Potlucks

Definition (thanks to Webster's):\Pot"luck`\, n.
Whatever may chance to be in the pot, or may be provided for
a meal.

In other words, a Planned potluck is not actually a potluck.

The reason this comes to my mind is that the folk at my job recently threw a potluck for a co-worker that was leaving. There was a sign-up sheet so that everyone could jot down what sort of edible crap they were going to supply; y'know...the Usual 'potluck' noshes...casseroles, pasta salads, cookies, jello, meatballs, et cetera.

My rule of thumb for 'potlucks' is:
'I'm not bringing anything...the fact that you HAD a job and were getting paid to do it and now are choosing to leave does not mean that a faux-feast should be in the offing to celebrate your damn departure.'

Like that.

However, I could REALLY get behind a potluck IF folk meant POTLUCK per its actual meaning (see above definition).

'Hey, Steve!!! We're throwing an impromptu potluck* for you! It just so happens that Marjorie, Ted and I had some leftovers in the company fridge and some other places and we figured that table scraps truly extol the qualities and work ethic you brought to our company during your many years toiling in your 'veal-fattening-pen.' Join us in the staff lounge for a half bag of Chee-tos, a plethora of hard candies, two day old Buffalo Wings from Swee' Earl's Pork Palace, carrot sticks and some other non-perishables confiscated from Husky Wally's 'Snack Cache.' We could even throw it in a big kettle and call it Booya if you prefer having it soup-ified.'

People gathering and eating whatever is on-hand...NOT prepared in advance.

Now that's a potluck.

After a few of this variety of potluck the practice would cease and--instead of a gaggle of co-workers standing around with steaming piles of fat on paperplates, gnawing and jawing--some actual work might get done.

I mean...that IS what were being paid for, yes?
T
(old curmudgeon)

*by definition ALL potlucks would be Impromptu.