A-List or THE List

When was the last time you were invited to the Party? I don't mean a Party -- I mean the Party.

Semantics?

I don't think so...

We all know a party -- promoted, teased, marketed -- the idea being make the invitation seem exclusive and cool and then pack it full of people who really believe it is exclusive and cool. Give some people credentials to wear around their necks -- much like some wear lots of keys dangling from their belts -- and make those credentialed people with the dangling cards ultra-exclusive and cool -- and, yes, of course there is a sponsor -- some close, intimate friend of yours who is creating an experience -- a close, intimate friend like a vodka brand or a beer. And you die to get invited...

Then there is the party. A family function, a good friend's wedding, a baby naming or just a summer outing. Frankly, this is the truly exclusive affair. It is the one where the entire Facebook database is not invited; it is the one where true membership is earned and not bought; it is the one where you belong because of who you are and your real-life relationship to the hosts.

At the party, you don't need creds -- you are way too important than that; you don't have to create experiences -- they exist and are deep and bottom line -- it is the one where you are always welcome -- assuming you haven't committed heinous crimes against humanity.

So in a world where the next trend is smaller, more exclusive networks; in a world where we obsess over how to get in and don't want to be left out; in a world where the need for monetization has put your personal data at risk and constantly interrupts your activity with mostly irrelevant messages...

In a world like that, let us celebrate the party -- the one place where they always know your name (thank you, Cheers...); the sure place where you are who you are and the only interruptions will be from Aunt Sally who wants to know why you aren't in touch.

And if you haven't been to the party in a while, make one.. and see just how exclusive you really are!

And remember, if you are at a party, you always run this risk. Listen:

"Going so soon? I wouldn't hear of it. Why my little party's just beginning." - Wicked Witch of the West

Or worse:

"Really, nobody was there?" I asked.
"Well, nobody important," he said, putting his glasses back on and blinking." - Daniel Amory

Written with love and respect for my dear friend Sam who has inspired many of my Rambles and no doubt many more in the future.

What do you think?