Is Lobbyist input helpful or hurtful?

[cmartin1069]

I realize this question is a little "out there" but I don't know where else to get opinions.

As it has become more well known in our neck of the woods that DS will be trying to go to USNA, two friends have offered to ask Lobbyists they know to put in a good word for DS to our MoCs. Sounds like a nice offer but not sure if it's a good idea or not. Certainly the Lobbyists don't know my son.

Anybody have any experience with this?

[LineInTheSand]

Not a great idea.

[jasperdog]

Originally Posted by cmartin1069

..., two friends have offered to ask Lobbyists they know to put in a good word for DS to our MoCs. Sounds like a nice offer but not sure if it's a good idea or not. Certainly the Lobbyists don't know my son. ...

My experience is that it's not a good idea to have people who don't know the PC or vice versa personally to write letters regardless of who they are. If someone is willing to write a letter who knows the parent/family - AFTER they meet and talk directly with the PC - that's a different story. But if someone is going to write a fluffy letter that doesn't have specifics, a letter from their Scoutmaster, the teacher who is advisor of the chess club they've been int, or someone else who is a "nobody important" BUT knows the PC and can talk to their qualities and the basis of relationship is far more compelling. The basic rule I go by and advice I give re: letters or recommendation is QUALITY/substance over quantity or "title of sender"