I've recently gotten a number of unsolicited emails like:
Our client is looking to speak with multiple participants such as IT Operations Specialists (ITOPs) and Developers who have experience with and deep knowledge of a) Ubuntu Server and/or Red Hat Enterprise Linux(RHEL), and the ability to discuss the benefits of Linux OS support contracts, b) Linux container strategies/technologies in use in their organizations, and c) Linux workload development and/or deployments on the public cloud. The goal of the focus group discussion is to gain insights about the Linux Operating System market and how its customers think about paid support from Linux Providers.
This is a paid 2-hr focus group discussion for $350. I found you on LinkedIn and I think your profile is a good fit for this project. This is a research study and not a sales solicitation. Please note we are only interested in your point of view and are not seeking confidential information.
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Anyone else get these emails? What happens if you do one? Is it a stealth sales call as I suspect? What is the process, and who is getting what out of it?
It could also just be a scam to get you in the room and then try to sign you up for some product. Probably not worth your time unless you really need $350. I'd suspect it comes with some loopholes though, so I would personally avoid. Reminds me too much of how they try to get people to show up to learn about time shares.