how do you get away with it
All these trips n stuff...
How do you get away with it ?
The honest answer is: I just tried it, and it worked - so far.
But it still amazes me more then anyone. I'll enjoy it while it lasts. My employer is OK with it as long as I fly the company flag (it is yellow).
Here is the plan for December: UKOUG Conference in Birmingham. 
I will sound like a vendor myself now, but sometimes one must fight Fire with Fire and FUD with FUD. Independent Usergroups are one important way to keep the marketing-hype from large vendors in check. And these events, where you can call a spade a spade without some mitigating vice-assistant cleansing the slides, can be a real revelation. 
This conference, and participation in a usergroup in general is a must for every Oracle Customer. And dont tell the suits, but the Annual Conference is generally a Great Party at that. See my company blog from Last Year for more Serious information on this event.
Background: 
One way to get around is to present at usergroups and other nerdy-gatherings.
A nice example is the UKOUG mentioned above. I have "submitted" in the hope of getting my blurp accepted. And that will then provide me with a free entry to the conference, my employer with some exposure, and it is a perfect excuse to visit Birmingham.
It worked for me: check the list of links on the Right.
So do me a favour, and mention my name when you click on my employers website...
I'm off to catch another train now...
