Re: COMMON rates (was RE: Congrads John Earl!)

On Tue, 29 Apr 2003, Paul Nelson wrote:

>
> <rant on>
> The fact of the matter is that costs simply keep going up, and that the
> attendance keeps going down. If people would just remember that COMMON is a
> user group and not a capitalistic venture like other conferences, perhaps
> they'd have a different perspective. Whether we are self managed or hire an


Paul,

I think the attendance dynamics we're seeing are only in a VERY SMALL part
due to any effect from COMMON, the organization.

I think the BIG reasons for the dynamic we're seeing is a function of:

1- o/s > application emphasis
2- LACK of interest in the AS/400
3- a VERY saturated education market for o/s400 related education
4- a growing LACK of interest in the AS/400....
5- the current economic conditions in the US
6- the growing LACK of interest in the AS/400....
7- IT shoppes becoming very heterogenous in their systems and educational
requirements
8-  (see #6)

Common is just a leading indicator dude.  Heck, I'm going to the Win 2003
announcement here in DC next week and I expect it to be standing room
only.  Now WHEN was the last time you heard that for a OS/400 release or
announcement??????

Hey, I like this cheese, but.....