Ok, I know you all have been waiting for my opinion on this (only kidding), but regardless of my tech experience (none), I have been exposed to this business since the mid 1970's. (Does this qualify me as an old timer?).
I have seen them come and seen them go (Companies and people), I remember when I.R.M. was top dog and you got per diem, a paid hotel room and a rental car, sometimes if the site coordinator was a nice guy, he'd even divide up the green stamps that the rental car company gave out.
I remember when companies would go into an area and barter for hotel rooms to keep the price down, now it takes numerous calls, scouting and prayer to find something that’s decent and affordable.
I've seen bonuses up the Yazoo, company parties, dinners and end of outage throw downs, and most of this is gone sad to say. Sometimes it’s not just the pay or per diem, it’s the public relations, the comradely, the sense that YOU matter, and are a part of the family or team . . . Part of the big picture.
I personally believe that this aspect of the business or of a company plays a vital role. Go out and visit the sites once in a while, buy dinner, a few rounds, throw a picnic, give out t-shirts, hats, etc, without having to sign a piece of paper, attend a meeting or whatever, to borrow a slogan “Just Do It”.
Any and all companies need to look at this side of the business again, whether it's the two big ones, one big one, or whether it’s the little guy breaking out of the gate. People matter, people make the business, let them know it once in a while, show them that they’re needed and you’d be surprised what you’ll get in return.
