Complex Event Processing Users Group on LinkedIn
Here is an update on the Complex Event Processing Users Group on LinkedIn.
First of all, this group is a “Users Group”, not a “vendors group” or a “software marketing group.” Vendors have numerous channels and forums to market software; and we certainly don’t need them to come tell us how great they are in the LinkedIn group. We published these guidelines last year in this post, Update on the CEP Users Group on LinkedIn.
Currently this Users Group has over 900 members. We do allow vendors and software marketing people to join this group as long as they don’t post marketing material and links, directly or indirectly. This also means that analysts that are paid by vendors to write “critiques” are not permitted. Also, per guidelines, headhunters and recruiters should not post in the discussion areas. LinkedIn LIONS spammers, open networkers who are simply looking to link to anyone are immediately banned when they post.
The purpose of the Complex Event Processing Users Group on LinkedIn is for users and potential users to connect on event processing issues. Since there are very few actual users, there is very little discussion and that is perfectly OK.
I have received some expected negative comments on this from one or two vendors; however, the vast majority of comments have been “Thank you”. There has been one vendor who calls this “censorship” and has been making trouble about this, trying to discredit me. I don’t mind and expect come criticism. As folks may recall, the “censorship” argument was used by spammers against anti-spam regulations and policies. I think this strong language is uncalled for, but I realized there would be criticism when I published the guidelines.
The truth of the matter is that most groups and organizations have membership and posting guidelines and since The Complex Event Processing Users Group on LinkedIn is for Users, the guidelines reflect this. There are numerous unmoderated discussion forums and email lists regarding CEP/EP.
The Complex Event Processing Users Group on LinkedIn is for Users, not vendors. In fact, I asked LinkedIn site managers about these guidelines. LinkedIn was completely supportive and expressed their wishes that other groups would have similar posting guidelines.
