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Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

  • 1.  Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-18-2019 19:51
    At our N. Michigan chapter meeting last evening, the subject came up about the Membership Directory we no longer have.  We all missed having chapters, members and suppliers information at our fingertips and most of us carried the directory with us on the road.  It was especially helpful in remote areas where there was no cell coverage and we could not access PTG.ORG.  In addition, when we could connect, the program at the home office was so outdated and cumbersome that it was often impossible to get the information we needed.  I suspect the cost of producing the directory was the main reason for discontinuing.  However I for one, would be very willing to pay for it.  
        Here's how it might work:  Publicize it's forthcoming and the cost to each interested member.  Take orders in advance so we would know how many to print.  Print it every two or three years, rather than every year, which would bring the cost down.  Please bring this valued item back into use.  Members come and go and keeping current is needed.  Maybe if we send this message to the RVP's who in turn might bend National's ear, we can bring this important benefit back.
        Am I the only member that misses it?  What say you all ??

    ------------------------------
    Mike Kurta, RPT
    N. Michigan chapter
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-18-2019 20:02
    I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Kurta's suggestion.

    ------------------------------
    Karl Roeder
    Pompano Beach FL
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-18-2019 21:19
    Perhaps the Guild could offer a print on demand version and chapters or individuals could print hardcopies of all or parts they need
    themselves at the local copy shop.
    I still refer to my hardcopy for industry connections but that's only 15 or so pages out of the whole thing.

    ------------------------------
    Steven Rosenthal
    Honolulu HI
    808-521-7129
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-18-2019 21:47
    Perhaps offering it in the form of a pdf file would be not too burdensome. One could carry it in any mobile phone, and read it in any of the several apps that can display that format. Yes, it's small. But light. 

    More work, but possibly better adaptable to the small screen would be a dedicated app, custom designed for members' usage needs. The home office has the data now. Converting it to pdf might not be very difficult. 

    Mark Schecter
     | |   | | |   | |   | | | 






  • 5.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-18-2019 22:16
    It is available on ptg.org members area, forms and documents as a downloadable pdf. I did so and placed it in Books on my iPhone.

    ------------------------------
    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-19-2019 00:58
    Larry,

    Outstanding! Thanks for that valuable tidbit! 

    Mark Schecter
     | |   | | |   | |   | | | 






  • 7.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-19-2019 21:08
    I found the "2018 Printable Membership Directory PDF", but is only has an alphabetical member list. Not all the other, more useful stuff. Is there more somewhere that I missed?

    A checkbox for a paper copy on my annual membership renewal, with price add on, would be my preference.

    ------------------------------
    Greg Graham, RPT
    Brodheadsville, PA
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-19-2019 11:04
    Michael,
    I agree. I miss the convenience of a print version. I still have the last version at my finger tips. Much faster than logging on to PTG when you're looking up a name for quick reference.
    Roger





  • 9.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-19-2019 11:25
    I also prefer the print version and would be willing to buy it.
    Nancy Salmon RPT
    LaVale, MD





  • 10.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-21-2019 00:37
    I agree. I've wasted too much time trying to find information on the PTG website (and what I'm looking for often isn't available) when it was so easy to just look it up in the Directory.

    ddf

    --
    Delwin D Fandrich
    Fandrich Piano Company, Inc.
    Piano Design and Manufacturing Consulting Services -- Worldwide
    6939 Foothill Ct SW -- Olympia, WA 98512 -- USA
    Phone 360.515.0119 -- Mobile 360.388.6525





  • 11.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-28-2019 03:47
    I started this thread 10 days ago and didn't expect the very positive response from many members.  Paul and Larry, your points are well taken and are valid.  Cost is a factor and paper usage another.  Cost?  Three factors that could offset this:  Printing every two or three years, the sale of advertising, and a nominal charge to those who order the directory in advance.  The waste of paper?  I suggest that there is a place for some paper usage in today's world, especially in an item that is so widely used by our membership.  Personally, when I receive a call from an unknown technician about keytop replacement, I can quickly look him/her up in the directory to see if they are a PTG member while talking to them.  As Robin Nelson stated, many are some distance from a copy facility or don't have the ability to print their own copy.  
           Going Green?  When I see the myriad of catalogs that clog my mailbox daily, now THERE is a waste of paper that is often thrown away immediately upon receipt.  Let's keep asking the powers that be at PTG to bring back a valuable member resource that is used by many sometimes daily, kept for years and is easy and convenient to use.  It is a tangible benefit to the rank and file of our organization. 
          PLEASE BRING IT BACK  !!

    ------------------------------
    Mike Kurta, RPT
    N. Michigan chapter
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-28-2019 04:27
    If we're going to have a printed copy, can we also have a PDF version. I like that on my lap top.  Easy to copy and paste e-mail addresses. Even if it's only every  other year.

    ------------------------------
    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-28-2019 05:14
    I'd be OK with a PDF version of the old print directory. 

    My problem is that I frequently get asked for referrals in other areas, but when I go to the website I most often cannot find email addresses, physical addresses, or sometimes even phone numbers. 

    There seems to be a disconnect between what used to be readily available in the print edition and what shows up in "Higher Logics" online presentation.

    ddf

    --
    Delwin D Fandrich
    Fandrich Piano Company, Inc.
    Piano Design and Manufacturing Consulting Services -- Worldwide
    6939 Foothill Ct SW -- Olympia, WA 98512 -- USA
    Phone 360.515.0119 -- Mobile 360.388.6525





  • 14.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-28-2019 07:38
    Delwin, I just use the PTG.org find a registered piano technician link entering the person moving's new zip code.

    ------------------------------
    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Posted 10-28-2019 08:41
    If you want a chapter listing, which is what you got in the printed directory, you can use the chapter search function in ptg.org.
    However, the requirement to search by chapter number is time consuming because the listing is organized by number, not by state and city.
    It should be possible to make this function more convenient.

    ------------------------------
    Ed Sutton
    ed440@me.com
    (980) 254-7413
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-28-2019 09:44
    " It should be possible to make this function more convenient. "

    Yes indeed.  Printing a hard copy like we used to would be very convenient indeed.

    ------------------------------
    Karl Roeder
    Pompano Beach FL
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-28-2019 10:36

    Ok, try this (it works for me):

    Go to the www.ptg.org/ page (*not* my.ptg.org - the (expletive deleted) social media site),

    Log into the "Member Area",

    Click on "Directories",

    This should bring up the the Member Directory page.

    This page has fairly powerful search tools for:

    _General Member Search

    _Chapter Searcch

    _Zip Code Search

    _Services Offered Search

    Filling in *any* box in these search tools should yield

    most of the data formerly available in the printed Directory

    including RPT/Member status, postal address, phone number, e-mail address, etc.


    I simply added a link to this Directory page to my home screen on my phone (and laptop).

    I hope it will work for you too.


    __Alan Crane, RPT

    316-680-7435

    alan2crane@gmail.com

    ============================================



    On 10/28/19 8:43 AM, Karl Roeder via Piano Technicians Guild wrote:
    0100016e129be739-dabcabbc-43f2-49a3-8716-5878614bde4b-000000@email.amazonses.com">
    Please do not forward this message due to Auto Login.  " It should be possible to make this function more convenient. "  Yes indeed.  Printing a hard copy like we used to would be very convenient indeed.  ------------------------------ Karl Roeder  Pompano Beach FL ------------------------------ 




    Original Message------

    " It should be possible to make this function more convenient. "

    Yes indeed.  Printing a hard copy like we used to would be very convenient indeed.

    ------------------------------
    Karl Roeder
    Pompano Beach FL
    ------------------------------


  • 18.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-28-2019 10:48
    I should add that I *also* keep a .pdf copy of the 2018 printed Directory on my phone & laptop in case internet access is not available or when I want some of the other info included in it -- very handy even if growing progressively more dated.

    __Alan Crane, RPT
    316-680-7435
    alan2crane@gmail.com

    On Mon, Oct 28, 2019, 9:36 AM Alan Crane <alan2crane@gmail.com> wrote:

    Ok, try this (it works for me):

    Go to the www.ptg.org/ page (*not* my.ptg.org - the (expletive deleted) social media site),

    Log into the "Member Area",

    Click on "Directories",

    This should bring up the the Member Directory page.

    This page has fairly powerful search tools for:

    _General Member Search

    _Chapter Searcch

    _Zip Code Search

    _Services Offered Search

    Filling in *any* box in these search tools should yield

    most of the data formerly available in the printed Directory

    including RPT/Member status, postal address, phone number, e-mail address, etc.


    I simply added a link to this Directory page to my home screen on my phone (and laptop).

    I hope it will work for you too.


    __Alan Crane, RPT

    316-680-7435

    alan2crane@gmail.com

    ============================================



    On 10/28/19 8:43 AM, Karl Roeder via Piano Technicians Guild wrote:
    Please do not forward this message due to Auto Login.  " It should be possible to make this function more convenient. "  Yes indeed.  Printing a hard copy like we used to would be very convenient indeed.  ------------------------------ Karl Roeder  Pompano Beach FL ------------------------------ 




    Original Message------

    " It should be possible to make this function more convenient. "

    Yes indeed.  Printing a hard copy like we used to would be very convenient indeed.

    ------------------------------
    Karl Roeder
    Pompano Beach FL
    ------------------------------


  • 19.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-28-2019 11:05
    Alan: I just now tried the direct link to the .pdf version of the 2018 Member Directory and it came right up. I didn't have to log in as a member either.  Here's the direct link:


    Try it and see if it works for you.

    I tend to agree with Fred on hard copies. It's easy to put a link somewhere on your phone/laptop/tablet and get to the PDFdirectory electronically very quickly. So the electronic access would seem to be the more popular choice. But having a printed version should also be available but not automatically sent to every member every year. It seems that money from industry entries and ads could defray some of the printing costs so that members could get printed copies on demand but at a lesser cost of printing it themselves. 

    The big problem with the current .pdf version of the member directory is that it only has the names of members and not the industry information and PTG history related information (past conventions, past presidents, etc.). I used to consult the directory for that kind of information as much as, if not more than, finding a particular person. So I would advocate for restoring the old format with more information than just member names. Or even have two documents, a member directory and a resource directory, which could have lots of interesting information besides industry contacts. For example, how many times have people on Pianotech asked for how to get replacement action brackets for pianos that have action bracket problems? Or what's the current way to deal with Baldwin? 

    Richard West








  • 20.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-28-2019 11:45
    Resources directory is on PTG.org on the top line.

    ------------------------------
    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-28-2019 12:16
    Thanks, Larry. It was hidden in plain sight. My laziness in looking strikes again.

    Richard West








  • 22.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-29-2019 16:45
    All this does is give me the alphabetical listing of all the members.  What I like about the directory is the listings of all the manufacturers and suppliers.  That's what makes the directory so valuable.

    ------------------------------
    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
    ------------------------------



  • 23.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-28-2019 11:36

    Printing your own copy from the on-line PDF file blows the lid off the argument that PTG is saving the planet from excessive deforestation for paper production and copy paper is generally more expensive than print paper. The other problem with the PDF file is that there is no chapter member listing. That feature is valuable to me when I can't remember a members name but I know he/she is a chapter member.

    Call me old fashion, but many times I prefer a hard copy of catalogues because of the peripheral vision I can employ by quickly scanning related topics or products on adjacent pages. Having the supplier listing in the directory is vary valuable to me. Also, can you imagine looking in the Pierce Atlas, a piano name and serial number on you laptop – too slow.

    Roger






  • 24.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-28-2019 11:49
    OK folks, we seem to have a number of members who would like to see the return of the directory, but several who bring up good points against.  Someone once said, "No matter how thin the pancake is, it always has two sides."   Those of us in favor, how do we move this idea forward?  What steps should be taken to see if the membership in general and the management of PTG in particular are interested?

    ------------------------------
    Mike Kurta, RPT
    N. Michigan chapter
    ------------------------------



  • 25.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Member
    Posted 10-29-2019 07:24
    Larry
    This is one of the problems with the website. It is in violation of the PTG bylaws because it only shows RPT members. We are no longer a group of only RPT's and yet the website is purposely still set to discriminate against associate members.
    Rex Roseman 





  • 26.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-29-2019 12:45

    Hi Rex,

    I'm afraid that's incorrect. On the ptg.org site, find a registered piano technician is still a thing. It's a way of rewarding those who pass the RPT exams, and was specifically maintained at the time when associates were given full franchisement rights. Now that the word "associate" has been dropped, all are members, but not all have passed the RPT exams. 


    All members, regardless of having passed the exams or not, are listed in the directory. Only RPTs are listed in the Find a Registed Piano Technician button on the home page. 



    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
    Piano Technician / Artisan
    (805) 315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    ------------------------------



  • 27.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Member
    Posted 10-29-2019 12:55
    Benjamin

    This is exactly what I have pointed out. To the public view of PTG associates do not exist. They can not be accessed by the web page.

    Rex Roseman 





  • 28.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Posted 10-29-2019 15:00
    Rex-
    I have a question.
    What would be the correct public presentation of RPTs and members who have not passed the RPT exam?
    From the viewpoint of non-tested members' best interest?
    From the viewpoint of RPTs' best interest?
    From the viewpoint of the public's best interest?
    Is it possible that we each see this from our own best interest and perhaps don't care about others, best interests?
    What might be an appropriate resolution that is fair from all viewpoints?

    ------------------------------
    Ed Sutton
    ed440@me.com
    (980) 254-7413
    ------------------------------



  • 29.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Member
    Posted 10-29-2019 15:15
    Ed
    Let the search engine on the public page search all PTG members and continue to publish the disclaimer that currently exists stating that those who have an RPT designation have passed a series of exams. The current wording of the RPT/non-RPT designation is good as stands. The problem is that the website as it currently stands hides non-RPT members. If we are all members then the public search should list all members and let the public chose.

    I just had to respond to a request for tuning outside of my service area and had to go through a great deal of internal searching of the site because there are no RPT's in this particular area, but there is a member that I could recommend. The only way I could get his name was to sign in as a member. Even then all I got was a name and city, I was unable to locate phone or email to pass along.

    Part of The problem is implementation of the bylaws change and dealing with a very inefficient website.

    My rant for today.

    Rex





  • 30.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-29-2019 15:44
    And then when someone calls the home office to complain about a poor tuning or other work, office staff will have to say, " well, you should have hired an RPT."

    ------------------------------
    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
    ------------------------------



  • 31.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-29-2019 15:06

    That's as it should be Rex. PTG has no way to judge your abilities other than the RPT exams. Yes there are members who have not passed the exams that do good work but there are also those that do poor work. The exams are the only way to tell. 


    Also, I looked at your website and see you offer certified tunings. I have absolutely no idea what a certified tuning is. 



    ------------------------------
    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
    ------------------------------



  • 32.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Member
    Posted 10-30-2019 08:09
    Larry

    Thank you for pointing out the problem with my website. It was created from a templet and I thought I had gotten all the inappropriate information changed. Obviously missed that. Now if I can just locate the instructions on how to make the changes.

    My pointing out the inconsistency in the PTG website was in regards to the directory access. If you want the public to respect the RPT designation you are going to have to allow them to make the decision to use an RPT over a non-RPT. If they have no choice the designation will not be respected, if the public has to make a choice they will own the value of the testing. Yes, they should be allowed to call the home office and get the response you suggest.

    I am curious, does the home office really get calls complaining about individual members work?

    Rex





  • 33.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-30-2019 09:00
    Rex, they sure do get calls! And as regional vice-president they were handed over to me to resolve.

    ------------------------------
    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
    ------------------------------



  • 34.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-30-2019 12:34
    Please forgive me but why is this not all on PTG-L?

    DB

    ------------------------------
    David Brown
    Garland TX
    ------------------------------



  • 35.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-01-2019 15:27
    New phone books are in! What a waste.



    ------------------------------
    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
    ------------------------------



  • 36.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-04-2019 19:12
    Just looked at the Industry Directory on the new tarted up website. Profoundly unhelpful. If I knew the name of the company I was looking for and the state and city they were in I wouldn't be trying to look them up would I?

    ------------------------------
    Karl Roeder
    Pompano Beach FL
    ------------------------------



  • 37.  RE: Let's Resurrect the Printed Member Directory

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-04-2019 19:27
    Karl.  I thought the same thing.  But i use the directory to find companies that do what I want done. And this directory does that.  For instance, if you're looking for benches, type in that in the search box, and all the companies that sell benches show up, including what state they are in and with one click, you're on their website.

    ------------------------------
    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
    ------------------------------