First off, let me say thank you to everyone who has posted in response to my post a few weeks ago. Whether it was due to my post or not, there has been a significant increase in the participation of the website and I LOVE it! I especially like the posts on the front page by first time posters. Good work. So, as promised I am going to start making weekly posts... with a couple of rules.
1) I am going to try to focus on HOBO Happenings and things that are important to HOBO, but I will pretty much post whatever I feel like. I promise that I will eventually tackle some of the history of HOBO, definitions of HOBO rules and ideals, and an explanation of certain HOBO terms and idiosyncrasies.
2) I will never apologize for missing a post. I hate when people do that. I guarantee that I will miss some posts, but hey… shit happens.
3) I will try to make my posts on Thursday nights. I was going to make this post last night but I wanted to give Giles’s post ample time at the top of the front page. So if anyone else is looking to make regular posts, I already have dibs on Thursdays.

So this week, in response to Show’s post, I will take on a topic that I’ve been meaning to tackle for awhile: A brief summary and definition of HOBO.

What is HOBO?

HOBO is a social fraternity of like-minded individuals with an affinity for mustaches, sports, drinking, food, getting dumb, the Fourth, social interaction, nicknames, and a variety of games (video, board, card, dice, drinking, playground). Though it is primarily a fraternal order HOBO is NOT about exclusion but rather inclusion. HOBO ideals are rooted in non-discrimination, spontaneity, individuality, and humor. The order itself is, in practice, a means for developing and maintaining our friendships while honoring the brotherhood.

The primary goal of HOBO is to maintain the brotherhood. HOBO has realized that as we get older and move in different directions, it is more important that we keep in contact and continue to keep each other involved and interested in the order. HOBO believes that the best way to maintain the brotherhood is to make our own fun. The cultivation of our own brand of fun is central to the brotherhood and allows us to become an autonomous unit of fun and not rely on outside help. This is achieved through a number of methods that HOBO employs, such as holding events and parties (Gregapalooza, Inebriation Celebration), displays of solidarity (growing mustaches, matching t-shirts), and sporting contests (The Main Event, Hobowl, HOBOlympics). HOBO is committed to including as many people in the events as possible and all events are open to whoever is willing to join in the fun and get dumb.

The HOBO members themselves are expected to live up to certain expectations applied by the brotherhood as a whole. These expectations are really just geared towards participation, inclusion and having fun. Brothers are also expected to look out for one another and never leave a HOBO behind. Each HOBO is endowed with a unique super-power, a role, and a HOBO nickname (sometimes many). The individuality of the members is HOBO's strength. HOBO forms like Voltron with each member bringing something special to the table. In addition to the brotherhood, HOBO maintains a group known as "The Friend's of HOBO", who are people that are interested in participating, helping, and supporting HOBO events while not actually taking an oath to the order itself. The Friends of HOBO are also given a HOBO nickname.

Though HOBO refers to itself as an organization there is no rigid internal structure or official positions held. The Original Four, referring to the four founding fathers that organized HOBO in May of 2003, hold ultimate decision-making powers but no specific rules of order are maintained. Although there are no ranks in HOBO, it does maintain an informal mentor-apprentice program. Any prospective new member must first complete an apprenticeship under a current member as their mentor, culminating on the night of the Fourth with the induction of new members. Although, all current HOBO members are male, there are no rules that discriminate against anyone from joining the ranks.

The 4th of July, or "The Fourth", is the most celebrated time of the year for HOBO. The Fourth celebration is typically 4-5 days of HOBO events and drinking. Originally the celebration was primarily concerned with completing and winning as many Poker Runs as possible. In recent years the festivities have grown to a broader range of activities at the sacrifice of decreased number of Poker Runs. However, the Poker Run is still the central attraction of the HOBO Fourth, and HOBO maintains an impressive winning percentage.

The "Hobos Walk" slogan has evolved overtime to become the mantra of Hobodom. This phrase derives from the HOBO dislike of driving to anywhere that is unnecessary, especially if drinking has occurred or will occur. Instead of concentrating on the inconvenience of walking, HOBO makes it a point of pride and enjoys satisfaction they get from walking. Depending on the context, "Hobos Walk" can refer to a strength of will, determination, and perseverance to handle an undesirable task.

The "Hobos = Key" slogan originally referred to a pre-HOBO plan to dominate the world. It too has evolved in meaning to refer to the ability of HOBOs to come up big in clutch situations. HOBOs innate ability to come-through at a time that it is most needed is part of the charm that make HOBOs desirable.

The future plans of HOBO are aimed at broadening the scope and quantity of HOBO events and increasing the number of HOBOs and Friends of HOBO. HOBO also aspires to take a limited community service role with the goal of spreading the HOBO word and reaching out to a grander audience.