Gray's Matter | Just when you thought the development industry couldn't be taken *less* seriously

<< WebForms: The Whining Continues | A short list of things that will change forever as of July 13, 2009 >>

Just when you thought the development industry couldn't be taken *less* seriously

May 27

by Justice~! Technical

Footage of the *secret* first meeting of the Sharepoint Knights

I had some spare time tonight and against my better instincts I decided to read some technical blogs. It turned out to be quite a historic night for two reasons:
a) I was introduced to the concept of something called "The Sharepoint Knights".
b) It marked one of the only times in my life that I wished I was functionally illiterate.

Sharp observers will realize that these two reasons are (like 75% of the married couples in Winnipeg, MB) strongly related.

Some of the ways *you* can be under consideration for membership in the Sharepoint Knights include:

User Group Management
Conference Speaking
Getting Regularly Beaten For Lunch Money
Never Having Intimate Relations With Another Human Being

I know a lot of you out there have leaned over to your cube-mate to excitedly proclaim, "Hey, I think I qualify on all four of these!!" and are anxious to hear a little more about this undoubtedly prestiguous group. Here's some notes from the initial announcement:

"Some might compare it to the MVP program, but it's much more behind the scenes. It isn't used to promote your skills more than it is to help share information amongst the group and to help each other and the community. The SharePoint knights do recognize each other for their skills and boost each other up. The knights are made up of Devs, IT, and PM and Business Analysts. Male and Female alike as in the Jedi Knights."

I'm glad this was laid out for me, because I know that when *I* am trying to determine if a group is an elite representation of industry professionals, I *immediately* ask, "Do they compare themselves to concepts in STAR WARS???"

But don't worry, it gets better. Way better!! Apparently if *you* become a Sharepoint Knight you will also receive "An unique ranking Knight icon to put on your business card, blog, site that sets you apart as a Knight who provides a service of SharePoint chivalry". Sharepoint chivalry. Seriously. Can you imagine explaining this icon to a business client over the age of 12 without them laughing you out of the office?

I have heard some rumors that the next Sharepoint Knights summit will figure 20-sided die rolls for that coveted Charisma+3 bonus. Unfortunately, I will probably never know for sure because I am not and never will be a Sharepoint knight. Yes, let's be open here - by virtue of:

this post
not having a life-sized replica suit of armor at home
having hobbies involving the outdoors

I am disqualified from contention. It's entirely possible that if *you* have ever kissed someone with tongue, *you* can't be a part of the Sharepoint knights either. I know, I know, "Justice, if I can't be part of the Sharepoint Knights, how will I ever have a chance to be part of a group of pasty middle-aged geeks shunned and feared by regular looking people of society?" and to that my friends, I can only say that the Microsoft MVP program brings in new people twice a year, so there's still hope!! Keep chasing that dream!!

Comments

#1 Martin Cron on 5/27/2009 3:17:34 AM

You forgot to look on the bright side. There were no (to my knowledge) slides with pictures of porn stars. That's got to count for something.

#2 Justice~! on 5/27/2009 3:22:29 AM

Martin, don't get me started on that one...I *so* resisted writing a post that day...=)

#3 Andrew on 5/27/2009 3:27:36 AM

I was on a Alt .NET mailing list and they were discussing mentoring and wanted to make a Jedi/Padawan relationship mentoring scheme, and call the two levels Jedi and Padawan.

I politely told them it was retarded <-- by not using the word retarded.

But they kept going back to it.

Seriously, Jedi's are awesome and all, but I stopped pretending I was one in Primary school.

That and what developer ever wants to be called "padawan"?

#4 Justice~! on 5/27/2009 3:34:06 AM

*Seriously*, why do you people tell me these things?

ALT.NET wants to call the two levels Jedi and Padawan? And people thought this was a great idea?!?! This was the group and the practices that would "legitimize" the industry!?!? =)

#5 Mrs Loquacious on 5/27/2009 3:51:45 AM

And you wonder why the rest of the world considers developers to be a bunch of basement-dwelling, overweight geeks! No wonder you don't want to consider yourself as part of this industry!

That said, I thought Yoda was rad. ;)

#6 Justice~! on 5/27/2009 3:54:44 AM

Come on there honey, those comments about ALT.NET are unfair. Who wouldn't want to be part of a group that is "bound by a desire to improve ourselves, challenge assumptions, and help each other practice their lightsaber swinging?" ;)

#7 5x1llz on 6/2/2009 9:55:14 PM

I should feel guilty posting this but I've often wondered about this myself and almost blogged about it.. but you have to be so careful..

It's weird how people who liken themselves or draw parallels between their skills to the supernatural powers of fictional characters take themselves so seriously

I've heard every form of self-aggrandizing everything from Yoda to Animals/Beasts to Jedi's and Samurai's... LOL

I was going to call the post.. "what's beyond "Senior" developer.. jedi?" Any minute now and we'll start seeing job posts for all sorts of cultural references only geeks with posters of luke skywalker on their wall would get. I always thought I was the only one who didn't get it!

All I want are cute shoes and some useful skills, I don't need to become a supreme being to code... or do I?

#8 Gray's Matter on 7/17/2009 10:48:51 AM

Metro Like Me: Your Guide to Legitimate Metrosexuality - Introduction and Apology

Metro Like Me: Your Guide to Legitimate Metrosexuality - Introduction and Apology

Add comment

If you're going to leave a comment, please use your real name rather than a business name; otherwise it'll likely get blocked by my spam filter (or in the rare case it gets through, deleted by me manually). Thanks!