I choose to be silent for a while because it has been a difficult few days in posting on the piano teachers forum for me and there have so many disturbing things said that affected me personally.

I feel that I need recovery time. I don't want to become a basket case trying to post about my experiences as a piano teacher in a hostile environment.

Collectively the "Speechless" and the "MTNA" topic, (my OT) in my opinion, went in a very heated direction much differently than the reason and spirit in which I posted it.

They say "When you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." Seems like the best remedy for me. I realize I have things to consider and the need to be primarily involved with my piano studio. This is becoming not a good investment of my time and effort and is a business and well-being decision.

Thank you so much for all the good things!

Betty Patnude

Your wishes are much respected, Betty. Do you mind, however, if we sit at the table slurping up the good soup that was created in that kitchen, with all its fine ingredients? It is amazing what is left behind in these posts, and what benefits they may have for a long time, and when least expected.

Betty, I hope you'll just take a break to get refeshed, because I would really miss your posts if you left for good!

Thank you[/b] for all the good things, my friend.

Betty, you've been an invaluable contributor to this forum for many many months now. A bit of burn out is to be expected. Enjoy your break, but please don't stay away too long!

We probably share sentiments on this subject, but I will voice it again for teachers participating or just reading posts.

It is great to have a mentor. If you're located in a small town, or even isolated in a large city, you many not have someone to turn to. This forum is an excellent resource, and I am all too happy to contribute what ever I can of my experiences gained over the past four decades.

Although not my primary reason for being here, I will, if I can, help an individual student who approaches politely and with some decorum.

I am not really interested in heated debate over arcane minutia. I gladly leave that to others. And of course, posters who come here, for whatever motives, and flame the participants, fully deserve the treatment they receive - it's only human to want to return a well phrased barb when deserved, and I confess to doing so from time to time.

Keep in touch.

John

Betty, I hope this all works out.
You're one of the first ones who welcomed me here, and I've been reading your wonderful and thoughtful posts every since.
HOpe you come back soon!

It's often the best thing to do, Betty, even if only for a little while. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our online discussions we find them taking over our "normal" life, and especially if you're becoming stressed over it, take a break. But do come back, won't you!

Having said that, I have to admit I didn't see the "hostile" environment Betty mentions (if by that she meant a general atmosphere of hostility towards her). I just saw people trying to get to the bottom of things, others expressing their views on what they perceived people to be saying (which is all any of us can do, really, in this sort of set-up), and in amongst it all some real insights. It's not always easy to see how what we say might be taken by others - in fact, it's often impossible - but I think people expressed themselves for the most part in a civil and respectful manner, bearing in mind they were discussing things about which they had strong feelings.

I haven't been to the Piano Teacher's Forum for awhile so I'm not aware of the bad things that have been happening here.

The only thing I've noticed, Betty, is that you were enjoying your experience at PW. You were learning to write about your teaching business and having fun sharing it with the PW community.

I never felt you had anything but the best intentions within this community and I'm hoping that you will take a short break and return in good health.

best wishes,
Valerie

I am another one who has not visited the Piano Teacher's Forum for quite a while, and like Valerie,I too am unaware of what's been going on.

Betty, you have been a such a wonderful resource person, always kind and helpful. Please don't let the current unpleasantness keep you away. If you do decide to take a short break---just take it from the Teacher's forum, and continue to contribute to the other forums. Your comments have always been so wise and you have always been so generous with your suggestions. We would be very sad to lose you. Gaby Tu

Betty:

Yeah, take some time off. I know which posts you're referring to. Let's not feed fodder to trolls.

All the best!!

I know the feeling of being consumed by this forum, not in a negative way though, more of an addiction of being able to discuss what we all love most...Pianos and music!

I'm sorry to hear that you felt hurt with things said here. I've had some bashings too, but for the most part this forum has been such an education for me.

I think, to be honest, you have been treated with the utmost respect out of all of us. I remember reading a topic that was entitled something like " We Love Betty" I think it was on the ABF.

I thought WOW! That is cool. Felt a little envious really. So don't get too emo about a little negativity. It happens to us all.

Enjoy your break... But please come back.

I for one felt I was just getting to know you. :3hearts:


FYI: I don't know of the threads you are feeling this way about, but will look and see.

Betty,

I did read the "Speechless" post and to be honest I disagree with what you are saying.

Does this mean that you need to take it negatively? Just because someone disagrees with you?

With all do respect, this is not what this forum is about, that is, for everyone to be in agreement. If everyone was in agreement, there would no discussion, no forum.

Please be a little bit more open-minded so that we can all discuss our feelings.

Also read the MTNA topic...

Well I can see how people may not buy into an organization such as this.

I see your respect for it, and I know many that do.

To each his own.

Please Betty, try and see both sides to things.

I'm not saying this so you can become more upset, I just don't see why you are taking things this personally.

I hope you stay. I like your input, but only if it is open for dicussion.

Best.

Just remember, it's the music and the love that is important. These times will end and the music will bring people together agian.