Submitted by Andy C (not verified) on Thu, 11/01/2007 - 09:53.
Niall
I have some sympathy for your position but personally I am pleased Oracle clarified the offer to bloggers attending OOW.
Initially, I assumed a select group of Oracle bloggers and marketing/PR types would secretly be invited to attend OOW which concerned me.
When the latter group started bleating about expenses and 'loss of consulting revenues', my heart sank so I was pleased to see that anyone who blogs about Oracle is eligible and the rules are the same for everyone.
Although you will miss out this time, undoubtedly there will be other bloggers (I know of at least one from the UK) who have already decided to attend OOW (and paying for flights and hotel at his own expense) before the invitation to Oracle bloggers was made.
Oracle bloggers who already registered and purchased tickets for OOW prior to the offer will now presumably qualify for a refund on the cost of his 4 day pass to OOW. I assume a 4 day ticket for OOW is not cheap so I view this as a nice gesture by Oracle and recognition for all their efforts in the Oracle community.
Also, although some may say these Oracle bloggers have been (indirectly) 'paid' by Oracle Corp, I know I can trust their OOW articles on OOW to be genuine and honest accounts and not marketing hype.
While it's a shame you won't be able to take up the offer but I think this is a big step for Oracle in 'reaching out' and hopefully this invite to bloggers will, in time, be extended to Oracle conferences around the world. I wonder if it is too late for UKOUG Birmingham 2007.
--
Andy
[ Disclaimer - I work for Oracle ]
bloggers @ OOW
Niall
I have some sympathy for your position but personally I am pleased Oracle clarified the offer to bloggers attending OOW.
Initially, I assumed a select group of Oracle bloggers and marketing/PR types would secretly be invited to attend OOW which concerned me.
When the latter group started bleating about expenses and 'loss of consulting revenues', my heart sank so I was pleased to see that anyone who blogs about Oracle is eligible and the rules are the same for everyone.
Although you will miss out this time, undoubtedly there will be other bloggers (I know of at least one from the UK) who have already decided to attend OOW (and paying for flights and hotel at his own expense) before the invitation to Oracle bloggers was made.
Oracle bloggers who already registered and purchased tickets for OOW prior to the offer will now presumably qualify for a refund on the cost of his 4 day pass to OOW. I assume a 4 day ticket for OOW is not cheap so I view this as a nice gesture by Oracle and recognition for all their efforts in the Oracle community.
Also, although some may say these Oracle bloggers have been (indirectly) 'paid' by Oracle Corp, I know I can trust their OOW articles on OOW to be genuine and honest accounts and not marketing hype.
While it's a shame you won't be able to take up the offer but I think this is a big step for Oracle in 'reaching out' and hopefully this invite to bloggers will, in time, be extended to Oracle conferences around the world. I wonder if it is too late for UKOUG Birmingham 2007.
--
Andy
[ Disclaimer - I work for Oracle ]