Some of you may recall that I recently announced I had accepted an invitation to keynote the upcoming annual congress for AMAI (Mexico’s national market research association) in September.
The topic of my presentation was to be text analytics - a specialty for which in all modesty I am known, and an area of research about which both AMAI and I believed their members could benefit from learning.
A few days ago, I received a very gracious, sympathetic and apologetic message from AMAI’s director general, Alejandro Garnica Andrade - who had originally asked me to speak - informing me on behalf of their program committee that they had decided to withdraw this invitation.
I spoke with Alejandro afterward, and I must say that I was touched by his candor, his sentiments and the genuine regret he expressed.
The reasons behind their decision were stated in refreshingly explicit and honest terms: after consulting Mexico’s ESOMAR representative, it was due to my outspoken stance against ISO and a desire not to offend CASRO or ESOMAR.
While regrettable, I understand their reluctance to even indirectly insinuate themselves in any debate on the topic by inviting me to address their members - even if my presentation had nothing to do with ISO.
To my fellow researchers in Mexico who might be interested in learning more about technological and methodological advancements in text analytics, you are free to contact me independently at any time for information and guidance. I would be delighted to share what I know.
Also please know that I am saddened by this development. I was looking forward to meeting you and visiting your beautiful country again.
Incidentally, according to Alejandro, ISO certification is a pre-requisite for AMAI membership. Food for thought, friends…
Thank you for your consideration, support, and most of all for your honest opinions.
Yours sincerely,
Tom
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11 responses so far ↓
1 Linda Moore // Jul 22, 2010 at 5:42 pm
I think you may want to consider an Alternate title to this post: Despite being well endowed (with knowledge), Tom’s not getting south of the border…
2 Joe Hendricks // Jul 23, 2010 at 7:36 pm
I am so sorry to hear this, Tom!
So petty.
3 Duncan Stuart // Jul 24, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Given that so many researchers find ISO ceritification unsuitable for themselves and their organisations - and find ISO 20-252 simply unnecessary (where’s the client demand?) it seems ludicrous that AMAI and ESOMAR and CASRO should force the issue and create such a wedge with it. Presumably these organisations are choosing to do a General Motors and basically downsize as a strategy for survival - by appealing only to those research companies that choose ISO, and botting out those who don’t.
Well that’s their choice and my guess they’re going to look really stupid in the long run. To use the GM analogy, they’ve chosen to go with Oldsmobile as their flagship issue. How progressive!
In the meantime the Mexico conference has lost a good speaker, and ESOMAR, by implication, looking even more draconian.
This looks a very strange way to deal with falling membership.
4 Thanks // Jul 25, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Thanks for having the backbone to speak out about this ISO nonsense and say what I’m sure all were thinking.
It’s clear that ESOMAR still has no respect or interest in the few US members they have left. My company subsidizes only one professional membership for me. This incident has made it easy for me to eliminate one of the many choices.
5 Charging Backwards // Jul 25, 2010 at 4:39 pm
http://www.greenbookblog.org/2010/07/25/charging-backwards/
6 Charging Backwards // Jul 25, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Why I think ISO certification for U.S. MR is the the wrong move at the wrong time.
http://www.greenbookblog.org/2010/07/25/charging-backwards/
7 Jon Herman // Jul 26, 2010 at 9:24 am
Hi Tom,
As always, perceptions are built on what people hear and want to believe. I personally have never spoken to you and have a fairly neutral position, but felt that your stance was very strong anti-ISO.
Whilst I do believe you take a stance and stick with it to keep the board active and moving it can have an undeserved negative effect. IMO, you have done a great job keeping the board active with your participation in the “forums”
I think you might find this article interesting as it came out at virtually the same time you posted your blog entry: http://yoursalesplaybook.com/getting-giving-the-online-bird/
8 Student Branding Blog: How A Linkedin Comment Affected A Personal Brand | Bret L. Simmons - Positive Organizational Behavior // Jul 26, 2010 at 10:27 am
[...] Tom got into a heated discussion on a Linkedin group, one that he also moderates, with other members of his profession. It turned out to be a controversial discussion because it has cost Tom a speaking gig and an elected position in a professional organization - so far. Tom is dealing with it in a very open and transparent manner by blogging about it on his site. [...]
9 Derek Sawchuk // Jul 26, 2010 at 10:34 am
Sorry to hear about this Tom.
10 Kevin // Jul 26, 2010 at 5:25 pm
I guess the old adage is true, “”hell hath no fury like a trade association scorned.”
11 Brand Festival 2010! // Jul 28, 2010 at 8:28 pm
[...] just need to check that they don’t have any ISO hang-ups, these days you can never be too sure [...]
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