John Tuttle says:

> I am pleased to announce that I have just finished posting another
> fine article about rebuilding techniques written by Craig Brougher.
> ... look at some of the other fine contributions

John,  Many thanks for your outstanding effort in assembling a fine
array of technical articles.  Very much appreciated.  You are to be
commended for providing yet another great service to our unique
avocation.  Having done something similar in another field, I'm very
much aware that what you have achieved is no trivial matter.

This is another wonderful example of the power of the Internet at its
finest.  Sharing a strong interest in this unique slice of musical
heritage for 30+ years, I can vividly recall having to write an
inquiry, then type it to the Editor of our AMICA Bulletin, mail it off,
wait 6-8 weeks to see it in print, and with a little luck receive one
or two responses in a total elapsed time of about 8-10 weeks.

Now, an email inquiry into MMD generates a number of helpful responses
almost overnight!  WOW!  Computers and the Internet are wonderful.
MMD has become an outstanding resource and to Jody and Robbie we owe a
great debt of gratitude for their prompt response to the relentless
demands of maintaining such a moderated list.

The recent concerns relative to professional pride has reminded me of
something I wrote in the AMICA Bulletin 15 years ago in the January
1983 issue.  Here's a brief extract:


  "It has been said that the human spirit finds its main outlet in art,
  and music may well have been the world's first art form.  It may also
  have been the world's first science, behind which are curiosity,
  ingenuity, and an urge to do or know things better.

  "While evolutionary development of technology tended to languish,
  there was spectacular progress in the pursuit of beauty through
  music, even though its technology was largely a matter of personal
  skill and judgment, restrained by the then limits of scientific
  knowledge of metals, woods, stress, tone, etc., and the interaction
  of one to another.

  "These achievements were the product of a continuing evolutionary
  stream of developments, each building on the success of others, all
  achieved by the challenging forces of curiosity, ingenuity and
  resourcefulness.  These forces are no less present today, and
  infinitely more powerful and effective.

  "It takes courage to expose an idea or technique that may not be well
  defined and perhaps not yet defendable.  But with a positive
  attitude, others can work on it and roll it back to us through these
  pages in its improved form.  This process of reinforcement can only
  be beneficial to all.  Let us never fall into the trap of continually
  preparing, just to get started!

  "I accept there are those among us whose superior skill and knowledge
  put them in a unique position of viewing with dismay those techniques
  they feel to be imperfect or inappropriate.  But what better
  opportunity than the Bulletin for them to respond and show us a
  better way.

  "Those of us who have passed through the school of hard knocks have
  as much a responsibility to educate as others have to learn.  From
  time to time, we are all one or the other.  This is particularly true
  for our members in remote areas who do not have others nearby for
  counsel and guidance."


Professional pride is a critically important ingredient in the learning
process, but we must not ever forget that none among us are infallible
nor omnipotent.  Evolution clearly reveals that what we believe to be
true yesterday is not necessarily the same today, nor in the future.
The learning process is unrelenting and in a broad view, we actually
never ever get off the front end of the learning curve.

As one living in a remote area, I am extremely grateful that there are
among us those prepared to share their knowledge and experience.  That
sharing carries with it an unavoidable exposure to differing opinions
and experiences.  What is needed is tolerance and understanding by all.

The power of the Internet makes us all next door neighbors.  And
as neighbors, we have a duty and an obligation to live together in
relative harmony.  It's not a difficult goal.  The critical ingredient
is a positive attitude.

Something to think about.

Regards to all, and may the New Year bring you all kinds of neat and
nifty treasures from out of this unique slice of musical heritage.

Terry Smythe                   smythe@mts.net
55 Rowand Avenue               smythe@freenet.mb.ca
Winnipeg, MB, Canada  R3J 2N6  (204) 832-3982 (voice/fax)
http://www.winnipeg.freenet.mb.ca/~smythe