User talk:LONGTIMERPT
I have been a professional pianist and practicing piano tuner & technician for nearly 30 years and a member of the PTG and other similar organisations for almost as long. It is with this history I submit the following editorial and suggestions:
To attain and assure good information, there are basically 2 things that I believe should always be the mainstay for pages regarding the subject matter of piano technology. Content is core. A reasonable basis of experience must be had prior to the placement (or removal) of any information containing valid content. This is not a subject matter that deals in personal feelings and limited knowledge (yet, this appears to be a worsening problem - and rather reckless). Second; competing links which are based on technical expericence are really what we need and are fine as long as the goal of presentation is devoid of personal gain, bias, ads or ego. Nor should pages ever be removed by those unfamiliar with the subject matter or lacking of a true and genuine basis for the action. It is my belief as well as Wikipedia policy that pages which obviate a commercial enterprise solely or overtly with nothing more to offer should be removed immediately by anyone who sees them.
There are exceptions for which fortification of information presented is made much more useful (e.g. pages or graphics referencing established industry content such as bona fide schools which teach piano tuning/technology or manufacturing facilities which produce pianos or components thereof). Such information furthers explanation, based on proven ability, stature and experience. These references should not be automatic grounds for removal simply because one person has issues with the user or entity referenced. Often times, copyrights are the only proteciton of intellectual property - these must always be respected. I have seen links to photographs which greatly assist in identifying the subject matter randomly removed, but valid rationale by the removing individual is seldom given.
We all have something to contribute. Please help keep Wikipedia open and honest. And by all means, feel free to chime in anytime - that is what makes this all great! LONGTIMERPT