Man's Interactive Christmas Lights Website Goes Bonkers
Posted: December 15, 2004 9:23 am
Colorado man spreads interactive Christmas cheer
Lafayette, Colorado
After festooning his house with 17 000 Christmas lights, Alex Komarnitsky wanted more than just passers-by to enjoy the spectacle.
He got his holiday wish.
His interactive website, which allows internet users to turn the lights on and off with the click of a mouse, is attracting thousands.
"It's out of control," Komarnitsky said.
Another website recently alerted users to his interactive page.
"It said, 'This guy's website is funny. Turn the lights on and off and annoy the neighbours.'"
This month alone, more than 1,3-million internet browsers -- including about 38 000 from a German domain, more than 2 400 from a French domain and nearly 1 000 from a domain in Singapore -- have visited the site.
By Monday evening, 31 483 people had tinkered with the lights.
Traci Keller, who lives across the street, said she likes the production.
"I just think he has a lot of Christmas spirit," said Keller (40). "He is entertaining."
The family's displays went online beginning in 2000, when Komarnitsky strung 12 000 lights. He added the interactive feature last year. He said he turns on the display for five to six hours a night, and his December electric bill typically reaches $150 (about R860).
"The electric meter really spins," he said. "I've gotten a little carried away." -- Sapa-AP
http://www.komar.org/xmas
Lafayette, Colorado
After festooning his house with 17 000 Christmas lights, Alex Komarnitsky wanted more than just passers-by to enjoy the spectacle.
He got his holiday wish.
His interactive website, which allows internet users to turn the lights on and off with the click of a mouse, is attracting thousands.
"It's out of control," Komarnitsky said.
Another website recently alerted users to his interactive page.
"It said, 'This guy's website is funny. Turn the lights on and off and annoy the neighbours.'"
This month alone, more than 1,3-million internet browsers -- including about 38 000 from a German domain, more than 2 400 from a French domain and nearly 1 000 from a domain in Singapore -- have visited the site.
By Monday evening, 31 483 people had tinkered with the lights.
Traci Keller, who lives across the street, said she likes the production.
"I just think he has a lot of Christmas spirit," said Keller (40). "He is entertaining."
The family's displays went online beginning in 2000, when Komarnitsky strung 12 000 lights. He added the interactive feature last year. He said he turns on the display for five to six hours a night, and his December electric bill typically reaches $150 (about R860).
"The electric meter really spins," he said. "I've gotten a little carried away." -- Sapa-AP
http://www.komar.org/xmas
