Web Analytics Association membership

At the EMetrics Summit in San Francisco I attended the Web Analytics Association member reception. We were introduced to the new board, got an overview of how the WAA has grown and status updates from the various committees.

I also got to raise an idea I have about the WAA to playing a role in establishing a mentorship program, linking new analysts with experienced analysts who could help them better understand the industry, advance skills and help foster career opportunities (the challenge, as I’ve said before, is that everyone is looking for ‘experienced’ analysts these days). Not sure where that will go, but I got to pass it on.

Jim Sterne asked if anyone was interested in volunteering for the WAA and it’s various committees and if we were so compelled to fill out a form that they had. I was so I got a form, filled it out and gave it to Jim before even getting a drink. My expectation was that I would hear from someone shortly after the summit, but that never happened. In late May and early June I sent a couple e-mails to the WAA, heard nothing back. So what’s going on? Anyone of the WAA have an idea? Feel free to contact me. I’d like to help out (Clint and Robbin are on it).

Afterward, during the social I was talking with someone about the pin and remarked that the WAA needed to be more like the KISS Army when it comes to membership. When I was a kid, KISS had it going on. Beyond the makeup, the boots, the crazy costumes there was the KISS Army — the first moblog, the first meetup, the first social network — the fan club times 10. When you joined the KISS Army you were part of a special faternity and you got a badge that you could display to anyone who asked — the KISS ARMY card. KISS is still at it, offering a branded VISA card via Chase, exclusive member-only offers and naturally some fans still want them to bring back the card. Maybe the pin isn’t enough.

Interestingly, one of the common complaints about the WAA is that people don’t see the value of membership. For those who have still not joined a reminder: the WAA membership gets you discounts on some fantastic conferences, deals on books, access to resources, discounts on the UBC Courses, free drinks at your local Web Analytics Wednesday event and a member pin. JOIN NOW!