Because I knew Red Hat Linux and had a relationship as a client to a web host, I was able to finagle a part-time job, with Lazy Lizard Internet in New York when I was young. Back then, a ‘mom and pop’ could still be a valued service provider for such things as hosting. I was pleased to be entrusted by Jonathan, the owner, to provide customer support and keep the machines running.
It wasn’t a high-paying job, but I knew it would keep me sharp with server technology and could lead to some work. It did. I completed a shopping cart program I’d been building (The SmartSeller) and licensed it to Lazy Lizard. I also built some sites and back-end services for some clients, such as the great American blues musician Ronnie Peterson (who lived in Israel).
Most of the tech support was via email, which led in some cases to extended or numerous threads, and with it, familiarity. As a comedy fan, I was smitten to ‘chat’ with Louis C.K. He was an innovative website user, deploying much media (video) and maintaining a lively, popular message board. I admired what he did. (this story does not touch on the later revelation of transgressions of his that harmed some women).
What I did that I realized only later was wrong, was inviting him to a comedy show where I was to perform. He politely begged off due to another engagement. I did only ask the one time. But still, it was wrong of me to cross that line. I only came to see it as wrong on my part after self-reflection.
What do you think? (notwithstanding his pushing the bounds of proper behavior in regards to his transgressions). Was it okay for me to ask Louis C.K. to see my show, while chatting with him about his business with my employer?