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hoodrat Veteran user Southern California 388 Posts |
I keep receiving emails about a directory of IBM members that is being published by the Harris Company. I sent in my info via email. Today, I received yet another email asking me to call a toll free number to verify. I did so, and it turned out to be basically a sales pitch to buy the directory for approximately $88.00. Is this directory legitimate? Has the IBM actually sanctioned this project? Is anybody else planning on buying a directory? The female on the phone told me that they are only printing directories for the members who decide to buy one. In other words, the directories are NOT being mass-produced. Is this a scam??
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mrunge Inner circle Charleston, SC 3716 Posts |
Hi hoodrat,
It is legit and you are NOT being scammed. This is sanctioned by the IBM and was talked about previously here in the café. Here is a link to the previous thread on this. http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......6&10 Hope this helps. Mark. |
hoodrat Veteran user Southern California 388 Posts |
Thank you for the reply! And thanks, too, for that link to the thread. I couldn't find that thread although I remember reading it awhile back.
My question is this: Doesn't the IBM already have a directory of all its members online or something? I would assume so because I just recently updated my information on their website. Maybe I'm wrong..... It does seem ridiculous, however, to spend almost $100 on a "collector's item" directory if that same information is available elsewhere for free. |
Magiguy Inner circle Seattle, WA 5467 Posts |
I too experienced considerable sticker shock when told about the price(s). I want to support the Brotherhood, but I would think they'd do better to concentrate on volume sales versus limited numbers at the higher cost. I was disappointed.
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Kipp Sherry Elite user Boise, ID 477 Posts |
Think of it as a high school year book. You will be in the book even if you choose not to order one for yourself.
Until we appear again, Kipp Sherry |
mrunge Inner circle Charleston, SC 3716 Posts |
The IBM does have a directory with members information at the National Headquarters in St. Louis. It is NOT online though.
A few years ago, the IBM contracted with Harris Direct (? - I think is the name) Publishing to put out a membership directory for those who might want one. The publishing company then sells the directories to the members of the group. In return for this publishing (and moneymaking opportunity) the IBM gets a little of the money back from the sale of each one sold. They also do this for other groups such as college alumni directories and so forth. Now...fast forward to today. The IBM decided it was time to "update" the directory and, again, contracted with Harris Direct (?) to do it again. As mentioned, you can look at it like a high school yearbook without the pictures. It will have the info the IBM has in it's database, sorted various ways such as alphabetical, then by country, state, etc... Harris then contacts each person (those who will respond to their mailings) in order to "verify" the info they have and to "offer" the directory to you. It is limited in the number of directories created since they do not want to be left with a bunch of extras. Some people find it useful, others do not. Hope you find this useful! Mark. |
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