<HTML>In a message dated 7/25/02 5:59:17 PM !!!First Boot!!!, pianobuilders@olynet.com writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">We are now a somewhat older and more mature organization, but those policies haven't changed much. After all, they have worked well for better than thirty years (of my knowledge), why change them? Because--for at least one reason--PTG and the economic status of its membership has changed. In large part for the better and in large part due to the sacrifices of those early members. </BLOCKQUOTE> I don't think the reason policies have not changed has anything to do with the maturity of the our organization. The economic status of the PTG has become better because of the countless hours of dedication by it's members. But the economic condition of the PTG will change if we change our policies, and start paying those volunteers.  As Kent mentioned we are a volunteer organization. Always have been, and presumably always will be. We are one of the few organizations like that. As I told Joe, I don't think we should have some instructors hold us hostage. That will not benefit our organization. That will only benefit the individual instructor. <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px"> I think it's time to now reconsider: Are those policies still working all that well or are we just conveniently closing our eyes and not looking? Is it possible we do not see developing problems because we don't want to see them? Once we acknowledge that all is not right with our little world and that problems are sprouting up now that are going to reach full bloom sometime in the future we might then be forced to deal with them. It might force us to seriously evaluate where we are and where we want to go and it might cost us money. None of that will make anyone popular but that is what real leadership is all about. It's easier and more comfortable to simply evolve than it is to lead. But, good luck. Del </BLOCKQUOTE> Will paying instructors and or authors be financially beneficial to the members of the PTG? Will the PTG get better articles and better instruction if we paid authors and instructors? Or are we going to get the same, but only at a higher price? Even if the officers decide to give more money to instructor and authors, how are the members going to react to that? Are they willing to pay more, in dues and convention registration? Or are we going to eliminate those that have been supporting the PTG, just to make a few authors and teachers happy? Will paying teachers bring out more registrants to a convention, or will the numbers decrease, because the registration fee is too high? Del, I appreciate your wisdom and insight into these problems. Perhaps you are right, and soon the PTG will cease to exist. But I don't think so. I think we are doing the right thing. I don't think we are going to make everyone happy all the time. In any organization, there are going to be members that are not happy with the way things are going. Some drop out, some quit participating, and some try to do something about it. The rest just sort of go along with what ever the majority wants. Strong leadership will make changes. But the changes will only be successful if the membership want that change. Again, we don't want to loose you. You have given the PTG a tremendous amount, in the form of articles, and with your teaching. With as much as you find wanting in the PTG, we don't want you to quit coming to conventions or writing articles. From where I am sitting, I know you love the organzation too much, and you love the piano too much, to give up on us. I hope you will continue questioning what we do. But please don't give up on us, because we love you, too. Hug and kisses. (Well, maybe not the kisses) :) Wim </HTML>