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:

My aim in life is to visit as many places as I can, and preferably get to know places and people by working there. E.g. I didn't get to know Philadelphia by just visiting Liberty Bell and the Rocky-steps on a one-day-drive-by. I actually worked there several times, two or four weeks at a time. I now know how to walk from the Museum to Betsy Ross house. And I now know my way around the King of Prussia.

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...