Velvet rope

I hate velvet ropes. I hate places with velvet ropes. I always feel inadequate passing by some place using a velvet rope to keep (most) people out. I like a place--bar, jazz club, whatever--where I can go in, sit, have a drink, or a coffee, with no drama. Simple, elegant.

I've been waiting for months for an invitation to Joost. It's an internet TV application that has a ton of free programs. They've been quite parsimonious with the invites--at first blush, to keep out the rabble. But it's likely it was to make sure their servers were ready for the pounding they'd take today, when they opened the doors to everyone. It was worth the wait (CSI!), despite those damn ropes.