Dear list - Though I have not contributed any thoughts before, I read the posts daily, and find the information very educational and just fun to read. I would like to give another viewpoint on the treatment of Associates, just from my perspective. In my chapter, I feel there is great camaraderie among all the members, RPT's and Associates alike, with absolutely no difference in treatment. I have not once felt that my opinion or presence was looked down upon by anyone. Though I may never be an RPT myself (my hearing "ain't what she used to be) I do read whatever I can find on aural tuning and try to listen for what I'm supposed to be hearing. I've been encouraged by chapter members, but never have I been made to feel less important because I haven't attained RPT status. As far as the PTG and the Journal goes, I can safely say there is no discrimination whatsoever against Associates. I write a monthly piece for the Journal (mostly about work on upright pianos, at that). The editors are very encouraging, even though the subject matter I deal with is clearly at a more elementary level than most of the articles that are printed. Their concern is that there is material in the Journal suited to the technician who is just starting out. They (the editors) could not be more accomodating or easy to work with. I have recieved calls and e-mails concerning articles from all around the U.S. Many times, especially with phone calls, I don't know if I'm talking with a RPT or an Associate, because they don't bother to tell me. Not once have I had an e-mail or a phone call telling me I have no business writing for the Journal because I am "just an Associate." Anyway, those are my thoughts on the subject. I think by and large, most Associates are very appreciative of the efforts of PTG to make them feel important and included. Sincerely, Chuck Behm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech_ptg.org/attachments/20090406/2f3d8d2a/attachment-0001.html>
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