Did he offend you by “presuming” that you were a member of the ASLA? Jeeze.
Brandm, you deserve a lot of credit for being an adult and trying cool out a dialogue that was deteriorating into something not of the standard of the Land8 or the profession.
Thanks man, I will follow your example.
My new title & acronym on my business card (and the way I will introduce myself for the next couple of years):
Jon Quackenbush, ASLA, ULAWITALDUTPTE (Unregistered Landscape Architect Who Is Tecnically A Landscape Designer Until They Pass The Exam)
Classy.
Here we go. Don’t take the high road all of sudden my man and accuse me of not respecting my elders (the first time since I was 7 that I was accused of that–memories!). I can point out several condescending statements you have made, so explain how that inspires respect? Manners are a two way street after all and respect has to be earned, not automatically awarded based on seniority. Crotchety old men demand manners at all times regardless of circumstances from perceived subordinates. They are funny. Plus, I was making a pun when saying I was a wise-ass. I am actually a dip-sh*t. Or RDS (Registered Dip Sh*t) in the State of New York. I have the proper documentation to satisfy A&E.
Placing the insecurity label on me, also makes little sense. I am insecure about some things, such as my finances, my lead guitar playing, swimming in deep waters, picking out safe mushrooms to eat while in the forest and crossword puzzles. My job title is definitely not one of them.
I must also add that I am aware and honor most laws (although some are just plain silly — like the one in Tennessee that says it is illegal to catch a fish using a lasso. I say if someone could actually do that, good for them).
Finally, I am not (and i’ll say this again) in any professional situation improperly claiming, presuming nor using the title landscape architect. Ever. When asked what I do for a living (which as you know occurs 99.9999% of the time in social situations where legal liability is not a concern–because I tend to stay away from social gatherings where I have to sign a legal waiver of full disclosure) I will say I am a landscape architect. Why? I like to add voice to this profession that I f******* adore. To a lot people, I am the first member of the profession that they have ever met. Now they know what we do. That is awful isn’t it!
When professionals aware of the legal distinction between landscape architects and junior landscape architects / landscape designers are present, I know how to introduce myself: I reference my job title, which is landscape designer. I am in no way ashamed of that, nor insecure about that because there is no reason to be.
Why this offends you so deeply I do not know, as you may surmise, really do not care. To be honest though, I’d love to grab a craft beer with you sometime, my best friends are those whom I vigorously disagree with, debate is fun. If you are ever in NY, the first one is one me.