Not everyone realizes that there are currently two companies that PTG works with for the website/forums/membership data/etc. The forums and much of the my.ptg.org site are hosted by Higher Logic. The membership data was hosted my MemberMax and that is the company that has been replaced. I have never expected a lifespan of more than 10 years, if that long, with any of these companies given the nature of that industry. A key concern in going down this road was to be sure that our data is secure and is owned by us but being able to access it in a manner we want can be a greater challenge.
It's a challenging time for our staff as well as our volunteers so I'm sure they want these features back up and running as quickly as possible. I just got through looking up 3 referrals in the member database that would have been much quicker without scrolling through whole chapter lists so I'll be glad when it's back up but I'm just grateful, at this point, that I can still look things up.
Maggie - I believe that the zip code and proximity search is the bugaboo in the programming that goes beyond basic database functions so you're absolutely right about that being a great function for the public as well as members; especially for folks in rural areas like us.
Folks, this isn't any sort of official statement that I'm giving you but just a report of conversations from this member.
Best regards to all,
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Allan Gilreath, RPT
Registered Piano Technician & President
Allan Gilreath & Associates, Inc
Calhoun, GA
706-602-7667
allan@allangilreath.com -
www.allangilreath.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2022 10:48
From: Tremaine Parsons
Subject: Find a Tech
Thanks Geoff,
I'm not blaming anyone. Just indicating poor planning somewhere or something went wrong. Hopefully this will be a teaching moment for the HO. I was actually surprised the the discussion threads seemed to continue smoothly.
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Tremaine Parsons RPT
Georgetown CA
(530) 333-9299
Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2022 02:10
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Find a Tech
At the risk of repeating myself, the Home Office has been without web support ever since Clint left for greener pastures. I don't know if HL is responsible for the new website, but it is overall an improvement from the old one. But, according to Kathy, the old website, all it's servers and database files simply no longer exist. She has been pretty much building the current website by what I'm guessing, (guessing. I don't know for sure.), is a drag and drop site building tool. The reason the search features are gone is because they all disappeared with the previous website when it was taken down and the server disconnected. Even if she had been able to keep the old code none of it would run on a different server without some expert programming. The reason they are taking so long to be made available again is because she has nobody around that can do the necessary database programming to build the thing back up. Clint is gone and nobody has been there ever since to take over. If any of you know an aspiring young SQL progammer that can build what Kathy needs for the PTG website send that person to her. I'm disappointed that she has not posted here to let everyone know what's going on but please give her some slack. She knows it's important and really is doing the best she can to get this all up and running again as fast as she knows how to do.
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Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
Original Message:
Sent: 06-14-2022 22:00
From: Tremaine Parsons
Subject: Find a Tech
This is pretty much a bummer. I think we may be going on to almost 4 weeks with this changeover. I mean I'm patient but "Hello". It would have been easy to maintain a portal to the old directory system unless the home office fired Higher Logic. Sorry, but this was poorly planned unless something happened that we don't know about. NO SPECULATION ON THIS, PLEASE, UNLESS THE HOME OFFICE WOULD LIKE TO REACH OUT WITH AN EXPLANATION TO MEMBERS.
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Tremaine Parsons RPT
Georgetown CA
(530) 333-9299
Original Message:
Sent: 06-14-2022 17:10
From: Maggie Jusiel
Subject: Find a Tech
Allen,
Am I imagining it or was it once possible to look someone up by zip code? Or was that only on the "Find a Tech" button. I need to do that but can't.
Thanks,
Maggie
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Maggie Jusiel, RPT
Athens, WV
(304)952-8615
mags@timandmaggie.net
Original Message:
Sent: 06-08-2022 09:12
From: Allan Gilreath
Subject: Find a Tech
Good morning all,
I'm not sure it's obvious to everyone but the member directory is still available but buried a little deeper.
Go to PtG.org & click the drop down menu. Click >PTG Members>My Portal then click that drop down menu and there's the member directory.
Now, having shared that as a tip for members, my office is getting 3-6 calls per week for referrals to qualified technicians. We're using the directory to give current, updated contact information.
This has certainly proven to me that value and effectiveness of the "Find an RPT" asset so I'll be glad when the programming is finished and we get it back up and running.
AG
------------------------------
Allan Gilreath, RPT
Registered Piano Technician & President
Allan Gilreath & Associates, Inc
Calhoun, GA
706-602-7667
allan@allangilreath.com - www.allangilreath.com
Original Message:
Sent: 06-08-2022 08:17
From: Don Dalton
Subject: Find a Tech
Agree that Google can't tell us who is legitimate. However, it's true that many people use Google to finder tooners. My point was that it's a free way to get one's name out there.
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Don Dalton
Chester VT
Original Message:
Sent: 06-08-2022 08:10
From: Dave Conte
Subject: Find a Tech
Dalton,
While it is true that Google is an alternate resource, it will return results from anybody who thinks they are a "tooner".
Yelp and YP don't actually tell you if a provider is good or not. I personally know of a few that have high ratings but
in reality can't deliver even minimally acceptable work.
The PTG is a much better source. Not only is there a better chance of finding decent technical providers, it is almost
assured since the link only referred RPTs (or used to).
I have not seen the link lately. Kathy Maxwell said it was down while the website was being transitioned. But you can access the
list of techs by chapter or refer the enquiry to Home Office.
------------------------------
Dave Conte
University of Tennessee
Knoxville TN
(817) 307-5656
Owner: Rocky Top Piano
Original Message:
Sent: 06-07-2022 06:32
From: Don Dalton
Subject: Find a Tech
Most people will simply do a Google search for piano tuner or similar term.
Also, many will simply go to Google maps and search for "piano tuner." Then they'll see listed piano techs in their area: a quick way to see who's in the area. It's free to list one's business. I learned this when a customer told me they'd searched on maps and found another tech, who then referred to me. I was closer to this customer but I wasn't on the map (I am now.)
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Don Dalton
Chester VT
Original Message:
Sent: 06-07-2022 00:18
From: David Love
Subject: Find a Tech
I just discovered that when I referred somebody to the website to find a tech out of my area. That needs to be corrected. that was a very valuable tool for nonmembers
------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
Original Message:
Sent: 06-06-2022 17:39
From: S. Fenton Murray
Subject: Find a Tech
For some reason I cannot 'find a tech' on PTG website.
I would think this would be easy and not require a log in.
Help please, looking in the Templeton, CA area.
I have used this resource before to find out of the area technicians,
most useful, if I could.
Potential clients are likely more computer savvy than me.
Fenton