We Are F-A-M-I-L-Y!
Michael Mallari, X10’s Community Director, is doing everything possible to build a genuine X10 community on these pages, and he’s asked for suggestions on how to bring us all together on the same page. Since I come from a small community in Northern New England, I go back to the good old days when communities formed underneath a town bandstand – complete with brass bands and three-month-old Girl Scout cookies.
Of course, I understand that X10 is kind of like Slash/Dot on steroids – everyone here was born with a “Start” button on their left hand and their first baby words were “abort, retry, or ignore?” Let’s face it, we’re all a bunch of nerds who would rather run wires into the basement on a beautiful summer day than perform in a swimming, running, rock-climbing triathlon. (OK, maybe that’s just me?)
Of course we’re not above chewing on some chips while we run diagnostics on our circuit boards. Perhaps we will check out the picture of the blue sky on our X10 Lola Video Sender. We might even cue in camera three on the Vanguard system and check out the neighbors’ in-laws rocking in their RV in the driveway.
Still, one of these days, I’m sure there will be a reunion of all who have pined for answers in the X10 Forums, all who have sent emails to the Buzz Bisbee asking if he got into trouble for his bargain sales while the boss was away, and all who have ever dreamed about going to Kent, Washington one day.
I can already picture a massive weenie roast, as the hot coals inside our recently recalled Sony batteries from our Dell laptops reach a boiling point. There will of course be the 1-2-3 punch for the party, perhaps sweetened by an adult beverage. The Big Guy will give an informed talk about X10s daring future strategy in which it will attempt to dance limbos under its competitors. After his speech, the Big Guy will bring tears to everyone’s eyes, as he passes the hat around in an effort to convince his lawyers that the company has not become a non-profit.
Late in the evening, as the weenies continue to roast, the marshmallows are readied with chocolate and graham crackers, the games will begin in earnest. Someday, everyone will be able to play “Pin the Tail on the Midnight Bandit,” but for now, it will be just our select group. Someday, everyone will be able to play “Point the Vanguard at the Smith’s kitchen sink,” but for now, only we can take schadenfreude in watching Mr. Smith’s mistress see his kitchen when the Mrs. is away. That closeup view of the old pizza boxes, the beer bottles and the Chinese takeout from a restaurant that was shut down three years ago, will bring a special chuckle to the gathering.
It will be an evening to remember, if it is not forgotten.
What do you think? How should the X10 community come together? Go ahead, make my day. Comment below.
Comments
I think we should all get to know each other better by commenting on each other's blogs. (The community blog site is going to be great, also, seriously.) So, hi!
If that doesn't work: cage matches?
Posted by: Sara | August 16, 2006 04:10 PM
I think a cage match would be a great idea! I better start my training!
Posted by: Mike | August 16, 2006 04:16 PM