<html> <body> At 08:09 AM 6/16/2006, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">I agree that the tests, at least the written and tuning exams, are too easy to pass.  The bar is so low that RPT status does not qualify one as anything more than merely competent.  I haven't taken the Technical Exam yet, so I'm not sure about that one, but for me to pass the Tuning Exam with all scores 93 or higher, with three 100s, well...I ain't no Virgil Smith, I'll tell ya that. </blockquote> Most of us aren't! <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">The tolerances allowed on the tuning test are so wide that Beethoven in his later years could have passed it.    I'm sorry, I didn't start this out as a rant against RPTs, but I am amused by comments about what other RPTs think of me as an Associate.  Having met hundreds of RPTs, I can tell you this: there are good ones, and there are bad ones.  Having those three letters after your name does very little to increase my respect for you.  (Sorry.)</blockquote> But look at the flip side of that comment. NOT having those letters after your name also does little to "increase my respect for you"! <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">So what is my motivation to take that final test and pass it?  To join the ranks of other technicians, some good, some bad, who have also passed the test?  What's the distinction?   </blockquote> I can only assume there are also good and bad associates, also! So you have no inclination at all to support what the PTG is "trying" to do. Increase the competence of techs out there servicing people's pianos? Maybe? <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">To put myself among the ranks of Virgil Smith, and at the same time, my friend, Mr. Best RPT in America?  Seems like this is a club that accepts almost anybody into their ranks.   I'll probably take the Technical Exam one day.  As Dave says, why not?  If you join the PTG and accept a lower status, I think that says something about you as a person.  But I will get very little pride out of it.</blockquote> Well, maybe you should. Unfortunately, there are people out there who CAN'T pass those tests. And they're still collecting money "servicing" people's pianos! :-( <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">Tom Sivak   Dave Doremus <algiers_piano@bellsouth.net> wrote: <dl> <dd>On 6/15/06, pianolover 88 said: <dd>>And let's not forget that without rpt tests, conventions, ptg dues, <dd>>ptj and so on, the PTG is out of business!</blockquote> </dl> That would be VERY unfortunate. It's almost worth the dues to just get the Journal. I don't like some of the politics, but like some other things, it's the cost of doing business. Over all, I think it's worth it! JMO. <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite=""> <dl> <dd>----------------------------- <dd>Dave Doremus, RPT <dd>New Orleans <dd>------------------------------</blockquote> </dl> Avery Todd University of Houston </body> </html>