Just a question about Freedom of speech on this list

[Antares]

Hi Keith McGavern,

Thank you for your kind commentary,
Indeed, I have had some experience myself on and with the list (like some
others, and heavy weights, mind you), but in the mean time (and luckily for
me) I got a little older and got to see things a little different.
That is exactly why I dare to bring up a sensitive issue like I did
yesterday.
Indeed, what you say about "freedom", is debatable.
What is freedom....? OK.....
In my clumsy way I tried to express some thoughts about it, just because I
got tired of the ongoing fulminations against people who "dare" to say
anything in their own words about pianos in general.
I also dare to stick out my neck, and at least I come forward, as I
otherwise would feel  like a coward.
There are those who would advice against this, my method.  They might/would
say : "why don't you just shut your mouth, or why bother at all? You can not
change anything in this world?"

To which I answer : There are those who are very wise... they do not take
any risk, they take precautions to prevent any possible danger. They lie low
when winds are blowing hard and they will probably live longest of us all.

But there are others who try to find out what lies behind the border. They
take a definite risk by passing borders and they might die at an early age,
but, since they had a burning desire for adventure and to uncover the
unknown, they will experience and see....while probably licking their
wounds.
In terms of low risk and longevity, the first type wins.
In terms of accumulating a colorful life experience the other type wins.
Nobody wins, nobody looses.

In the mean time I have passed many borders and just because of that I now
say:
I have seen much, my curiosity has been fulfilled to an almost satisfactory
degree, and I am ready to let others come forward and have the right of way.

Friendly greetings,

André




>Andre,
>
>What you have said is eloquent in nature and is essentially desirable on
>the surface, but not always practical, as everyone has their own concept of
>what freedom is.
>
>Didn't even you have a run in with some 'powers that be' back in March
>1997.  You were on the Pianotech List at that time proclaiming some
>information that apparently didn't set well with some and decided to leave
>for awhile and reconsider your situation.
>
>Surely from that experience, you must have at least learned and
>acknowledged that there are lines that others who have the muscle prefer
>not be crossed, and if crossed, those same powers that be can and do exert
>certain and definite persuasive choices to discontinue such activity deemed
>unacceptable.
>
>Aside from all this, I know you are an exceptional technician, and that is
>what ultimately matters in a piano forum.  Count me as one who is thankful
>you have returned to the Pianotech List..
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Keith McGavern
>kam544@earthlink.net
>Registered Piano Technician
>Oklahoma Chapter 731
>Piano Technicians Guild
>USA
>http://www.ptg.org/1999/conv/
>PTG Convention, Kansas City, July
>
>
>