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Posted at 1:39PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

A comment made purely to draw the community's attention to the above post ...

Posted at 1:41PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Given my brother will probably be up on stage then I may just attend your little shindig...

Posted at 2:04PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Personally I think you need to take this on the road and come to the provinces. There's probably 3 or 4 of us here in HB so we wouldn't need anything big:)

Posted at 2:07PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Damn. I think I conveniently glossed over the fact that Ignite was doubling as a Great Blend.

I fear I may need to raise the brow-ness of my talk.

Posted at 2:13PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Argh, can't make Dec 4. Have a good one!

Posted at 2:39PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

I fear I may need to raise the brow-ness of my talk.

I reckon it needs to be at least knowledge-brow, bro!

Posted at 2:48PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Nat Torkington's very popular Ignite series of lightning presentations

If that's not their official name it totally should be.

Posted at 2:50PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Nat Torkington's very popular Ignite series of lightning presentations

If that's not their official name it totally should be.

Practically a presentation in itself.

Posted at 3:59PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

New year's resolution #1: a Great Blend in Wellington, 2010.
New year's resolution #2: an Ignite session in Wellington, 2010.

Posted at 4:51PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Don't forget that...

So next week is 1st Beer tasting, 6pm at the Stables in Elliot St ( of which me friend said to tell others $22.00 if anyone else is particularly interested),2nd book launch,3rd late at the museum,4th great blend, 5th civic. busy busy.:)

Posted at 5:23PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

So next week is 1st Beer tasting, 6pm at the Stables in Elliot St ( of which me friend said to tell others $22.00 if anyone else is particularly interested),2nd book launch,3rd late at the museum,4th great blend, 5th civic. busy busy.:)

Oh now you're just boasting cruelly. Russell got some beer sponsored for Dunedinistas once. Oh how we felt special.

Posted at 6:57PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Woot, I'll be there, the Mrs has OKed a night out (for me - she will be at home looking after the kids, bless her, and them). My first PA meeting, rather looking forward to it, and very nervous at the same time. Who will be there, what will they look like? I feel like I know all of you already, and at the same time know nothing about you. This is my first real group meeting with the internet. It will answer a heck of a lot of questions that have plagued me for the longest time.

I can only thank Sofie (the one and only) and Steve Barnes (who unfortunately for him needs qualification, common names are like that) for giving me the courage to attend. Having met them both after a generous offer of some plants (that are good for me, well, ok, they could be good for me), I realized that I'm a fool not to have met all of you long ago.

Not entirely sure why I didn't. I can make some excuses and debunk them (as this list has expanded, I'd like to note that this is my hard sell (in my own way) to everyone in Auckland to come to this event. You will have at least one friend, me, until you give me reason not to think I'm your friend, or not to be my friend. It is for this reason that I'm not editing this post with any of my usual care. You'll probably recognize me because this is the way I think, and sometimes speak, if I haven't already introduced myself):
-I was busy (who isn't?)
-I'm not particularly outgoing (but I don't know if any of you (other than Russell, who one can only presume is, are))
-I was afraid I might not like you all (how else could I find out?)
-I was afraid you might not like me (see above)
-I was afraid I might not care to find out that you don't like me (see above)
-I was afraid (see above)
-I'm not into live music (harden up and don't be a fuddy duddy, you never know when a band will be good, particularly if there's a group of them. In fact, you don't know jack about modern music, so you don't even know what you like)
-I was afraid no one will talk to me (then talk to them, idiot)
-I'm too old (you won't be the oldest, probably not the fattest, biggest, weirdest, uglyest, scariest, lamest (we'll see about that), craziest. Ok I got no evidence for that last one (not yet, anyway, but I'm playing along remember) )
-I won't meet everyone cause some of the best folks are not in Auckland (that's probably a good thing, save some for later. Suffice to say some of the best are here, and if you meet any one of about 100 people who write here, it will have been worth it. Indeed, if you meet anyone at all, and they're cool, it will have been worth it. Also, what are you saving yourself up for? (don't know, perhaps my book signing) )
-Someone might take offense to something I wrote once, somewhere (take care to make that their problem, but also pay attention, for future reference. It may suggest a change of style, focus, attention to detail, care for others, even a change in lifestyle or employment, or address, if they turn out to be either too right or too scary. By and large, being scared of this is an argument not to be writing on the net at all without a pseudonym. So by your own logic you already aren't really afraid of this, just confused about what 'offense' might mean. You're afraid of them getting heavy and uncool. Dude, it's not going to happen, and ... see above rebuttal to the whole afraid take) ).
-I might meet someone I know already, who will expose exactly what I am really like (you're not so bad, dude. Some people might even like you. Some will certainly not like you - avoid them if they allow it, otherwise, tell them you like them anyway, face, it you do. By some meanings of the word 'like'. Let them dispute it - that might defuse the whole situation, hell, if they win, and prove you don't like them then they'll probably like you - as someone who can be reasoned with/dominated), even if they only do it to assert their dominance. Probably that will be what you don't like about them, if you're honest with yourself, and they will know it. If they just continue having a go at you, seek help, if that doesn't help, if everyone's secretly against you, just leave. Make a note of where the exits are, and ... ok I'll tell you the rest privately if you're that paranoid).
-It might not be much fun (sure, but neither will another Friday night learning the intricacies of Ki be, if you know this party is going on without you. It's yet another reason why training on Friday night is only for squares).
-I'm too square (how do you know?)
-I don't want any women cracking onto me (Don't flatter yourself. If that happens, tell them you're happily married. You are. Keep telling yourself that)
-I'm too lazy (now we get to it, buddy. Perhaps the reasons for your laziness lie in fear, or perhaps not. We'll find out next Friday)
-I'm too confrontational (yeah right. You're a fricken pussy).
-I'm not the kind of guy that people like (well be a different guy then, sheesh. Different contexts and all that. You're already a different guy in many different places, and you haven't even invented what you'll be like in this context. It might be like nothing you've ever been to before. Or it could be like the cool parties you used to go to, which you still remember now fondly, where everyone loved you. Why miss the chance?).
-I'm surely cooler than this? (Nothing is less sure. You don't get out much. Whether that's cool is for you to define. I see nothing much to justify it, other than that you do have some cool friends, at least by your own standards. But that's the point it's not something there are standards for, and if there are, you can't find out without trying. See answer to 'afraid' above, but substitute in 'proud' if you like, if it makes you feel better)
-You talk too much and don't listen (yes, make a point of meeting 3410, thanking him and shaking his/her hand, for pointing that out long ago in a way that was clear. If you can find him. If he hides, and you find him, he's wrong, to a certain extent, anyway. If he hides and you don't find him then thank him in your heart. Either way, go to the bloody party man, and listen more than you talk, for once (if it really is true, certainly this post indicates it (OK, then well that's between him and me, if he wants to know my take on it. If not ... yeah I'll shut up now. I'm not that dense) ) ).
-I'm a computer programmer. No one will want to talk about my real work, which interests me (get over that dude, and prepare to be surprised anyway. You just don't know man).
-I've made a desperate cry for attention with this post (Yes. It is desperate, and you better act more cool (OK, now your scaring me again (Time to shut up dude, don't you get it? (We'll see, you never know who you can strike a chord with across contexts (You're talking yourself out of this excuse now? (Yes, in case you didn't notice, that's the whole point of this post, you're thanked, and dismissed - only on account of time constraints, I'll talk to you later about this, I'm too tired and lazy to continue with it. Eironeia) ) ) ) ).

Internal dialogue finished. If it struck any chords, the point of it was achieved, and I've either sold a (free) ticket and a lot of hopefully drinks at the bar. If it didn't you're all very different to me, but I'll hopefully like you anyway. Anyone who spots the missing/extra brackets gets to hear about my work. You asked for it. But you get a free drink out of it. This is a serious offer.

I won't say it's an exhaustive list of excuses not to go, nor ar the rebuttals complete. I can only say it exhausted me, eironically.

Anyone who sees me apparently not talking to anyone for any length of time, be assured, I've got company (it will be in my head), but am always happy for more, the head-dude likes it too, more than he likes me. He's just stuck with me. Anyone who thinks I talk too much, yeah, I know. Anyone who wonders why I don't shut up then, I guess the answer lies entirely in how it was that you got to this point in this post. If you did and you tell me about it, you reinforced it. If you didn't get here, I'm talking to head dude again. If you got here and you don't tell me about it, you're playing it very safe. Good call.

There are 2 people I most want to meet there, other than Sofie and Steve (who I know I like now). Russell, and 3410. I don't expect very much time, just a hello, handshake, whatever happens. 3410, this is not because I dislike you, it's because I respect you. You told me the truth once, and it hurt, but it helped (you can judge to what extent). Everyone else, see you at the party, if you're game to come. I can promise, I'll be as easy to avoid as it is to simply click past my post and read on....:-). It's a pity Islander is not here, I credit her (almost entirely unfairly) for the inspiration on the style of this post.

Apologies if you've read this far and got angry. Where's the x-ist guy you wanted to rag on? You can meet him, and tell him to get over himself in person, for the free price of an admission ticket, a bunch of well priced drinks, a night of merriment, dancing (there will be dancing, Russell? Don't answer that, I don't want to know if you read this until the day), music, assorted other entertainment, including what you already had before you came, discussions aplenty, and ask him what he smoked today. It might surprise you, it might not.

</this is not a threadjack_ Yes_ it is entirely about me_ but I_m finding that is the price of my authoreity_ a cost that I'm hoping to learn how to avoid_ Surely I'm not the center of the universe_ Am I&q Why am I asking myself again&q Am I asking myself&q Hmmm. That's going to keep me up all night_ and it_s only a tag&q with a cunningly hidden grammatical mistake_ worth one free drink to the first claimant_ Eat your heart out Kit Williams>

See you there, or not, or both, or neither. As always.

Ben Wilson
6'2"
Brown Hair
Married
Non-Maori
Part time author in the (monetarily) unpaid employ of Russell Brown, & co (yourselves), 'sif u didn't know all that.
Who doesn't know when to shut up (or do I? Free drink for the best answer to this question)

Posted at 7:06PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

I'm back for the summer on the 16th. Are you sure you can't postpone a couple of weeks?

Posted at 7:07PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Wow Ben - <3!

Posted at 7:13PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

I'm back for the summer on the 16th. Are you sure you can't postpone a couple of weeks?

So then you can make to Wellington on the 17th for the best party of the year then!

Posted at 7:35PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Busy alright. I believe Ben will fit right in, especially after a few drinks. There may even be people who automatically monitor parenthetic nesting (not me).

Posted at 7:47PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Um... wow.

Ben, I wasn't going to attend - for essentially the same reasons that you considered - but after that epic comment (deep breath...) I'll be there.

Respect!

Posted at 7:48PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

That was awesome, Ben. I'm buying you a beer, just try and stop me.

(Oh, and, what rational odds would you place on me not reading an epic comment in my own thread?)

Posted at 7:50PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Okay ...

What do we all think about name-tags, then? I hadn't planned to, but should I consider it? They can be cheesy, they can be useful. Is there a cooler way of doing it?

Posted at 7:53PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Is there a cooler way of doing it?

Yes there is, with customised neckalces!

Posted at 7:55PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Ha.

We're discussing an epic comment, and the beer sponsor who's just come aboard for the Great Blend is ... Epic.

Should we have a week-long debate between rationalists and believers in synchronicity?

Posted at 8:36PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

What do we all think about name-tags, then? I hadn't planned to, but should I consider it? They can be cheesy, they can be useful. Is there a cooler way of doing it?

If I could make it to Auckland (unfortunately I can't) I would be the person wearing a fish on my head.

Posted at 8:44PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Passionista badges?

Posted at 8:47PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Let's have name thingies and damn being cool, I say.

Posted at 8:48PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

What do we all think about name-tags, then?

I did suggest this 'round the time of the last Auckland event, even though the concept does remind me of Rotary meetings. Maybe if we could opt for cryptic identifiers?

Just when I thought there would be no summer concerts for me (James Taylor?? Fleetwood Mac?? other near-death artists???) , I hear that Al Green will be performing in Auckland in January. Whooo!!

Posted at 8:48PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

Ben, thanks, I can relate to a lot of that thinking. Would like to meet you some time and chat about eczema and epistemology.

Posted at 8:54PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

As a veteran of internet meetups for years, I reckon name tags are a good idea. They break the ice, they make introductions easier, they let you find and be found. Yes, they're dorky. On the other hand, you're doing a dorky thing anyway: own your dorkiness* and make it work, I say.

Ben: I'm almost prepared to drive to Auckland to meet you now, on the strength of that comment.

*this computer's spelling checker has "dorky" but not "dorkiness." Heh.

Posted at 9:10PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

If we have name tags, can I be someone else?

Posted at 9:11PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

I should also say, Ben, that I admire you for your honesty. It's completely natural to have all of those thoughts. None of us are as socially adept as we would like, I suspect. And I think that most people really find social situations quite difficult. It's always hard meeting new people, being in new situations. I'm a veteran of net meetings, and the older I get, the harder it is. PA thingies I have found somewhat harder than most situations because of the very erudite nature of the people that frequent this forum. So, please, don't worry. I've met some lovely new friends, off line, from this place, and I know that you will too.

Posted at 9:13PM on 26 Nov 09. Permalink.

But, Stephen, "I'm from teh forumz" badges are soooo 2007!