The good news. I got accepted to present at a major academic conference.
The bad news. I don't know the day that I will be presenting, and the way my department sets it up, I have to drive to downtown Chicago if I want the university to pick up the tab.
I had hoped to take the train, but they only cover transportation costs, nothing for registration or accomodations. But if I drive, I get paid 58 cents a mile, and it costs me about 6 cents a mile. So I get the money to cover registration and accomodation. So it doesn't make sense to take the train, because, although it would cost far less for the university if I take the train, they've set it up so you have to drive.
Maybe I'll get the scholarship from the conference sponsors, and it won't be an issue. I hate big city driving, and Chicago's worse than most. And I'll give my consent to any government that does not deny a man a living wage-Billy Bragg
One must also consider the probability of arriving on time.
I can take the train, and they'll pay for the ticket, but nothing for the registration or accomodation.
On the other hand, if I drive, I get to pocket the difference, and use that to cover my other costs that the university won't pay.
They expect people to pocket the difference from driving to cover other costs. It's stupid. And I'll give my consent to any government that does not deny a man a living wage-Billy Bragg
I once gave my company's expense department a hard time when I biked from NY to a conference near Philadelphia. I didn't even try to bill for the mileage, but they had a hard time with the expenses for food on the way, with no means of transportation listed...
