At the end of my day I turn on my computer and check my email.
I click on the email marked MMD and read the postings as a form or
relaxation.  I have been a member of MMD for some time now.  I joined
MMD in hopes to keep in touch with all the friends I've made throughout
the years and I looked forward to making new friends.  When I write to
MMD it is to share what I have learned in all the years that I have
been restoring player pianos.

I think all collectors know that restoring player pianos is difficult
work  because it is so repetitive.  What makes restoring worthwhile
is the music and most of all meeting so many great people.  I have
met so many generous and knowledgeable people through my business and
I have made friendships that have lasted for 30 years.  Due to the
generosity and open spirit of so many collectors and restorers I have
learned a great deal about automatic pianos.  But more important than
the knowledge that has been passed down to me about pianos are the
values these fine folks have taught me by their examples.  I can say
without hesitation that I am a better person for having been involved
in this hobby.

It is in this sense of sharing that I contribute what I know to
this forum.  I hope to pass along some of this collective knowledge
to others so that I can give back a bit of the help that has been
extended to me.  MMD is a great place to come together and share our
ideas.  It is with this spirit of sharing that I think we all post
our comments in this forum.

I began my last posting by stating that I don't like controversy.
I don't believe that anyone can appreciate the music our machines
produce and at the same time enjoy discord.

I will continue to read MMD and I look forward to contributing to this
fine pool of information and opinions.  We all enjoy preserving old
fashioned things so I say lets make sure we preserve old fashioned
things like courteously, friendship and above all a positive sense of
community.

If my last posting was not clear I don't doubt it.  Reading MMD is the
last thing I do at the end of a long day.  I'm sure my mind is ready for
bed by the time I write in.  I figure I'm not saving any lives and there
will always be tomorrow to clarify a point.  After all we're just
chatting.  If any of you would like me to clarify what I said in my
last posting I'll be happy to respond either on MMD or by email but I
will only respond to those who wish to be friendly.

Paul Manganaro