OK, I admit I’m not constantly immersed in tech news when I’m not sub-hosting the Tech Report. But having just jumped back in on the verge of February 14, I can’t help but notice that Valentines Day seems especially huge in the… let’s say, “tech” community.
I had a bit of drive the other night, so I caught up on the latest This Week in Tech podcast, a solid chunk of which was devoted to a sponsorship deal with online jeweler Ice.com — making the hard sell to members of the audience who might be romantically challenged and stumped about what to get that special someone. A jeweler sponsoring a tech podcast, hyping a 30%-off V-Day discount… I know — that seems odd. But think about it a bit, and it’s brilliant: this crowd can probably use the extra help, and this week the pressure’s really on. Just click-and-buy — hey, us computer-folk can handle that!
ThinkGeek has a lovely V-Day section broken out. Then there’s this timely video from CNET, “Create a Geek’s Dream Date,” featuring a light-saber candle-holder, and tips for how to use Groupon or your iPhone apps to score a last-minute table.
CNET’s also featuring this awesome post on five DIY V-Day gifts that a geek might love to get — but crucially only a geek can really give. And let’s face it: only a geek would be seeking Valentines Day ideas on CNET in the first place.
It makes sense, and I mean this with no disrespect: the tech-savvy among us are also likely to be among the romantically awkward. (Until I got married, I was not exactly a Ladies’ Man. Wait, that didn’t come out right…) Anyway, Valentines Day is the one day of year that forces romanticism upon us — What are you going to give her? You’re going to take her out, aren’t you? Better find a good way to express your feelings.
In times like this, naturally, the nerd/geek/tech community bands together, offering mutual support (and 30 percent discounts) to make it through one of the more challenging holidays.
So go ahead, spring for that 8-Bit Flower Bouquet. She deserves it.
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