None of us here at CodeBetter could
make it to the PDC this year, and it occurred to me that we needed
to call in a heavy hitter. Someone who was already there, and may
be inclined to do some blogging for us. As luck would have it, I
got an IM from none other than DonXML saying
that he was at the PDC. I got the courage up to ask him to blog
for us for the week. The conversation went something like this.
ME:
Don, I have a favor to ask. We need you to blog the PDC for CodeBetter.Com
DON XML:
We've known each other many years, but this is the first time you
came to me for counsel, for help. I can't remember the last time
that you invited me to your house for a cup of coffee, even
though my wife is godmother to your only child. But let's be frank
here: you never wanted my friendship. And uh, you were afraid to
be in my debt.
ME:
I didn't want to get into trouble.
DON XML:
I understand. You found paradise in America, had a good trade, made
a good living. The police protected you; and there were courts of
law. And you didn't need a friend of me. But uh, now you come to me and
you say -- "Don XML give me blogging." -- But you don't ask with
respect. You don't offer friendship. You don't even think to call me
Godfather. Instead, you come into my chatroom on the day of the
start of PDC, and you uh ask me to blog, for no money?
ME:
I ask you for justice.
DON XML:
That is not justice; your blog is still alive.
ME:
Then they can suffer then, as my blog suffers. How much shall I pay you?
DON XML (stands, turning his back toward Brendan):
Brendan.. Brendan... What have I ever done to make you treat me so
disrespectfully? Had you come to me in friendship, then I would
be blogging this very day. And that by chance if an honest man
such as yourself should make enemies, then they would become my
enemies. And then they would fear you.
ME:
Be my friend --
(then, after bowing and the Don shrugs)
-- Godfather?
DON XML (after I kiss his hand) :
Good.
(then)
Some day, and that day may never come, I'll call upon you to do a
service for me. But uh, until that day -- accept this blogging as
a gift on the start of PDC....
ME (as I leave the chatroom) :
Grazie, Godfather.
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