In the computer technology field, there is an excellent array of ‘free’ professional activities …It seems like there is a widespread malaise in the country these days. Everyone’s clamoring to cut taxes -but no one wants to have their neighborhood school closed, or fear bridges collapsing underneath them, or damage their automobiles while driving over deteriorating streets and roads. They expect Fire and Police personnel to magically appear when needed. The list can go on and on. Folks want and expect so many things to be available, yet they don’t want to pay for them. They don’t care if someone else has to pay more, they just want to pay less.
In the computer technology field, there is an excellent array of ‘free’ professional activities. User Groups, Code Camps, and SQLSaturdays are just a few opportunities often provided where you can pick up information about upcoming technology changes, gather a few tips and tricks, network with others, and even find a job. These events are made possible with the generosity AND self-interest of Vendors –companies that want the opportunity to put their message in front of the audience. In exchange for their money, these Vendor/Sponsors get exposure for their products and company message. Their logos may be on signs, they provide printed material, they offer raffle items, and they even send their personnel to be on hand to talk with attendees. They are trying to be noticed. They are trying to have the opportunity to put their product or message before a receptive audience for consideration.
I have rarely left an event thinking that it was a waste of time -I always gain from being there.To me, it seems like such a simple bargain. I go to the event and consume whatever learning / skill / networking opportunities that fit my interests. I have rarely left an event thinking that it was a waste of time -I always gain from being there. In exchange, I listen to a few sales pitches, see a few new products, pick up some literature, and even expect to receive an email or two. It’s not too burdensome. If the vendor’s products and my needs are out of sync, then I ask to be removed from their mail lists. I get a great free opportunity, and the vendor gets the opportunity to show me their product.
In my experience, Vendors that sponsor technology events are reputable and ethical. If, upon receiving their after-event email, I ask to be removed from their mail list, they readily do so. And on occasion I have actually discovered that I really do wish to continue contact with a particular vendor.
… ensure that in the future, similar opportunities are available …As a ‘free’ event organizer, I am personally dismayed about how many folks, when registering for the event, automatically ‘opt out’ from receiving after-event email contact from the event sponsors. It seems like they just can’t be bothered to receive an email from a Sponsor, and then, after receiving that after-event email, make an educated decision about remaining in contact with the sponsor.
That just seems so wrong!
Life is about balance. Everything has a cost. It’s not sustainable to always expect and never be willing to pay. If you are going to accept the opportunity to improve your knowledge, skills, and professional network (and I truly hope that you are) -be willing to play the game and pay the Piper. It’s not only fair, but it will help ensure that in the future, similar opportunities are available for you. If everyone opts out, one day the sponsors will all opt out too. Then we all lose.
Support FREE events, give yourself and Sponsors a chance.
Am I wrong here? What are your thoughts?
Arnie,
I totally agree with you. I attend most of the free events like monthly user group meetings and SQL Saturdays in my area. I do go to those vendors. I start with those first whose products I am using and say hello and thank them for sponsoring the event. I also mention them how satisfied I am with their product. If I have a question or two, I ask them. Then I go to other vendors whose name and |or product I am familiar with but is not using it. I say hello to them and tell them what company I work for and ask about their product. Usually I agree to test their latest version of product. If I receive email, I download the product. If I don’t have time I do not go further than that. Lastly I go to vendors who I am totally unfamiliar with. I go their and read the headlines of their literature to get an idea if this is something for me or for my company. Usually they start explaining their product and I listen for 2 or 3 minutes and if I am not interested, I make an excuse saying our company is not ready for this product yet and if they say can they send me more information. I say of course. I give some of my time to these vendors but I think I receive more in return.
I like how you compared vendor emails to taxes – I agree with you about people expecting everything for nothing. On the other hand, I tend to opt out of emails, too, because I *KNOW* darn well I’m going to delete and ignore sales emails that get sent to me if I don’t opt out.
But here’s the thing: I do visit vendors at conferences and SQL Saturdays, and if interested then I do make contacts there. What’s more, with MidnightDBA.com and the DBAs@Midnight webshow, vendors that stand out – by making good products, having a strong community presence, offering good customer service, etc. – get my *continued* support and promotion. (Take a look at my twitter and blog feeds, and see how much I love Red-Gate and Pragmatic Works, for a start.) Hell, I went so far as to have a blog party this year dedicated to the companies we love (http://www.midnightdba.com/Jen/2011/02/blowing-kisses-un-sql-friday-003-roundup/).
So it really all boils down to preference, but I suppose I can agree with the assessment overall: People do need to show supporting vendors some love, be it through opting in to the emails, handing over contact information, or promoting them however they see fit.
I am with you. I hope to get some support during the SQL Saturday roundtable at the Summit to get this opt in changed to opted out with it defaulting to opt in. As a speaker I can understand opting out, we are at to many of these events and don’t need to have to be de duped in each vendors contacts after every event. After a very successful SQL Saturday #89 I was shocked that after 622 registrations, just how few opted in for me to provide the list to our valuable sponsors. To be honest, it was rather depressing. I am with you 100%, unless the sponsors are getting the value consistently from these events, there just may start being fewer of them.
I think I got in the habit of opting out a very long time ago, and can recall way back then getting way too much junk mail each time I gave a vendor my email address. It was a defensive move back then, and now it’s just a habit. But reflecting on it, in recent years vendors and that sort have been better about respecting privacy, keeping it simple to unsubscribe when I’m no longer interested. So you got me thinking, maybe it is time for me to start being more conscientious about paying the piper, especially when the piper is helping make great things happen in my community.
Spot on!
I speak at Code Camps around the country and I always ask attendees to go up to the sponsors and AT LEAST say, “Thank you for sponsoring the Code Camp.” I remind them that Code Camps are free to attend, but the venue, food, giveaways, etc, cost money… footed by sponsors.
On the other hand, “goodie bags” full of marketing handouts aren’t useful, in my opinion. Vendors need to get creative.
Looks like both sides need to figure out a better way to interact.
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