Should Sponsors ask to be recognized?

[Steve W]

I have started this thread in response to the following post from another thread.

Originally Posted by Collmandoman

I do agree with the first part.. because how can you know somebody's name if you've never met them.


People seem to not only accept what you've said.. but like it. And that nearly makes my head explode.
This is one way you can look at it.. what if there is a sponsor that cares nothing about FIRST.. but sees.. well I can donate 5k a year and get my name on a wall.. which improve my revenues by about 12k yearly. Is this ok? Personally I feel it isn't, because they aren't doing it for the reason we are applauding them. Which I think you would all agree with me is non-GP.

Another way, what if it is mixed. (Meaning they like the ideas of FIRST and like making money) This is not a win-win situation in my mind, because they are profitting off their own involvement in a organization aimed at in some way making the world better and they would likely not be involved if they were not gaining profit in some way. I don't know how else to say this... but in every way it seems wrong. The money is great, and helps FIRST stay alive.. but I personally would not accept it if I were told.. you only get the money if you display our names this many times or do this other thing so many times. It should then become a matter of choice.. and with us all being gracious professionals I think we'd thank them out of our own intrests instead of basically having to.
Don't tak the things I've said in here too far.. it's all meant in a very nice way. =)

I may be wrong here but I really don't care why businesses give. The final result is that there are students being inspired. Anyone who is willing to give me legal money to support our team is welcome as long as what the business stands for is not in conflict with FIRST and it's principles. There are many reasons for giving. If someone is able to make money from a sponsorship that is OK with me. If they are able to recruit employees from FIRST teams that's great too. As I see it if the team benefits and the sponsor benefits it is a WIN/WIN situation.