Steemians!

Looks like I've ended up at your doorstep. Greetings. I had one hell of a time getting in. My first account sailed into oblivion, and I am only here because my better half won a contest and had enough steem to buy me in!

What brought me here?

Beyond the constant stream of "this is so cool" emanating from the other end of the cabin, I've been on the lookout for a decent web community. Obviously, it's nasty out there .. the greater Internet is pretty bad these days. Rife with censorship, over-moderated, dumbed down, owned by cowardly peeping-tom corporations: it's all such a disaster. There are some places left, but they are more akin to hole-in-the-wall barbarian outposts or underground speakeasies, not quite right for larger audiences.

Why Steemit?

Decentralized, blockchain based tools and communities are highly compelling on any number of levels. The ramifications of blockchain technology are just off the charts. I sincerely look forward to participating in the community and contributing to its ongoing evolution. Exciting stuff!

What can I offer the community?

I would say the most critical thing is sheer, unadulterated intelligence, followed closely by a quiet, unassuming modesty. Some say that my dry wit is more compelling than my modesty but I tell them they don't know what they're talking about. I'm into philosophy, computers and computer security, programming, freedom, tube stereos, conspiracies, ancient knowledge and diesel generators. I play a black and white telecaster. I drink Parsnip wine. I play the king's gambit: on the board and in life.

Who am I?

Well that's a hell of a hard question, isn't it. A Gen X seeker? Techno-curmudgeon? I used to wear a suit and lead a crazy busy life. Now I wear authentically ripped jeans, grow my own food, and mess around on the Internet all day. I like to write about open source software, and why people really should be using it. I am a big proponent of OpenBSD, which is similar to Linux but more tailored towards people with good taste.

Beyond technology, I enjoy writing about the philosophy of everyday living. I look for lessons in things, and try to pass on the ones that matter. Having raised my own meat, for example, I have an altered view on commercially buying it. Living off-grid and producing much of my own food, I understand energy consumption, and consumerism. Standing apart from the crowd, by choice, I can provide an outside perspective.

Conclusion

The dance between how I think I (we) should live, and how I (we) DO live, has always been fascinating to me. I hope to share some of my thoughts on the matter with you, conjecture, contradiction and all. I also hope to learn from you, and your life experiences. Perhaps you can actually help me answer some of the questions that have long plagued my existence. Where did we come from? What is the purpose of life? What is the DEAL with Java syntax?

Thank you for reading, Steemians. Be well, and good luck in your journeys.