Message text written by Mark Sherman
>In my opinion, there is far too much self-promotion from
manufacturers
> on mailing lists as it is.
 
Thank youuu Larrey!  Two thumbs up!  My sentiments exactly!
 
I'll stop biting my tongue long enough to get off Kens lurker list... and
to
say in your defense that in my being a manufacturer as well, I have been on
many projects and have seen the other side of the coin where the failed
patch was NOT Jahn, but from a manufacturer(s) who shall remain nameless.
Its good to see you here Larrey... lurk less.
 
Mark Sherman
JOS Quintek Corporation
<
 
Mark, since you seem to be taking a position against any form of commercial
communication in a professional forum, I feel compelled to comment on what
I
see as the nature of appropriate and inappropriate commercial communication
in
such a setting. Let me give you an example.
 
Suppose you were invited to speak about abrasive cleaning for a
professional
symposium, but instead of enlightening your audience with a greater
understanding of the technical science of abrasive blasting, such as the
effects of different abrasive media, size, density or shape, or the effects
of different impact
angles, or whatever else represents the cutting edge of technical
understanding
or know-how in your field, you did a 30-minute commercial for JOS. THAT
would be
inappropriate commercial speech and people would be justified in
complaining to
the organizers of the symposium.
 
If, however, in the course of delivering a straightforward, technical,
non-commercial, no-brand-names-mentioned discourse on the state of the art
of abrasive cleaning technology, someone in the audience raised a question
which included a reference to a commercial product, you would be duty bound
to respond as factually and accurately as possible, in terms of what you
know. Of course you might also try to present your competitor's arguments
as even-handedly as possible, since your purpose is to educate your
audience.
 
The forum at BP has some similarities, but while professional, it is also
somewhat different. As a community that has built some ongoing
relationships, our discussions can often go to places they would not be
likely to reach in a more formal setting. There are some very positive
things about that, judging from the recent postings here, but there are
also likely to be some trying things. Should we get to cry "foul" just
because we don't like what someone else is saying? We certainly shouldn't
attack the speaker instead of rationally countering the points raised
within his or her speech. 

We should all be straightforward and on guard about the extent to which our
speech is commercial. I was taken to task some time ago for not making it
sufficiently clear that I was a competitor to a product under discussion,
even though my name appeared in the sender's line. I have tried to remain
sensitive to that criticism, and I believe my corporate affiliation is
pretty well recognized within this community at this point. You should
disclose that you have a marketing situation, at least in some places,
where the selection of a competitor's product may constitute entree for
yours. To fail to do so could be interpreted as inappropriate self
promotion in a professional forum, something to which you have clearly
voiced your opposition.

Mike Edison