He was a loner, kind of kept to himself, didn’t really have many friends…
That’s how I expect to be described by people. The virtual world is quite nice. I like it. I’ve always preferred communication via the written word. And while I doing things like make a FOAF file, and test out Meetup or Friendster, I always feel a little awkward about it.
Years ago if you were an outcast or socially inept you could turn to computers, and it all worked out. Sure there were BBS‘s and the like, but only other geeks and nerds used them. With the proliferation of the web and weblogs/blogs in particular, I often feel like it’s come full circle, and the popular kids are running the show.
(I’d use an example of some band you liked before everyone else did, and after everyone else liked them they sucked and you hated them, but I have too many examples to even choose one, and besides, you should have been in a band instead of just listening to them to get the real effect of what I’m saying. Or at least published a zine or put on shows or something…)
Any of the ‘social network’ things where you invite your friends or pick your friends or whatever always leave me at a loss. I mean, I’ve emailed someone a number of times, does that make me their friend? Is it just a person I know? If I put that person down as a friend, would they get all confused? I don’t know… I guess in the end I don’t care too much…
I really don’t have time for friends anyway. I probably won’t make it to any blogger dinners or meetups or whatever, because I’m too busy doing other things. I suppose for a lot of people these things are great, but it’s just not for me. I can’t make it to the local Perl Mongers or LUG meetings either. I work too much and I spend the rest of the time with my family. And that’s ok…
The last time I actually got out and met people for an event was the opening of the Apple Store, so next time there’s one of those within 30 miles of my house, I’ll let you know, and we’ll meet up there. Until then, you can find me here. And if you want to be my friend, just email me… Unless you’re some sort of jackass – actually, that doesn’t disqualify you, it might actually be a requirement in some cases…
