List, It's this very reason that I have never joined the Guild. I've been in business since 1976, keep several other techs busy, rebuild pianos, and learn everywhere I can learn by attending workshops with Yamaha, Steinway, etc. I was called to join in 1979 and, when a little hesitant, was told that they would have me out of business within a couple years if I didn't. I'm still here. That call has kind of shaded my view of the Guild for a long time. I hang around on the fringes of this list to try to see if I can learn more (which I definitely do!!), but stay really quiet to stay away from the "flames" like these. Later, Ted Rohde Central Illinois ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Whatever do you want more associates for? The guild is already adding more associates than RPTs every month and as the older generation dies off........ Furthermore why would non-members want to be associates? They aren't full fledged members, they can't vote, and when they do things like publish newsletters, start new chapters, teach classes, etc. they are resented. If you really want new members you will have to do more than offer them "goodies", pizza and technical sessions on pitch raising. Frankly, it will require some real creativity, but you did great in that area in finding a trainee and wife. So keep up the good work. Diane
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