Lotus Geek :: I have a new look for 2010...

I forgot to mention earlier this week that I have unveiled my "new look" while here at Lotusphere 2010. As I mentioned last month I have believed for some time that my hair had receded enough to warrant a change in my look, because I am not one of those who would try to hide the balding head I have so richly earned. I took the suggestions made by you to heart, along with my family, and decided on what had humorously become known as "Malkovich #2" (from the earlier post) - a short crop along with a beard. Well, without further delay, here is my new look as unveiled this week:

Rock's new look

I must say that the response to my new look has been one of shock and surprise (and a lack of recognition!), but overall it has been overwhelmingly positive. The sentence I have heard most often this week is "Geesh, I hardly recognize you!!" Pretty much everyone has told me that they really, really like the new look; in fact the only negative comment (although I don't view it as negative) is that I now "look my age" or I "look older". That's ok - I am older. The response has been such that I truly believe that if I were taller people would not have recognized me at all. What do I mean by that? Well, when people see me that have told me that thought, "that looks kinda like Rocky...", so they've been iffy on if it is me or not. BUT, when you add in my height, then it tips the scales towards "OK, it must be Rocky" because there just aren't that many people my height. So, if I were average height - say 5'9" (1.75m) - then people would error on the side of caution and would not approach me; but since I'm a short guy, it must be me, and they approach me to find out.

Overall it has been great fun watching people's reactions this week to my new look. I think that people truly like it, and more importantly, I really do as well. So, get used to it, folks - this is the way I'll be looking from now on (except I'll continue to trend towards older and uglier ). And if you're here at Lotusphere, please come up to me and let me know what you honestly think of the new look; and if you're not here, let me know here what you think via a comment. Either way, your opinion is greatly appreciated.

Rock

Comments

1 - I admit - I did a double-take too!

But - and heres the important thing - we dont care what you look like. Its *how* you feel, and to see you smiling that trademark smile again is fantastic.

---* Bill

Posted by Bill At 05:46:21 PM On 01/20/2010 | - Website - |

2 - I would have definitely walked right by you. Good for you though. Sending you happy thoughts. Emoticon

Posted by Amygeek At 06:51:40 PM On 01/20/2010 | - Website - |

3 - It's a bit unconventional, but you could see it as a futuristic approach too :)
I would fit perfectly in some sci-fi space series.

Posted by Mika Heinonen At 07:40:38 PM On 01/20/2010 | - Website - |

4 - I like it! I used to have a beard, but it went white like yours. I shaved it off and vowed not to grow it back until the top of my head matched it. Emoticon

Posted by Adam Slagle At 07:41:52 AM On 01/21/2010 | - Website - |

5 - Thanks everyone for your kind comments. I am very happy with my "geek makeover", and am proud to show my "badges of wisdom", i.e. omy receding hairline and my greying beard.

Cheers!

--Rock

Posted by Rock At 08:26:43 AM On 01/21/2010 | - Website - |

6 - Hey, as long as you and your wife are happy with it, it doesn't matter what a bunch of geeks think Emoticon

Personally, I wish I had your contentment. I am fighting aging with everything I've got, kicking and screaming. I've already had an eye-lift and wouldn't think twice about getting plugs on the crown or even lypo on the gut if I felt like it would make me younger looking. The business world just isn't kind to old <looking> IT guys...so anything I can do to keep myself competitive is fair game. Emoticon