no reason to be *elitist* about it..
 
 Regretfully submitted,
 Phil Bondi
 
Associate who pays his dues?  Like to be called an Associate?  No problem
there.  Do not like it?  Get the motor going, pass the exams, and you are
entitled to put "RPT" by your name.

On the other hand, there are Associates who do not have the skills to do a
competent job, advertize in the YP, and who in the general public knows the
difference? 

Passing the PTG exams helped me to feel confident that my skills are up to par
with what is expected of me to do competent service. Repeat work from my
customers, referrals say the rest.

Dave Peake, RPT (and proud to be one)
Portland, OR