The media is fascinated by not only our hobby but also people in
it (us!).  As former president of the Lady Liberty chapter of AMICA
I was approached and interviewed by two reporters.  Former LL chapter
president Keith Bigger has been in Time, on CNN, interviewed by BBC
and elsewhere for his donated work on the JW Steer organ in the Baptist
Temple in Brooklyn.  Under current president Vince Morgan our chapter
donated time, tuning and maintenance on the Empire State Carousel and
we have an outdoor rally planned.  There is media interest in these
activities.  Martha Stuart had her Steinway player piano (piano only)
rebuilt by Steinway.  The show won an Emmy.

Our focus has been on history, music and mechanics; we need to learn
more about these things.  We also need to be enthusiastic "people
people" (less introverted), and get out there and promote.  When it
comes to being in the public consciousness, it is important how we
promote instruments, music, history, restoration guidelines (work well,
last long, historically accurate, neat, reversible, etc.).  Our hobby
will get more of the exposure and respect it deserves.

Bill Maguire