I also attended that session and was ready to come downstairs and write a diatribe myself, but thought better of it and have yet to write anything about it. I may never, I'm not sure.

But it's a fair point that if someone has a problem with it – get involved and help them fix the problems you clearly see.

Thank you for the great post, and the salient analogy to the founding of the United States. I hope it doesn't get as bloody to found the PMA!

I just want to clarify two points.

1) While it appeared that the PMA Q&A session got quite heated, there were really only a couple of people that seemed angry and stirred up the room. The response to those angry people has been an outpouring of support to what we're trying to do…which is simply form. We have over 50 active volunteers helping with the formation efforts, and they came to the Q&A session to show and express their support. That is an amazing testament to the amount of interest that people have in the PMA.

2) While I did state that I won't be applying for a professional staff job at the PMA (when it becomes available), I just want to let everyone know that I plan on remaining a very active member of the PMA when it is formed, and I will continue in my existing role of organizer until the PMA becomes official and a professional manager takes over.

In terms of validating the PMA at Affiliate Summit, I couldn't be happier – it is really clear to me now that there is an overwhelming amount of interest in raising the visibility and credibility of performance marketing, and that the time is right to come together as industry professionals.

Thanks again Carsten,

Rebecca

Frustrations from the PMA QA session. Updates from the PMA. Chocolate fountain shooter – FAIL at the Shareasale party
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The PMA has posted a Summit Update about the organizational meetings they’ve had at the event and shared some thoughts on the PMA Q & A session that got pretty heated. Overall they sound very pleased ……