For starters, it means I have a working Dynavoice keytop pneumatic
roll-player and a Pianocorder "Obensetzer", and many MIDI files.
Probably none of this would have been possible without the reference
material I found in MMD to steer me in the right direction, e.g.,
John Tuttle, "The Valve", and Mark Fontana, Midi-Pianocorder.

MMD has proven to be a very valuable resource of information,
entertainment, and a site through which I have met many interesting,
generous, helpful friends.  Through MMD I have connected with friends
in the USA, Canada, England, Europe, and Australia.  I tend to be a bit
of a hermit, so this sure has enlarged my circle of acquaintances the
last couple of years!

I have learned many new things related to mechanical music and a lot
of good general information that is applicable for electro-mechanical
applications, not limited to music specifically.

The references for supplies related to the hobby are just fantastic in
their scope and application; e.g., a recent posting comes to mind that
I thought was really neat: Richard Vance's reference in MMD 7.21.02 to
a safe substitute liquid metal alloy for Welte open cup mercury
switches!  Where else but MMD would you find something this esoteric?!

From the "Duh! I should have known that" file -- From MMD I realized
that I had been mindlessly using "3-in-1 oil" (not paying attention to
the fact that it contains rust dissolving acids) in inappropriate
places like clocks!  Once again proving you're never to old to be wised
up.

The information in the MMD Archives is priceless.  I always mine the
archives for information beforehand, instead of posting a question on
MMD.  More often than not, I find just what I'm looking for, there.

I have learned that even when some editions may seem to have no subject
lines that interest me, more often than not, if I scan the postings,
there will be some interesting bits of information, regarding
materials, web sites, etc., that I then save to my MMD information file.

My introduction to MMD came about by way of my first computer, and
MMD has co-incidentally been a good resource to help me learn and
understand the workings of my PC, specifically with regard to MIDI
music, and various players.

Even though ever owning or having the nerve to try rebuilding an actual
reproducing piano will not likely happen is this lifetime, I enjoy
reading the interplay between the many knowledgeable techs who will
write in detail about the most esoteric expression systems, materials,
etc., of player pianos.  Craig Brougher is always good for a lively
discussion, with much detailed information, logical understandable
explanations, backed up with an amazing amount of data.

Thanks to Robbie and Jody for their dedication to the site, and thanks
to the many generous, helpful, and fun people I have met through MMD
the last two years!

Tom Lear
San Francisco, CA