I saw on Twitter some people expressing their disappointment at my wearing formal clothes for the launch keynote.  I feel it necessary to defend myself   Ok, not really, but there’s a funny story here.

I was packing to come to Seattle last week and it occurred to me that no one had said anything about dress code.  So, being me, I thought, hey, it’s a developer event – jeans and a decent shirt should be good.  The day after I got here I got an email on dress code – black slacks, grey shirt, etc. I replied saying – sorry, not sure I even own clothes like that but regardless, they are in North Carolina and I am here so I’ll be there in jeans and a blue shirt.

A couple of days went by and I got another email informing me that they needed my sizes because they were going shopping for me.  Honestly, I thought they were kidding.  But sure enough they were not.  So then I replied, this just show how little I’m known…  I couldn’t begin to tell you my clothing sizes.  All my clothes come from birthday and Christmas gifts (my mother in-law owns a clothing store).  I can’t remember the last time I bought anything other than shoes

After looping my wife in (which I admit with some embarrassment) they had my sizes and the next day they showed up with a selection of clothes for me to try on.  So, here I am, wearing clothes the event team bought for me.  They actually fit pretty well and are plenty comfortable but certainly wasn’t what I expected.

You know, the thought has occurred to me; am I expected to give the clothes back?  Quite honestly that would be OK with me because I’m not sure when I’ll wear them again

Anyway, that’s the story and I’m sticking to it.

Brian