AT LAST....... THE PERFECT ANSWER.

At approx 7.53am this morning, while nursing my early morning cup of Earl Grey in bed, I had a flash of inspiration. I finally found the perfect answer to a bagpipe question about fingering systems that I have previously never been able to answer satisfacorily. Over the years I have developed various ways to sidestep the question or change the subject...
Those of you who know me will have gathered that I insist of people being clear about the difference between closed and covered fingering. I do 'go on' about it. (Possibly a bit too much?). I even made a video for this website where I explain the vital distinction between the two systems. It's important, don't you know?
However I am frequently asked to explain the difference between half open and half closed fingering and that's when I always tried to change the subject.
But since 7.35am on October 19th 2016 I now have The Perfect Answer.
From now on, when someone asks me

“What is the difference between half open and half closed fingering?”

I shall always reply

“That depends on whether you are an optimist or a pessimist!”