Where are all the programers and IT specialist in the discussions and forums. I would like to hear their opinions about this problem. Also, where are the people that are actually working on the Y2K projects in utility companies, backs, telecommunciations, ets. There are in the field and see what is happening. I would like to hear their opinions while I am preparing.

-- Linda Arnold (adahi@muhlon.com), November 03, 1998

Answers

Linda,

So would we all. I think there are a couple reasons we don't see them around:

1)Fear of people thinking what they are saying represents their company. Their only deffense to this is not list their company and that in turn makes people question if they are who they say they are.

2)It can get kind of rough around here, would you come in here if you were one of the frontline fighters?

3)Hopefully they are spending all their time on working on the problem.

Mind you, these are all just my opinion, but I had thought about this from time to time.

Rick

-- Rick Tansun (ricktansun@hotmail.com), November 03, 1998.

They're here, check the technical and utility forums, ask a technical question, look through the technical responses.

The problem itself (Y2K) isn't technically (even at the computer programming level) very challenging - it is rather tedious, nit-picking, laborous work that can actually be almost boring (inside the coding itself).

Terribly important, but equally boring. The challenge is, therefore, keeping one's interest up in soemthing other than typing letters in the machine, looking for more letters, typing in the routine, checking yourself, ......

So you (speaking generically here) have to realize WHY your doing it, what the bigger purpose in life is. Also, the biggest arguments (discussions) are about the impact of the problem - that's what's unknown and interesting to discuss about with soembody else.

Technical challenges of a different souce from Y2K programs abound in here: embedded chips, controllers, alternative power, utiltiy circuits, generators, pump power, solar energy, battery design, fireplace inserts, the right paint to use on a wood stove, how to use a rabbit for food, why cooking isn't important, you name it) are actually more important than how many letters did I type today in what computer language.

-- Robert A. Cook, P.E. (Kennesaw, GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), November 03, 1998.

Linda,

I, a long-time programmer who has worked on a Y2K project, have expressed a number of my opinions in this and other Y2K forums. Where it seemed desirable, I have mentioned relevant portions of my background. For samples of my opinions, check postings by "No Spam Please".

(FWIW, after posting under my real name and e-mail a few times, I began receiving obnoxious spam, so switched to a pseudonym.)

-- No Spam Please (anon@ymous.com), November 04, 1998.

NSP

I just give em logical replies. Drives em crazy. Then they let me alone. But I too work on Y2K projects and have no shyness about letting my opinion be known.

-- Paul Davis (davisp1953@yahoo.com), November 04, 1998.

I am a UNIX systems analyst and work for a govt agency associated with the intelligence community. I am fairly afraid of the backlash I might experience if I am publicly candid about my opinions and the Y2K aspect of my work. Do a web search on Project Eschelon and you will understand the need for concern.

-- a (a@a.a), November 04, 1998.

19981104

I sure wish engineers could spell. It would make life a lot easier. The word, UNIX-man, is Echelon. Try that search using -- N.S.A. Project Echelon Here's one site to start:

http://seasurf.com/~radioman/nsaec.html

Mark Scott, Detroit area talk radio host (WXYT-AM 1270) for decades, has never been shy about covering Project Echelon for years, now. This is nothing new. It's kind of spooky when the spooks are getting spooked! ... Paybacks are a *@&$(#*#^@#&, aren't they? ... ROFLMAO ...

Regards, Bob Mangus

-- Robert Mangus (rmangus@mail.netquest.com), November 04, 1998.

For what it's worth: I receive a lot of e-mail comments on my website (www.y2ksurvive.com) from programmers and systems analysts and other technical people. Nearly all of them are expecting severe y2k disruptions, many of them are thinking in worse terms. I've received only a small handful of comments from technical types who say not to worry.

-- cody varian (cody@y2ksurvive.com), November 05, 1998.

Yes, but if you explain the Diane scale to them they mostly come down on the side of a 4 or 5, not the end of the world. At least the guys I work with do.

-- Paul Davis (davisp1953@yahoo.com), November 05, 1998.

Hey Paul-are they planning on a new year's cruise also? just wondering...

-- a (a@a.a), November 05, 1998.

Like many others, I still lurk here and post from time to time. However, there are a few reasons I am not nearly as active as I once was:

1. I do have a life outside of Y2K. Since I am not expecting Y2K to require survival-level preparations and actions, I choose to continue living that life.

2. I grow weary of having my email box filled with "you are a ignorant simpleton who is going to die from starvation and/or exposure because you are too stupid to agree with me" messages. Others have mentioned this as being a problems as well.

3. The signal to noise ratio on this forum is getting pretty low. I spend more time on other Y2K boards and forums and less here than I once did.

-- Paul Neuhardt (neuhardt@ultranet.com), November 09, 1998.