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Subject:Re: The Business of Conferences From:Andrew Plato <intrepid_es -at- yahoo -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 12 Dec 2000 09:03:36 -0800 (PST)
"George F. Hayhoe" wrote..
> There's been a lot of discussion in the past couple of days about
> people's expectations that speakers at conferences should not be
> expected to pay conference fees and perhaps should also have their
> expenses covered by the sponsoring organization.
>
> Let's think a little bit about the business of conferences.
>
> To defray or completely cover speakers' expenses, a conference must
> generate enough income in fees and attendance that it can afford to
> absorb those expenses.
It seems to me that if you really wanted GOOD people to speak at conferences
you would do whatever it takes to get them there. At a MINIMUM STC could at
least waive the registration fee for speakers. It is disrespectful to charge
the people who are speaking. You're already voulnteering your time and the
effort to prepare to speak.
If STC is an all volunteer group, then why can't I be a member for FREE! Why
can't my membership dues be volunteered as well?
Why not raise the registration fee for all the regular conference attendees so
you can let the speakers in for free?
STC is a racket. It is predominantly wage slaves who get their employers to
pay. As such STC does not accurately represent tech writing because many
independents, like myself, want nothing to do with STC.
STC is disrespected professional society from its own members. Imagine how the
outside world sees STC? Most people haven't a clue such an organization
exists. For a profession struggling to gain respect in the workplace, STC is
doing very little to help.
Personally, I think the entire organization should be dismantled and all the
officers removed. It should then be reconstituted with a new mission and proper
leadership. But, I sure ain't going to do it. I have docs to write.
Andrew Plato
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