[pianotech] What to charge for banging spoons

[Larry Fisher RPT]

I've been within an open hand away from a bear's nose camping in the Quetico 
and only NoSeeUm netting betwixt me and her.  I lit my lighter and she 
ambled off and disrupted the next camp.  (snip) We spent the evening taking 
turns doing bear patrol, food in canoe on the water.

I have charged half my usual rate for pencilectomies.  I then show them how 
to reach that area of the piano for themselves for next time.  I've done 
numerous calls for free.  As I get older I see the fact that I am not 
hurting for income and on top of that I just made through the worst 
financial storm of my life and never came up short.  My heart goes out to 
those who lost their jobs, their house, and their lifestyle in this last 
economic hungry bear that has passed through our camps.  If you think 
charging for every possible thing is neccessary, then go for it.  Lots of 
people do.  I've made it this far (close to 40 years) and haven't suffered 
much for it.  The ones that are expensive to service are the ones that lie 
to your face as well as the ones that aren't there for the agreed 
appointment time.  And then there's the ones that make up little stories to 
go along with asking you for a discount.  Save your highest fees for them. 
You really don't need them on your database unless they make you money.  If 
they're out of the way, or clearly out of your service area, promise them 
service next time you're in the area or get compensated for the trip.

BTW, banging anything together doesn't deter a momma bear with two cubs in 
the oven.  Chasing her with my arms waving while her mouth is full of cake 
mix does.  I've got proof and witnesses.

As far as the fire hydrant and the burning house, it depends on who's living 
in the house, if any.  I suppose I'd connect the hose to the hydrant that 
the bear probably just pead on, aim it at the bear and charge for hazard 
pay.

LarBear

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