Larry:

Good response. There is always a concern of using dumb stereotypes to
label people. Absolutely, many times the stereotypes are based on the
reality of the world. I guess my question/response was based on my world
of sometimes being called into help save a structure. The developer is
dead set on 'the destroy and build new' option. Most of the time because
all of his consultants are telling him just that. Their judgments are
based on modern building standards and they can quote code till we are
all blue in the face. The consultants have no knowledge or understanding
of old buildings. Our role is to show the developer: the quality of the
asset that they already have; How they might take advantage of this
asset; and the positive public relations that can be gained by choosing
a preservation based option. The surprise is that sometimes they do
listen.  So, yes your comments about developers and the rest of us
musicians are experienced based. (My instrument is the Kazoo.)

Preservation law is a powerful tool in this regard. Codes are powerful
tools. Since I am working to make the PTN and IPTW items of influence,
is there a presentation possibility for the next IPTW? How about a
presentation on preservation law that is useful to the trades and
contractors in historic preservation. The law is used everyday to
influence the market place and assist in guiding the society in general
to certain goals. Do you have any info for us poor slobs in the ditches.
Maybe a code based primer on the strategies for saving and using archaic
materials.
....................

> Me?  I teach at two universities.  I'm licensed to practice law, but I
> haven't done much of that in a while.  I teach a graduate course in
> historic preservation law.  On a volunteer basis, I also chair the Ann
> Arbor Historic District Commission.  Formerly, I was on the planning
> commission in another city, and was elected to three terms as county
> commissioner.  I'm still very much involved in politics.
>
> I think of developers in about the same way I think of criminal defense
> lawyers, and I know many people in both categories.  Certainly not every
> single one matches the stereotype for their profession, but inevitably
> certain roles tend to bring out and reinforce certain traits in people,
> and the ones who thrive best are those who are comfortable doing the
> things that their job requires.  How many of us preservationists would be
> really happy working as a demolition contractor in an old city?
>
> A friend of mine -- an engineer and rationalist, not someone who repeats
> urban legends -- also has a music background and played trumpet in a major
> symphony orchestra.  He once explained to me that each instrument in the
> orchestra was associated with a certain personality type, one that was
> consistent with that section's role in the whole ensemble.  He thought
> that anyone who didn't match the personality type appropriate to his or
> her instrument would get discouraged and eventually drop out or change
> instruments.
>
> I'm not a musician, but I asked him what personality type *I* was.
> He said: "Larry, no question, you're a violinist."
>
>                              Larry Kestenbaum