Sponsorship in exchange for...

Recently we've been approached by some sponsors that, while appropriate to our industry, want something I'm not entirely comfortable giving them without your consent: your email address.

Although I have access to the information: Over 300 people subscribe to this blog, and almost 50 people have registered for next week's meeting; I can't in good conscience hand over your email address without at least letting you know before you give it to me. I would feel differently if in the past I had said that subscriber or event registration email addresses could be shared with sponsors in exchange for their sponsorship (which is something I will consider for the signup page for future events). But in all likelihood I've already said the exact opposite; that I would never share it with anyone, for any reason. That sounds like something I would say.

I should be clear, I have no intention of working with any unrelated or creepy organizations. The sponsors in question are local, reputable organizations, with appropriate content and services for our audience. But that still doesn't take away the pit I get in my stomach when I think about giving them your email addresses. If I were in your shoes, I might get offended at that.

So I am asking you for a favor, now. Would you mind opting-in to potential sponsor contact? In exchange, we would have more sponsorship money that we can spend on better food and more, bigger raffle prizes.

If you would like to opt-in, please fill out this form. I promise to keep a safe guard over your information, and only give it to relevant, non-creepy sponsors.