PTG, to join or not to join ?

[Clyde Hollinger]

Bob:

When faced with a decision that can be reversed without too many
ramifications, I would say -- if the local chapter will have you, Why
not join?  If you find after a year that the benefits aren't worth the
cost, you could discontinue at that time.  I joined mainly for the
journal, since I didn't know it could be subscribed to separately, but
then I did go on and make piano service my vocation, and took and passed
the tests a couple years ago.  You never know how you may feel once you
get farther into it.

Clyde Hollinger

Hite, Bob wrote:
> 
> Pianotech List:
> 
> I am a hobbyist.  I love working on pianos.  I am working on my second rebuild.
> Over the last two and a half years, I have utilized the services of two
> professional technicians, one an associate, the other, a RPT.  Both have suggested
> that I join their chapter of the PTG.  No pressure, just a suggestion.  Clearly
> the ball was left in my court,  and I am seriously considering doing so.
> 
> Now, before I commit to join yet another organization, I would like to avail
> myself of as much information as i can.
> 
> Of course I realize that individual chapters will have their differences, as
> personalities in the world differ.
> 
> What I would like to do here, is to articulate my thoughts and solicit some ideas
> from knowledgeable folks at the pianotech list.
> 
> So, here we go:
> 
>     1.  I do wish to avail myself to as much knowledge and experience as possible
> in the field of piano technology.
> And I do wish to receive the PTG Journal.  I know it is available by subscription,
> with or without membership.
> There must be other benefits too, training siminars etc.  Please don't tell me
> about the group insurance or discount car rental.
> 
>     2.  Currently, I doubt if I will ever upgrade to RPT.  This is only a hobby
> for me, and I wish to keep it that way.  I don't
> particularly enjoy tuning, although I have practiced some and  using tunelab, I
> can rough tune, and have no problem chipping up to pitch after restringing.   This
> could possible change as I grow.
> 
>     3.  I don't feel that I have skills, knowledge, or experience to share with
> working, professional technicians.  Not really comfortable with the concept of
> taking and not returning, and yet, at the same time,  I quest for knowledge.
> 
>     4.  Not interested in serving on committees, holding office, fund raising,
> etc.
> 
>      5.  In the year or more that I have been lurking here, I have picked up on
> some negative attitudes (stories mostly) toward associate members.  I suspect that
> there may be some quiet discussion at the national level about the "associate
> problem".  If there is a problem, then I certainly don't want to be a part of it.
> (the problem that is)
> 
>     6.  I am willing to attend meetings and some activities, not sure what they
> might be. Are there any ?
> 
>     7.  I am very happy with the professional technician - client relationship
> established with the technician who offered to
> sponsor my associate membership.  I wouldn't want that relationship diluted or
> changed in any way.
> 
> The technician who tunes my piano and advises on rebuilding concerns is scheduled
> to come here next month.  At that
> time, I am going to mention these concerns to him directly.  In the mean time, I
> would appreciate some of your thoughts
> concerning the above.
> 
> Thank you,
> 
> Bob Hite