Poorly performing machines mocked on YouTube

A brief postscript to my previous comments, if I may.  I read Art
Reblitz' comments with interest, and naturally agree with most of
what he had to say.  I was pretty critical, and the reason is best
summarised briefly as follows.

"There is no such thing as bad publicity."  This is often true, but not
here.  The number of enthusiasts for our hobby is said to be falling.
What sort of an impression do exhibits like the ones on the recent video
footage give?  It's obvious, and even worse with derisive notices.
(Even if they were put there years ago, they were offencive then, and
should be removed.)  The very best the notices might inspire would be
someone who thought that they were hilarious, and would like to own one
as a joke.  Is that what we want?

These are my opinions, and I have enough to do looking after my
cherished Aeolian pipe organ without sounding off about collections
on the other side of the world.  However, as an educator by nature,
when I see such nonsense disseminated so widely I feel one has to say
something.  So what's the answer?

Again, only my opinion, but _stop immediately all the machines
that don't play well_, find a way to get some cash through cutting
bureaucracy and start a crash program of restoration starting on one
machine and building up a worthwhile musical experience.  Meanwhile,
display the other instruments with intelligent, informative notices and
perhaps play recordings of good examples.

A silent machine might well inspire mystery and awe, until it can be
made to play properly.  Machines in disastrous condition "playing"
hopelessly could only seriously entertain and inspire a dimwit.

There, I've said it -- now shoot me down!

Regards,
Paul Morris