If you did a poll with my immediate family they would tell you that I am the designated “Geek”. As such here are the phone calls I get. An unspecified Family member (the names shall remain anonymous to protect the innocent and keep from bruising someone’s ego) will call and the conversation always starts off like this; “Do you have a minute I have a quick question?”. Since I can’t say NO to anyone (according to my wife), what should have taken a few minutes usually ends up taking half of a day. My family knows me well and understands that if I have to come over to fix any electronic device that food and drink are required. Otherwise they know the alternative; calling a professional who charges $50 an hour. If they would calculate the value of what I consume in food and adult beverages, it would be cheaper to call a professional.

How does this relate to the holidays? Because I am the designated “Geek” it also indicates that I am the local “Consumer Reports” expert for electronic. So each Christmas I get the call from various family members and the conversation always starts off like this; “Do you have a minute I have a quick question? I was thinking about buying this for so and so for this price, what do you think? Is this a good deal? Is this a good brand?” If you have a designated “Geek” family or friend I know you have made this same phone call. I don’t mind answering the question when it comes to electronics because I know if I don’t steer them to the best product that I will be working on some inferior device. I just received an email prior to writing this asking about webcams so my sister-in-law can see her grand children. If you are the designated Geek embrace your place in the family and do the right thing, help your family find the best products or you will find yourself working on something you wouldn’t have recommended.

Don’t get me wrong, being the designated “Geek” has it benefits and I am just waiting for one of the young ones in the family to come along and try to remove my “Geek” status. It will happen I just not sure when…… Merry Christmas to all!