Why I no longer attend PTG meetings.

I'll first give credit where credit is due.  The PTG, in recent years
(especially), has been providing great learning opportunities: classes
at local chapters, regional seminars and national conventions.  The
magazine is loaded with great technical articles.  There is a CD with
every technical article ever published.  There are many great written
materials available.  The PTG has helped raise standards.

I find most of the "Old Dogs" (RPT and otherwise) do not learn the new
tricks -- they continue the habits they have had for years.  The vast
majority of PTG RPTs did not pass a series of rigorous, standardized
examinations on every facet of piano servicing, as the PTG advertises
to the public.  The vast majority of RPTs that I know were
"grandfathered" in for political [reasons] and not so much for
technical skill.

The PTG should judge tuning tests by results attained, and not by
methods used.  There is an aural tuning requirement for the tuning
test.  Side-by-side comparisons by the PTG have shown electronic tuning
to be at least as good.  There is an electronic device on the market
that allows an electronic tuner to tune the same way an aural tuner
does.

I have challenged them to judge the merits of my tuning and not to be
concerned with how I do it.  We have RPTs who tune with a Korg for the
temperament and use no stretch.

There is a "pecking order" in the chapters I've been to.  An
individual's rank is determined by political skills, membership
category, how old you are, your sex, who are your cronies and, less
importantly, actual technical skill.  The chapters I have been to are
filled with cliquishness, and "good ole boys" cronyism.  Perceived
lower ranking members "shamelessly" suck up to the alpha males in the
group in a demeaning attempt to win political favor.

There was too much unfair politics.  Agendas, hidden and otherwise,
are railroaded through.  Opposing valid, respectful viewpoints are
greeted with scowls and raised eyebrows, and quickly dismissed.
Personal attacks and punishment often go along with agreeing to
disagree with the group's "alpha males".  Politics determines the
respect an individual gets, as well as the perceived skill level of the
individual, to a degree I have not seen in other groups I belong to.

I have heard about the high ideals "goodness" espoused by PTG
proponents.  Their actions scream so loud I cannot hear what they are
saying.  For many, the whole system and culture works great (their
nest is getting feathered) and they are oblivious or couldn't care less
about its affect on others.  There are those who want to corner the
market and eliminate the competition.  Given what I've seen in my 13
years as a member, I am skeptical of the PTG's motives.

My happiness does not depend upon everyone treating me respectfully and
I don't expect everything to go my way.  I believe many would vouch
that I am a model of good behavior and positive attitude at AMICA
meetings, my woodworkers club and other groups I belong to.  AMICA
meetings are a pleasant experience for me.

I get the magazine and I choose to stay away from most people in the
PTG.  I find non-PTG members (in general) are better human beings as
well as better business associates than those in the PTG.  I have tried
to tell those in charge of the PTG how they might improve and I get no
response.

Bill Maguire

 [ Cronyism is a trait associated with the big trade unions; it's sad
 [ when it's observed within a guild of artisans.  -- Robbie