This blog and any reproduction of its content is the creation of Tom Hollingsworth.  It in no way represents any employers, past or present.  The content created herein reflects my opinions and conclusions, supported by fact pretty much whenever I feel like.

I also get asked by vendors to receive briefings about NDA product announcements.  Since I’m mostly a nice guy, I will respect any NDA you might have about information or product releases.  However, do understand that I don’t necessarily feel obligated to write about these kinds of things, so you shouldn’t feel that I’m obligated either.  It should also be pointed out that I’m going to inject my own opinion into the article so I don’t come off sounding like a corporate shill.  If I don’t like something, I’m going to mention it.  If that doesn’t scare you away, then by all means I will listen to what you have to say and share it as appropriate.

I work for a value-added reseller (VAR).  I don’t disclose the name out of respect, just as I don’t parade around the office discussing my blog.  Who I work for isn’t as important as what I do.  Since I work for a partner of many different vendors, I am often privy to things the general public doesn’t know about.  Again, since I’m usually a nice guy, I don’t discuss these things.  If I say I can’t talk about something, there’s usually a very good reason.  Pressing me for info will likely result in more curtness than you can handle.

I’m a CCIE.  I abide by and respect the NDA that goes along with it.  I also abide by and respect the copyrights of the training vendors that I used to study for my exam.  I won’t discuss the content outside of the publicly-known information or information that is specifically excluded from NDA.  I will not “share” my workbooks or digital materials with you just this once for old times sake.  I invested in the programs of some damn fine trainers.  The least you can do is invest in them too, that is if you are serious about the CCIE.

As the blog represents a lot of opinion, I do reserve the right to change my mind from time to time.  I tend to look at both sides of an argument, so don’t be surprised to see me looking at things from all perspectives.  As such, I also value the opinions of my readers.  I approve the comments that get posted, even the negative ones.  I want all opinions to be represented here.  Know that hateful comments or extremely personal attacks will not be tolerated, and neither will useless spam.

Now that we’re on the same page, you can see where my writing comes from and can feel confident that the only influence on it is my own mind.  And maybe alcohol from time to time..