Tony’s pictures from RockCamp sent me down a peculiar line of thought.

My generation, Gen-X is the first generation to grow up on rock ‘n roll. We are also the first generation to maintain our attachment to rock music well into adult life. To this day, my heroes are musicians.

I may be an extreme example… but maybe not. When I tell this story to others my age I get at least one knowing nod out of any group.

As hard as it may be to believe at first, this generational attitude is going to have impact in the business world.

As the Boomers retire, there’s a tacit assumption and expectation that the Gen-X’rs that step up to take their place will continue business as usual; and that Gen-Y and the Millennials will eventually fall in line once their youthful optimism is crushed by the machine.

The X in Gen-X has been said to stand for many things. It’s the symbol for the unknown quantity. Boomers want to drive a Suburban and to own a house in the suburbs. But what do Gen-X’rs want? Boomers want a job for life and benefits. But what do Gen-X’rs want?

The unknown quantity, the X, is the weak link in the chain of the status quo. Gen-X’rs are where the old school ends. We were raised and trained to play the game but in our heart we want to be rock stars.

You can see this schism in discussions on issues like downloading music and the fate of the record companies. I say, sell me the songs I want to buy (and let me download them) and who cares (about the record companies).

I also see this reflected in my professional life, in the differences between me and my (older) advisers on issues like compensation and option grants for employees.

Viva la Radiohead.

- Bandit