Comments on: Ethical Question about NECC Presentation

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:54:46 +0000

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.

By: Maria Jones

Maria Jones — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:16:16 +0000

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.

By: Cathy Nelson

Cathy Nelson — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:21:24 +0000

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!

By: Wesley Fryer

Wesley Fryer — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:29:02 +0000

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!

By: Lori

Lori — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:52:04 +0000

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.

By: Bud Hunt

Bud Hunt — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:38:21 +0000

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.

By: Cheryl Lykowski

Cheryl Lykowski — Fri, 30 May 2008 00:11:00 +0000

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.

By: MaryAnn Sansonetti

MaryAnn Sansonetti — Thu, 29 May 2008 21:05:20 +0000

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.

By: John Maklary

John Maklary — Thu, 29 May 2008 18:49:03 +0000

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.

By: Dean Shareski

Dean Shareski — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:53:50 +0000

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.