dvnc
First off, sound it out. Seriously. Saves me from that silly grin I get when someone asks. Geek pride is evident when yer proud of havin' an AOL handle with only four characters. Try doing it now...
While my evil twin, qjakal, is older than me, I'm definitely one of the old men of the forum. I'm more a codger by attitude than achievement, mind ya. Old age and treachery will always overcome. One day, I may achieve wisdom. I ain't holdin' my breath.
I'm a geek's geek. Been workin' in the computer field since back when the Silicon Valley was still the Santa Clara valley. It's a love-hate relationship, it is. I break things, though, so whether I love 'em or hate 'em, they get broken. That I get paid for this continues to amuse me.
I was one of the few folks (Izzy, Max and I, and TickleChgo before us) who organized gatherings. I coined the silly name "gathering" 'cause I needed a way to discuss such in the open. Been doin' 'em over a decade. I like meetin' the folks in our community. Like 'em meetin' each other. It's good.
Met hundreds since starting my events. Interacted with hundreds more. Truly wild.
Couldn't have done it without QBWeaver's help. She backed me, hosted at her home in the beginning. One of the better friends I've known. We met some really cool folks. She connected me with Max and his crew. More friends is always good.
Hundreds of people later, I dig the questions that are asked. I dig the people askin' 'em, though, largely. No, I don't dig everyone. Everyone don't dig me, either. It'd be far too weird if that weren't the case. I'm glad most everyone plays well or keeps their distance. Wish it was true of everyone. I'd like to be rich, too.
I got asked into this forum as a mod in it's beginning 'cause of my gatherings, and 'cause I tried (and continue to try) connecting people personally. So far, it seems to be working.
I've other focus, beyond the forum. I've family, many friends (in the community and outside of it), my lover, my geeking and, of late, my music again. I was a musician in my youth. Got over it for a while. Some things are just recurrent.
I gave up the long hair, though. Apologies to those that miss it. It was a hassle.
Mostly, orchestrating connections is a music of it's own, t'me. When I was younger, the play was an orchestration. Now I'm part of a delightful duet, a soloist with an exquisite instrument of laughter. Penny Lane's my partner, my instrument, my inspiration and delight.
Bein' normal's overrated. I'll deviate until I find no other interesting aspects of the fringe. I don't 'spect to find that within my lifetime.