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

[DAsmussen@xxxxxxx]

Eric,

In a message dated 9/5/00 12:23:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
eric.delong@pmsi-services.com writes:

>     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. 

Your experience is _NOT_ unusual and, given the recent price increases, will 
become more and more, uh, COMMON.  Had a customer just a few years ago whose 
entire team was kicked out of COMMON because the "big boss" couldn't go.  
Excuse?  You're not going to (city X) without _ME_!

I was "the kid" once, more specifically, "THAT kid's going to work on my 
$250K machine??!!".  While management went to conferences in Mexico City and 
Las Vegas, I got the "consolation prizes" of places like Oconomowok, WI and 
Salt Lake City, UT.  At least I got to go, many do not even enjoy _THAT_ 
privilege.  Wish I knew when I went from being the "kid" to being the oldest 
analyst in the place :)!

>       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. 

They don't.  However, networking is a bit of a moot point with the advent of 
the Internet.  The LUG thing is ridiculous.  I'd suggest that, despite your 
lack of success in the past, you look for a better job.

>       My only solace is these resources hosted by David G. and a few 
>       online resources. Is it enough????????

I _USED_ to be an advocate of attending COMMON once a year.  No longer.  
Everyone should attend at least _ONCE_, then perhaps once every three years 
after that.  More if you can write off the trip for your wife and yourself 
:)...

Regards,

Dean Asmussen
Enterprise Systems Consulting, Inc.
Fuquay-Varina, NC  USA
E-mail:  DAsmussen@aol.com

"If you're arguing with your 14 year old over how she's raising her children, 
you shouldn't be allowed to vote." -- Anonymous
+---
| This is the Midrange System Mailing List!
| To submit a new message, send your mail to MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com.
| To subscribe to this list send email to MIDRANGE-L-SUB@midrange.com.
| To unsubscribe from this list send email to MIDRANGE-L-UNSUB@midrange.com.
| Questions should be directed to the list owner/operator: david@midrange.com
+---