Missing the point

We have been lambasted for missing the point several times today because we don't 'stand up for the smaller guys'.

I have to point out that a key aim of CRN is to report on news for the benefit of the smaller players in our industry - but I suppose it depends on your definition of small.

Let's use the example of a fictitious IT enthusiast Melvin, who spends time tinkering with old family PCs in his shed at the bottom of the garden in return for a few pence, isn't really going to be interested in HP or IBM's latest channel strategy, or whether the government has scrapped the BSF scheme.

But the five-man band down the road, who are striving to build their business and expand, will be interested. They will also be keen to meet with as many industry players as possible to build up their brand and make new contacts. This could mean doing things like accepting vendor or distributor invitations to social events, or attending business seminars and conferences.

As always we welcome any comments from small players and would relish the chance to speak to more of them. Please do tell us your news and your concerns.

Talking about small - it can mean a lot of things to many different people and it has many uses in the English language.

Small-minded is a good example of an ambiguous phrase - does it mean you have a narrow viewpoint on life or only think of things on a smaller scale than others?

Answers on a postage stamp please.