Ken,
There are always 3 sides to every argument...
First, the definition and distribution of the benefits of knowledge that you, as a 'current employee', purport would accrue to the firm are meekly secondary compared to the direct and compounded benefits you as an individual would gain from your participation in YOUR pursuit of knowledge and networking comraderie.
Second, the direction and strategies your current 'Owners' have for your long term ascendency within the firm for their benefit is not glaringly apparent from your question, but your undertone is classically Dickensian - (Oliver Twist asking his keepers for MORE porridge).
Third, always remember the Firm is a 'person' too! You may think you are an equal to the firm, but never forget the Firm is 'More Equal' than you. Firms and their Owners do what's in their perceived best interests. So you have to ask yourself before you ask the Owners for compensation," Do you feel lucky today?... Well do you, punk?!"
Finally, and this is of utmost importance, DO IT! - whether it is reimbursed or not. Follow your gut. Follow your dream.
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John Ahern, AIA
President AIA Treasure Coast Chapter
Ahern & Associates Architects, P.A.
Stuart FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-07-2011 11:48
From: Ken Gallegos
Subject: Local User Groups
We have started up a local Revit users group and I was wondering about how firm owners view paying for user group memberships.
Do they (you) see this as a benefit for your employees because they are getting software skills to make your office more efficient or a personal item that a firm would not financially support because they see it as sharing your office functions / software ideas?
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Ken Gallegos AIA
Architect
Lombard-Conrad Architects, PA
Boise ID
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