So I guess I’m going to NECC. I’m still up in the air about it, although I was accepted to present in the Open Source Lab. I’ll have to go into debt to go, since there’s no funding help, so it’s a question of whether I should.
Either way, I got this email and I have a bit of an ethical problem with it. I recognize that the publishers want to get their books out there, but this seems sketchy. My inclination is to politely decline, but I wondered if you didn’t have an alternate viewpoint? Is there something I’m missing? Am I making a mountain out of a molehill?
Here’s the email in its entirety, published with explicit permission from the publishing company and the author of the email.
Dear Chris,
I noticed that you are presenting on Moodle at the upcoming NECC in San Antonio. I am with FTC Publishing and we publish the book Moodle Magic: Make it Happen, by Laurie Korte. If you are not familiar with this book, it is a great resource for educators looking to begin using Moodle or educators who are looking for tips and tricks for using Moodle in the classroom. I was wondering if you would be interested in receiving a few of these books to use as giveaways during your session.
We would supply you a copy of the book for your own personal use as well as the giveaways. We would also include a few coupons and catalogs for attendees of your session that are interested in learning more about the books.
If you are interested in receiving these materials please email me back with the number of people you are expecting to attend your session as well as the address of the location you would like for us to ship the items.
Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
I think part of my issue is that I’ve not read the book. If I were a fan of the book to begin with, this would be easy, since it would be a genuine, voluntary endorsement. I haven’t read it, though, so it makes me feel like a bit of a puppet if I were to give these out.
Once before, PbWiki gave me some premium wikis to give out but I was ok with that since I was already a bit of a PbWiki evangelist. I use that software regularly and like it a bunch, so there’s my difference there.
Also, I approached PbWiki. They have a presenter pack (or did, it’s been a few years) that I emailed to get. They did not approach me.
The publisher probably searched for Moodle in the NECC planner and found me. Is that bad? Not necessarily.
I’m just not sure how to respond. What do you think?
Chris
Pat says:
I would give it out as door prizes and announce that I had not read it and couldn’t endorse it. Maybe someone in the audience has read it and has a comment about it. I know I wouldn’t mind receiving this because who knows, it might be good.
29th May 2008 at 10:08 am
Aaron Smith says:
I had a similar situation and concern when I presented at MICCA this year. In my case I tentatively agreed, until I read the book and found it to actually be a worthwhile publication.
Even so, I made a point of giving full disclosure before my presentation concerning how I had acquired the books and why I was giving them away.
If I had found the books to be below par, I would have mentioned that while I was handing them out. I think o long as you’re honest people will still respect you.
29th May 2008 at 10:30 am
Dean Shareski says:
First of all, looking forward to seeing you at NECC.
Second, I think I’d echo what Pat said. You don’t have to endorse but you might be providing someone with a great resource. As long as there is full disclosure on your part and the publishing company, people can be free to make choices accordingly.
29th May 2008 at 10:53 am
John Maklary says:
Hi Chris,
for the last two years, FTC offered up Podcasting and GarageBand books for sessions I presented at TCEA (Texas). I gladly accepted them and subsequently gave the books away as door prizes. Like the other comments stated, I gave full disclosure that I wasn’t in any way endorsing the book or had any financial ties to the publisher. They NEVER asked me to show any favoritism toward the books. To me it was a win-win…. I had some good door prizes that were related to the subject matter I was presenting and the publisher got some good exposure.
Best advice…come up with a fun and creative way to give them out.
29th May 2008 at 1:49 pm
MaryAnn Sansonetti says:
Chris, FTP Publishing sent me some Podcasting books for SC EdTech. They sent the books early enough that I could look through it. I gave them away as door prizes. I told the participants where I got the books. All FTC asked was for me to give away the books no pushy advertising or anything. So they are safe. Keep a copy for yourself (they say to do that). The podcasting book I have actually has some great resources on how to inform parents, the processes, etc.
29th May 2008 at 4:05 pm
Cheryl Lykowski says:
Chris,
I have dealt with FTC many times, purchasing many of their products. I like the company and have never had problems with them. I have not been a part of their promotions though I do like their products.
29th May 2008 at 7:11 pm
Bud Hunt says:
My advice is similar to others – I’d suggest that you ask them to send you a review copy. No obligation. If you like what you see, then tell them you’d be happy to use their book as a door prize. If you don’t, then don’t use the book. I guess I feel a bit hinky distributing a resource that you know nothing about.
But I see nothing wrong with them asking you the question.
29th May 2008 at 6:38 am
Lori says:
I know Mike from FTC publishing for years and i actually taught with the author of the Moodle Magic book, Laurie Korte. She is very passionate about moodle, has been planning moodle get togethers online. I”m sure if you contact FTC publsihing they will send you a review copy.
29th May 2008 at 3:52 pm
Wesley Fryer says:
You’ve already received some good advice here. I would just echo the suggestions about transparency, and the potential benefit of folks coming to your session and being able to walk away with a book resource they didn’t have before. Reviewing the book in advance is certainly a good idea. And hey, if NECC funding is an issue, why not be entrepreneurial with this and ask FTC publishing to help fund your travel– in exchange for you giving away some of their books at your session and offering to work their booth for a few shifts? It’s certainly possible… With full disclosure on whatever you decide I’m sure you’ll come up roses on this from an ethical standpoint. And…. I look forward to seeing you at NECC too!
29th May 2008 at 11:29 pm
Cathy Nelson says:
Wes has echoed my thoughts–ask for something in exchange.. Use the aproach that you’d be delighted to do it if an arrangement can be worked out, and then ask for the complimentary copy for what you are somewhat promoting. My friend Diane Cordell offset the cost of her trip by agreeing to work a booth. It is a common thing I gather.
See you in San Antonio!
29th May 2008 at 9:21 am
Maria Jones says:
I gather you need funds to offset your expenses. How about asking the publishers to sponsor you. Maybe after you read the book a spark might ignite and you might even like the book and so on and on !!!!!! And share and share and particiapte in the next book project. Oh if you are already there; have a great time of it.
29th May 2008 at 10:16 pm
Karen says:
I agree with the majority of the commenters, that you should give full disclosure that you are not endorsing the book. I’d like to have a free sample for my own use. If they want to give them away, I say go for it. Good luck at the conference. If you don’t want the book, send it to me! LOL I am wanting to learn how to use Moodle in my classroom.
29th May 2008 at 12:54 pm