I liked this a LOT Lars.

I’ve made a couple of lists. Like you there’s something really fantastic about being in there with others you admire and respect and that whatever the process, people thought that much of you they put your name down.

And like you, it’s not $150k that rolls off these endorsements. It’s still invoice to invoice; trying to convince profitable enterprises that yes, you would like to be paid for the speech because (a) you put tons into it and (b) you can’t earn anything when you’re not available to clients who want your work in return for pay. And yes, lots of people want stuff off you for nothing because they think you can do that not being beholden to any paymaster manager type.

I too advise conference organisers; chair sessions and panels; help judge awards. And get zilch in terms of revenue (some expenses are covered). And yet, I then get people throwing mud at me for how many conferences I attend. FFS. I help them because I want them to put on events that are the best they can be to progress the profession I have come to love. But to some people, I’m a freeloading, work-avoiding, party goer. WTAF?

So this post was awesome.

Since making lists, some people I thought liked and respected me, dropped me like a ton of bricks. Maybe because they’re not on the list, maybe they see me as being different since being on lists. Maybe they just hate lists and now I’m on them involuntarily, I’m evil. Whatever.

All I know is, other people put you on lists as a sign of respect, regard and revering your work, thoughts and efforts. You clearly deserve to be on there and this post proves that even more with a nice dollop of humility, honesty and on-point framing.

I wish I’d written this post, but instead, cheered when I read yours. Thank you Lars.