Re[2]: The relevance of COMMON (was Penton to buy Duke - New

[eric.delong@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

     John,
     
     Y'all probably remember my rants about this from time to time these 
     past few years, but I must reiterate my frustration with COMMON. 
     I've never been to common, though I've wanted to for some time. To 
     me, it seems the decision makers would rather send themselves (even 
     though they are out of programming) than send the kid. Why invest 
     in my education, when they can take a little vacation on the 
     company's dime. They know I work hard to stay current on my own 
     time, so why should they pay for it. 
     
     Those who have the power/time/$$$ don't want to give it up. They 
     DON'T want me networking (I might find a better opportunity). 
     They're not even going to pay for LUG fees (for the same reasons). 
     This has been the attitude at EVERY job I've worked for the last 
     15+ years. I've come to expect this attitude, even though I 
     certainly don't agree with it. 
     
     My only solace is these resources hosted by David G. and a few 
     online resources. Is it enough????????
     
     eric.delong@pmsi-services.com


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: The relevance of COMMON (was Penton to buy Duke - News40
Author:  <MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com> at INET_WACO
Date:    9/2/00 7:51 PM


     
David
     
I understand your perspective.   Here's why I think COMMON has been worth 
the time and $.
To me,  COMMON provides a focal point for the AS/400 community.   This is a 
fast changing business,  even more so than before.    It is invaluable to 
me to talk directly to the people who are "In The Know"  .    In just one 
night  I can talk to a language developer from Toronto,  a Java/OS/400 
developer from Rochester,   ten people who are trying to bring up the same 
ERP,  E-commerce, you name it    software package as me.        AND three 
or four people from Europe/Far East  who are working in an environment my 
company is trying to get established in.      That's been my experience at 
just one night at CUDS.
     
That says nothing about the sessions,  labs,  talking to people between 
sessions,  hearing questions and answers at the sessions, etc.   You can't 
get that ANYWHERE.   Not at tech conferences, or LUGs.
     
By just showing an interest,   you can have a big impact sometimes on 
future developments.
     
I know some people go and don't feel they fit in.  or feel they are on the 
outside looking in.   I've been in both positions.    However you need 
sometimes just to "Cast off"  the wall flower, outsider, first timer 
tendencies and jump in and walk up to people and say  "Hi,   I'm xxxx from 
yyyy,  could I ask you a question?    Even the speakers who have been 
attending for 10 or more years will stop and answer questions, give 
opinions, and be genuinely interested.
     
It's kinda like the Mecca for the midrange.    A place to go,  meet people, 
network,  and get a real feel of the "State of the Business".
     
To me it's a chance to Learn,  to Give back to other people,  and to 
network, network, network.
The AS/400 community will lose more than a conference if COMMON disappears 
in my opinion,   it will lose its heart or soul kinda.
     
Lists are great,   But nothing will ever replace a hand shake, face time, 
and sharing an experience.
     
Just MHO
For what it's worth.
     
John Carr
     
     
Hi John,  While working the IBM midrange since about 1985, I have never 
attended COMMON,  as my employers never perceived the benefit to be worth 
the expense.  Local seminars were more palatable (less time & $$).  I'm on 
my own now and would have to justify the cost, down time, and time away 
from
family.  I'm sure COMMON would be educational and fun, and meeting folks 
face to face would be exciting, but it's hard to justify the tradeoff. 
<SNIP>
David Keck
     
     
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