<html> <body> Hi David,                   Sorry I vented, but the standards have slipped so far. The trite art work shows the frivolous mind set.  It seems to be going from bad to worse.   From my point of view it is not about personalities, but about excellence.  John set the standard.  We should expect nothing less if we are going to move professionally forward.   It is not just about the cover. Detail drawings and lay out has gone to the dogs.   If every one involved in the Journal is happy.   Then that is mediocrity in my book. And they appear to be happy. Now I will shut up, and keep my nose out of the politics.   I am sorry for venting. But it needed to be said. Regards Roger At 09:53 AM 4/8/2005, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite=""> Roger:   Below is a pretty harsh statement for a normally mellow guy.  What mediocrity surrounded John?    As you said, I work around some very talented people some of whom have large egos.  Fortunately most here are mature enough to keep their egos in check, have developed acceptable social skills and work productively.  There are people who’s talent to productivity ratio is unfavorable and frequently they have to be let go.    I have spent time with many of the people in the home office, and on the Journal staff and I have not thought of any of them as mediocre.   dp   David M. Porritt <a href="mailto:dporritt@smu.edu">dporritt@smu.edu</a> <hr> <div align="center"></div> From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [<a href="mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org" eudora="autourl"> mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org</a>] On Behalf Of Roger Jolly Sent: Friday, April 08, 2005 9:14 AM To: Pianotech Subject: RE: Journal Cover   . I can imagine he may have been difficult to work with. Unfortunately such is often the case with very talented and artistic people. Dean Hi Dean,                     Then we had better learn how to work with this kind of talent, or we will lose.  As we have.  Let's face it, many of us work with this kind of Artistic temperament on a regular basis. As professionals we have learned to adapt.  Those that never learn, rarely reach the top. John may have been difficult and passionate, but he strove for excellence, and attained it. Unfortunately he was surrounded by mediocrity. Regards Roger</blockquote></body> </html>