I use to laugh about the life of a computer nerd.  No one (in the early days) wanted to invite us to parties as we were too nerdy.  And we talked about esoteric things that no one understood.

But that has changed.  The change started in the 20th century and has only accelerated in the 21st century.  Now, we are revered like the doctors of the 19th century!  Miracle men!  And with the reveration, has come the penalty.

We have all heard of the joke about the blond being introduced to Dr. Smith. "Doctor, I have this funny little pain in my side." Dr: "I am a doctor of Philosophy". Blond: "Oh, what part of the body is that?".

But Doctors have always had to deal with people seeking advice at parties and other social occasions.  Now with HMOs and Universal health Care, that does not happen as much but still does.

But the Computer Doctor!  Ah!  The computer doctor!  yes, we are the Doctors of the 21st century!  For now in all social occasions (and we are welcomed now!), once the others learn who you are, the invariable question is: "Doctor, my computer has this funny little quirk.....".

Yes, we no longer are asked about politics, religion, home life, or the latest fad.  Not, we are called upon to diagnose (sometimes) imaginary problems from a description from a novice who knows as much about documentation as they do pharmacy.  yet they still come and expect us to give them the magic answer to their real or imaginary problems.

Computer Doctors are the Doctors of the 21st century.  Not only at social events, but at all hours of the day and night.  I cannot tell you how many late night calls I have gotten from friends and relatives who have a problem and expect me to provide a fix with the sketchiest of information, and often incorrect information.

And woe be unto us if we do not have a ready answer available, or even the dreaded "I don't know" answer.  No, we MUST know the answer!

Even if it has nothing to do with our specialty.  For like medical doctors, we are not omniscience when it comes the the software and hardware, yet we are expected to be.  And like veterinarians, our patients cannot speak for themselves, but through a bad interpreter (of course they can if the patient is there, but all too often, the patient is far away, and the speaker is totally unfamiliar with how a computer works.

So I ask you, no Beg you!  The next time you are planning that party and considering inviting Charles Poindexter Upton, do so because he is a nice guy, and not because you need computer help!  For we have lives outside of our vocation as well, and sometimes a party is just a party, and not a networking opportunity.