September 19, 2005 3:43 PM PDT
New rule: No more 'going forward'
I have a suggestion for Larry Ellison: Each time one of your suits mentions the phrase "going forward," fine them 100 bucks. At the rate they're going, you'll recoup the $100 million fine you're donating to charity in no time.
Apologies to Bill Maher, but after listening to the business pitches today at the Oracle World conference, we need a New Rule or my head is going to explode. Maybe it's the MBA version of Tourette's Syndrome but can't these guys deliver a presentation without stuffing the speech with all the mind-numbing "going forwards?" What do they think the audience expects--that they'll learn how to go backwards?
Charles Cooper has covered technology and business for more than 25 years. Before joining CNET News, he worked at the Associated Press, Computer & Software News, Computer Shopper, PC Week, and ZDNet. E-mail Charlie. 
