I guess this is one of those “I read it for the articles” moments:

You don’t need an invite to meet the world’s most fascinating men because the world’s most fascinating men want to meet you. That is, after all, how you become fascinating in the first place – by going out into the world fearlessly, living life completely, and meeting lots of people. You can find these men in a mountain monastery, on the Brazilian docks, at a D.C. bar, and in a haunted house. When they talk, you should listen.

Actually, the article makes for some pretty interesting reading, and while it’s a little jarring to see Richard Garriott listed just above the Dalai Lama (yes, really), it’s certainly difficult to argue with the reasoning of the Maxim staff as to why the man himself is so darn interesting:

Richard Garriott de Cayeux

Why You Want to Meet Him: When Richard Garriott (who changed his name after getting married) was in high school, he spent a six weeks programming a video game named Akalabeth in his closet and wound up making $150,000, more than his astronaut father was making annually. He was so distracted by his project that he flunked a programming class. He was, in short, a natural, but he grew into a man with a lot of interests. Garriott made millions building and selling computer games – notably Ultima – during the late eighties and nineties and then started spending the money on his hobbies. He built an Elizabethan theater in the back yard of his home. He turned that home into the most technically complicated haunted house in the world. He visited the International Space Station as a guest. He amassed one of the foremost collections of magician’s paraphernalia. Garriott de Cayeux became, in short, the eccentric millionaire par excellence.

How to Meet Him: Garriott de Cayeux has a bit of Jay Gatsby in him and loves nothing more than to host massive parties. Getting an invite to one of these “interactive soirees” can be a bit tough if you’re not well known around Austin, but you can always take in a play at the Curtain Theatre on his estate. He frequently attends productions and is known for being an amiable host.

Another way to meet him: pledge at least $5,300 to Shroud of the Avatar, thus earning yourself a spot at two “V.I.P. Round-Table” design sessions.

Which, if you think about it, is probably a cheaper alternative than becoming well known around Austin somehow.