Browncoats in the Army of Independance

, Browncoats , C. David Dent ,

I have this idea that is similar to the original Browncoat fan site.  They'd award points for doing activities.  I wonder if that idea could be revived.  The model I was thinking was the "Cheddar Knights Academy" concept the folks over at Darths and Droids are doing.

Here is a suggested set of rules (based heavily on the D&D rules):

• Browncoats must be registered on the "browncoat forum (whever this is hosted)" to join the Independant Army.
• Challenges are worth points as described on each task.
• All challenges will remain open until (some date TBD).
• One new challenge will be posted each Monday.
• Browncoats, of course, must wear their brown coat* during all challenges.
• Points are awarded at the discretion of the Independant Army Command upon receipt of evidence of challenge completion. The Independant Army Command are calling the shots so their decisions are above reproach.
• The Independant Army Command may award bonus "style" points at their discretion for challenges completed in particularly Browncoat-y ways. Browncoats are strongly encouraged to try to gain style points!
• Browncoats may re-attempt challenges to improve their scores if they desire. New points will replace the previously scored points, not add to them.
• Browncoats do not engage in rules lawyering. Browncoats, in fact, HATE lawyers as they are the essence of Alliance meddlin'.  However, Browncoatsdo respect order so try to adhere to the spirit of competiton without resulting to flaming, name-callin, cheatin' or killin' each other.  Do the neighborly thing.

 * A Browncoat, A Cunnin' Hat, a Hawaiian Shirt, A pair of suspenders with "bits" added, A Jumpsuit (with or without flowers painted on it), a Gentlemanly Vest, a neck-string and firearm (or replica firearm), or a Frilly Skirt and Combat Boots.

Some sample tasks (in no particular order):

• Acquire ONE of a Browncoat, A Cunnin' Hat, a Hawaiian Shirt, A Pair of Suspenders with "bits" added, A Jumpsuit (with or without flowers painted on it), a Gentlemanly Vest, a neck-string and firearm (or replica firearm), or a Frilly Skirt and Combat Boots. This is your "brown coat" and will be required for each of your tasks. Passing this first task establishes your "brown coat" for all of your challenges.
• Assemble a "Browncoat-y outfit" suitable for a shindig or fer watchin' Firefly or Serenity in. 
• Write an essay about Firefly or Serenity.
• Do some good works - Donate at least $10 to a charity.
• Watch the BDM with someone who hasn't seen it before.
• Obtain a loaner set of Firefly and loan it out.
• Have a letter, essay, or voicemail about Firefly/Serenity read or discussed on apodcast.
• Appear or help with a fan-produced media production (podcast, movie, series)
• Help with organizing/setting up/running/cleaning up after a Browncoat-themed event (Fan-track at a con, shindig, CSTS Showing)
• Show a video of your home world in the 'Verse
• Show a video of your ship and her crew (And if it's a solo ship, that's ok) - All Browncoats from the same crew will get the same points.
  
• Visit a Browncoat Themed Event.

You kind of get the idea.  Heather has had a lot of fun doing her Cheddar Monk Academy tasks and this would be a neat way to keep going with the fun.

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My GOD man, why Facebook?

, Living , C. David Dent ,

For a while there I thought I might be able to hold out against the flood of friends and relatives on Facebook.  I was determined to do it.  I would be the last person in the world who wasn't on Facebook.  My wife was determined to stand beside me as we watched the lemmings swarm into the sea of Facebook.  And then the next thing I knew I was wading in the surf.

What happened?  How could it have happened o quickly?  Why did I abandon my principles without a fight? Well, it started last year, I think. Heather and I had planned a trip around the US.  Much of it was to be driving and so, for emergencies, we bought a cell phone.

I had, and still have, an aversion to cell phones.  I don't like them.  I hate to see people using them (while driving!  Gr! While walking in the store! While walking across the street!  Grr!).  I dislike using them (What button do I push to ....Can you hear me? How do I stop this thing from ringing?) And I have unnaturally thick fingers so they are always hard to use for me, even when I do know what I am doing.

But we bought one.  Heather carries it most of the time, and the rare few times I've taken it with me, it has been in order for more "phone savvy" people to find me. Still hate the thing.  But I compromised my principles for the sake of convenience, safety, and facility. And we've maintened the connection even after the immediate need has passed.

Despite the tech lust, I won't own an iPhone or other smart phone.  But saying that I have to admit to thinking about other smart devices like an iPad or iPod Touch with wifi and then using Skype.  See?  This is how it starts.

So when I deleted the fourth invite to Facebook and having told yet another person that putting a photo album online through Facebook meant I couldn't see it I just cracked.  I signed up.  In one day I had over 40 friends confirmed.  Most of them were people I was already connected through via email, Twitter, forums, podcasts, Google Buzz, Google Reader, MySpace, LinkedIn, Livejournal, Yahoo, AOL, MSN, ... well, just look at that long list to the right of this page. I'm on all of those.

And still people have said to me, "I couldn't find you online!"

It is really easy, just Google my name. I am the top search result for me (Duuuurrrr!).

So, people couldn't find me, but somehow they knew they could try (and fail) via Facebook.  Occasionally they'd find my email address and invite me (hense the four invites I got).  My mother was on Facebook as were people I talked to regularly.  How bad could the kool-aid taste?

Now, a week or so later, I'm not really regretting the choice.  Heather held out about 4-5 days longer than me.  I'm up to 132 friends and that number might climb as high as 200 or so and then level off.  I've determined (for what THAT is worth) to limit my friending to people I have actually met in person or talked to online. Although for celebrities and groups that I "fan" I may make a few exceptions.

I still have folks welcoming me to Facebook a week later and have continued to find folks I had been meaning to hook up with.  So, once I got used to the texture, the Kool aid isn't so bad.

I may have to reconsider my stance on some other things... like iPhones.

C David Dent | Create Your Badge

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