I had the opportunity and privelege to chat with Jeff De Cagna this afternoon about the numerous topics surrounding working in/for/with associations. I say “priveleged” because Jeff is very well known in association-circles having worked in the field for a number of years, is involved with a number of assocation related ventures and is respected and prolific blogger. It doesn’t hurt that he is also highly intelligent, very articulate, and a really nice guy. Conversely, I am a relative newcomer to the assocation world and am still learning the ropes.

However, the common thread that brought us together for our discussion this afternoon was technology, and more specifically blogging. Jeff has made no secret of the fact that he is perplexed by the lack of blog readership and participation among association executives (Why don’t more association execs read blogs?). While I haven’t know Jeff that long, he doesn’t come across to me as a “glass-half-full” kind of guy. Based on reading his blog, attending a panel discussion he participated in at the ASAE Technology Conference in February, and our conversation today, I’d have to say that he is a passionate realist. Perhaps the term “evangelist” may be more appropriate, but regardless, the man understands the possibility and reality of not only technology but also the association-world, so when he raises a concern many people listen.
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