Sorry if this isn't too topical for the list...

I don't know if anyone else on the list reads Hamasaki's DCY2K Weather report. It's interesting because it has a large company/large system perspective (Fortune 500) and says a lot about how their y2k world is going (and so goes ours).

Anyway, in the latest issue he makes an off-hand comment about 'tying a green ribbon' around your mailbox. This started me thinking, maybe us folks who have 'gotten it' about y2k and are taking measures could use this.

I mean, we've had red ribbons, yellow ribbons, purple ribbons, white ribbons, now why not green ?

Just a thought

-- ralph (freedom@gov.net), December 18, 1998

Answers

I feel the need to de-cloak and jump in here.

First, for the unimaginative flamers and the more gentle amongst us:

CAUTION, the following comments are 1. insenstive, 2. uncaring, about other humans 3. selfish, and 4. paranoid

The proposal to physically indicate in some fasion (ie green ribbon) that I am a GI and preparing strikes me as at least naive or at most downright foolish.

Proclaiming to the world that "Yes, I am preparing, I have food" is an open invitaion for trouble.

I heartily agree that we should, as civilized people, prepare to help others as much as out individual circumstances permit. And when the need arises we should be ready to help others as we can.

But to put out a signal to all (both civilized and uncivilized) is a sure invitation for trouble in the future.

Greybear

Set Cloaking On

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), December 18, 1998.

bad idea. That's about like putting a sign in your property saying, Gun Free Zone, No Firearms Allowed. You will surely get an unsavory visitor.

-- nine (nine_fingers@hotmail.com), December 18, 1998.

I pretty much thought the same thing, greybear. I've never been a fan of "Ribbon Culture" and I'm certainly not about to start in a way as to indicate that I am "more prepared than the average bear." IMHO, this is best left as an off-hand remark...

-- pshannon (pshannon@inch.com), December 18, 1998.

Concur.

-- Robert A. Cook, P.E. (Kennesaw GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), December 18, 1998.

Good responses all,

If you've done the work, spent your hard-earned $, and made your preparations, *you* should be the one to decide with whom you want to share your resources, not the guy who trolls around taking note of all the green ribbons in your area.

-- Elbow Grease (Elbow_Grease@AutoShop.com), December 18, 1998.

I take an opposite view of your interlocutors, ralph.

Hammy's idea of a green ribon is perfect, insofar as it is a way to build neighborhood awareness.

Now sure, at least 50% of your neighbors will think you are "wacko" or "bizzaro" when you explain your concern, they will think later to themselves -- "Hmmm, maybe he's right." I would guess that even if your neighbors don't go GI, at least they will store up a few cans, or something.

In passing, you should mention to your neighbors, I believe (for good measure), the possibility of WWIII -- as a means of diverting attention from y2k. This will not only get them stocking up food, but get them politically active.

The green ribbon is a win-win-win!

epigone

postscript: I should mention that Bagga is the reason for the season.

-- epigone (cc@caring.com), December 18, 1998.

ralph,

I had the same thought when I read Mr. Hamasaki's words.

I think this would work just because it is a personal choice. If you don't want to do it then you don't have to.

I say this is a great way to raise awareness and build community and neighborhood contingencies.

I say we should go for it.

Mike ==================================================================

-- Michael Taylor (mtdesign3@aol.com), December 18, 1998.

actually it would seem much more effective to have the DWGIs wear a ribbon - maybe something black with two big white zeros on it...it'd make talking to folks so much easier if one could spot the DWGIs in any given crowd, and simply avoid them.

Arlin

-- Arlin H. Adams (ahadams@ix.netcom.com), December 19, 1998.

I disagree with the ribbon idea. How about printed literature instead? In fact my y2k awareness was brought about by someone (unknown to me) in my rural 'neighborhood', placing printed literature from various sites on the web on the mailboxes on our road. Whether or not it bore fruit in my neighbors homes, I have no idea. But I do know that I have passed the word around, so I know there are several families in this area now who are quietly preparing. The person who left the warning probably has no idea how well his idea paid off. Just a thought!

Dian

-- dpitts (bdp@accessunited.com), December 20, 1998.

Hell yes its ribbon time. With caveats of course. We have over a year to create awareness so as to reduce panic. Wearing a green ribbon for say the first 6 months of 1999 is a modern identifiable, not to mention trendy way of waking up the masses and government. After six months if the ribbons and awareness is not all the rage, take it off and stopping talking about y2k and continue personal preparation. I would imagine that a ribbon would mark you as a target if a panic ensues. But so long as there is relatively little real awareness I say a ribbon is a rational way to attempt a last ditch effort to awaken our fellow Americans. I do think we as the aware ones owe our neighbor citizens this one last chance. I encourage all to get a ribbon and remember my caveat.

-- martyn collins (martyn_collins@hotmail.com), December 22, 1998.