Well, not really.  Actually, we are sending out an e-mail blast to all the people who visited our booths (the combined Genii Software/Granite Software "Coexistence Central" booth), and it is a hard thing to get used to.  Clearly, this isn't SPAM, in the sense that these people all volunteered to have their badges scanned in full knowledge that we would follow up, and many, many of them wanted follow up information.  Still, I have always avoided anything that could even have a hint of SPAM, and it is inevitable that there will be people who only wanted a C.U.L.T. shirt who won't even remember who we are.

The flip side is that sending the letter out gives us an opportunity to reach people who were interested, but who were so inundated by the Lotusphere experience that they might not make it back on their own.  It also gives them an incredibly easy way to sign up for an evaluation of any of our products, without wading through an evaluation form and filling out contact information.  They also got a t-shirt, so if they have to go to all the trouble to replay and say "REMOVE ME", it still probably isn't that bad a deal.

It is just odd being on the other side.  I have received lots of e-mails from vendors I have visited at Lotuspheres past.  A few times it has been well worth the follow up, as I have bought the products.  Many times it has been less useful to either side.  I don't usually resent the intrusion when I do get such a mailing after Lotusphere, but I know some people do.

I feel "conflicted".  Ah well, I guess I'll go make tea.

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