Should those considered “experts” give opinions on learning development for FREE?
I know for most of you who contribute to these Fried TrainingTalk discussions this isn’t even a question, and trust me I do not want you to stop giving your opinions or sharing your views. I’ve been involved with Learning Development for more than 20 years, and I continue to learn a great deal by starting these conversations and responding to your answers.
Since the COVID shutdown, I’ve been seeing an increase in learning professionals saying they do not want to participate in open discussions like these because they are giving away their “secrets” for free. The feeling seems to be, "When I am out of work, why should I help you with information that has taken me years to develop that allows you to do your project better without remuneration?"
As I see it, because fostering learning is basically about helping others, the learning development community has always been one of sharing.
Yes, there have always been high level workshops, certifications, conferences, and such that have always been charged for. Yes, we all should make as much money as the market can provide, but I think there is also something to the "high tide raises all boats" theory. Meaning the better all of us are able to do our jobs, the better off everyone in the field will be in the long run.
What do you think?
In the world of training, does helping each other develop the best training possible raise us all up, or are we giving away the milk for free?