"This forum is intended for people who are concerned about the impact of the Y2000 problem on their personal lives, and who want to discuss various fallback contingency plans with other like-minded people. It's not intended to provide advice/guidance for solving Y2000 problems within an IT organization."

I don't think anyone will argue the fact that the news items posted by Diane, Kevin, pshannon and others here are part of our mission. Any information about Y2K could have a direct impact on our "personal lives". What I need your help with is the "Don't Get It" issue. Won't the DGI have a direct impact on our personal lives?

I learned something today. I learned the difference between a DGI and a TROLL. I agree that wasting time on a TROLL is just that, a waste of valuable time, energy and bandwidth. But what about a DGI? I posted this earlier today:

"But isn't that part of our job, to make people GET IT? ... But I think many sceptics may be on the edge, and if we show them the real facts they may come around. Why else would they be here? The more people that are prepared, the better off we all will be. We offer each other help here countless times every day. Shouldn't we try and do the same for those that aren't part of the club yet?"

Am I wrong? I've grown to trust the opinion of most of the regulars here, and I need your opinion now. Should I stop wasting time trying to enlighten the DGI? <:)=

-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), March 13, 1999

Answers

Trying to convince the DGI is ok. But if they fight you tooth and nail like Vinnie, hey, forget it! Don't waste your time! Use your precious time more wisely and use it to prepare for Y2K! Vinnie will be in a body bag in a year! You can count on it!!!

-- Freddie the Freeloader (freddie@aol.com), March 13, 1999.

Look,, it's like casting your pearls before the Swine.(like I was a bible thumper). But in a real situation, YES, YES, make the converts. That way they will shoot the other DGI's after the event and you won't have to.

-- nine (nine_fingers@hotmail.com), March 13, 1999.

Vinnie is NOT fighting you tooth and nail silly - he is trying to inject some REASON into this forum (why he is wasting time, energy and bandwith I have no idea).

WAKE UP!

-- Mudhead (mud@head.com), March 13, 1999.

Sysman,

You can only rarely change the mind of a DGI. What you CAN do though is plant a seed. Berries can't be picked until they're ripe.

There are several people I know, friends and family, who now accept the fact that Y2K could cause major disruptions. None of these people believed me the first day I told them. None believed it during the first month after I told them. They had to hear the news from multiple sources before they started to take the matter seriously.

What I did was bring the issue to their attention. After that, whenever they heard something on the news about Y2K, they paid attention instead of letting it go in one ear and out the other. They thought the problem was being taken care of, but then they kept hearing about Y2K more and more on the news as time went on...

One other point: there are "DGI's" (Don't-Get-Its) and "DWGI's" (Don't-Want-To-Get-Its). A "DGI" is someone who says things like "I'm sure they'll take care of it in time" or "I think you're worrying too much about this."

A "DWGI", though, is someone who has given a certain amount of thought to Y2K, but holds an opinion such as "It's all just a money- making scam" or "Your personal preparation is going to cause a panic."

Start slowly and calmly when you talk to DGI's, and don't expect results within the first few weeks. As far as DWGI's...ignore 'em! DWGI's know the facts but interpret them differently.

Hope this helps.

-- Kevin (mixesmusic@worldnet.att.net), March 13, 1999.

Excellent question, Sysman, as usual.

Kevin's response is right on the money: "planting seeds" and allowing them to grow is a useful, realistic context for discussions with DGI's.

It IS important to engage in the discussion. When you share the information and the perspective you have it hastens the day when the DGI reaches the critical mass of awareness that shifts him into the realm of Possibility.

Once there, actions like preparation and contingency planning become logical.

-- Sara Nealy (keithn@ptd.net), March 13, 1999.

And don't forget to slap the trolls,,,they want it ,,,they need it, and who knows,,they might end up killin' someone.

Keep on keepin' on, sysman.

-- CT (ct@no.yr), March 13, 1999.

The purpose of this forum... well for me (a regular lurker) it helps keep me focused on the enormous challenge of preparing: mental and material preparation. I think that if it weren't for my two small children who trust that I will keep them safe, warm, and fed, I would have stuck my head in the sand and pooh-poohed all this y2k stuff. It's just so overwhelming. It takes so much energy to try to lead a normal life AND make preparations. And then there is the financial burden... But with the knowledge that I've gained about the whole issue (many thanks to some of you regulars), there is no way that I would not prepare to the best of my ability, for the sake of my children. So to answer your question, the purpose of this forum (to me) is to help eachother stay on top of the current info, and provide a place to ask questions and exchange ideas and insights. It constantly reminds me why I'm doing this wacko preparation stuff. I've always been a "Doubting Thomas" type, but my gut feeling about y2k tells me to get ready. I don't think you are wasting your time with the DGIs. But like you said, if they are reading this, then they are beginning to investigate the issue. They won't be DGIs for long-- they'll either become GIs, or DWGIs because they just won't be able to deal with accepting y2k for what it could very well be.

-- Suzie-Q (Suzie@Q.com), March 13, 1999.

Sysman,

This article by Jim Lord of Westergaard 2000 says it all...

http://www.y2ktimebomb.com/Tip/Lord/lord9842.htm

How to Deal With Y2K Non-Believers

By Jim Lord

October 19, 1998

You've read everything you could find about the Year 2000 Computer Crisis. Your day starts with Gary North. Hamasaki, deJager and Westergaard are your constant companions. You have a notebook full of Y2K articles. You're a true believer and, like most converts, you're possessed with a passionate desire to carry this new "message" to others.

That's when the frustration sets in because you can't get them to listen when you warn them about the impending disaster. This includes your neighbors, your coworkers and your closest friends. Your family won't even pay attention _ not even your mom. Worst of all, your spouse thinks you've fallen right off the end of the table. How should you deal with all this rejection?

Try treating them like green tomatoes.

Imagine picking tomatoes from your garden. You walk down the row looking only for the ripe fruit. They're easy to spot because they're big and red, plump with juice. They almost fall off the vine with just a slight twist. They're ready to be picked.

The green tomatoes, however, are still small and hard. They come off the vine with great difficulty. You have to twist and twist and literally tear them right off the plant. They're just not ready yet.

How do you feel about these green tomatoes? Are you angry with them? Do they frustrate you because they refuse to cooperate with your desires? Do they upset you because they won't get ripe according to your schedule? Probably not because you know they just need a few more days out in the sun. Instead, you move on down the row, thankful for the ripe tomatoes and confident those little green fellows will be ready soon enough.

Treat your friends and loved ones the same way when it comes to Y2K. Be grateful for those that "get it." Harvest them and send them out to search for more converts. And just be patient with those who are still growing. They'll be ready soon enough.

It won't be long before you'll be regarded not as a nut but as a visionary.

Good Luck !

Jim Lord

---------------------------------------------------------------------

-- Kevin (mixesmusic@worldnet.att.net), March 13, 1999.

Jim Lord's metaphor of the tomatoes is a good one. The green tomatoes haven't yet granted the issue enough credibility. Get them thinking about it and give them time.

The Ripe tomatoes have understood the very real dangers we face, and have started (or continued) preparations just in case. The idea of having insurance has sunk in.

Then there are the overripe tomatoes. These people have decided that problems are not just possible, they're guaranteed. As they continue to ripen, the guaranteed problems get worse and worse. Soon enough, anyone who fails to agree on guaranteed catastrophe has become a mendacious member of an evil conspiracy.

I'm coming to the conclusion that these tomatoes are for the birds.

-- Flint (flintc@mindspring.com), March 13, 1999.

And then there's the difference between the DGI's and DWGI's. DGI's deserve Kevin's approach. Keep after them with facts and reminders until they pay enough attention to Y2K so that they can make intelligent decisions. If they then choose to prepare or not, you've done your job. The DWGI is one who HAS considered the Y2K scenarios and has decided not to prepare for whatever reason. I would waste no time on them. They have examined the issues and concluded otherwise or have deliberately brushed it off.

It's like the folks who ignore hurricane warnings and decide not to evacuate the Outer Banks or South Florida or wherever. Whether through blind ignorance or the personal decision to weather the storm, they stay behind. Like on the Banks, the only we can do is ask for the names of their next of kin just before hitting the evacuation trail.

-- David (David@BankPacman.com), March 13, 1999.

Good morning Sysman; Seems to me that most participants in this forum come here either seeking facts and reason or offering facts and reason. We are a community of sorts where most members are respectful of each other. There are indeed exceptions who wander in and out with various motivations. No harm in being wary of them until they reveal their nature. You are a valuable member of this community. Please keep posting. Thanks,

-- Watchful (seethesea@msn.com), March 13, 1999.

Sysman,

I agree with you theoretically. But I want FACTUAL info both ways, good and bad. If someone has reason to believe it will not be as bad as we think, with good reason...meaning verifiable fact..I want to hear about it too. That doesn't mean they are a DGI/DWGI. Mission: Facts : both sunny and rain!! For the record, I think it will be a 4+...and scale is climbing everyday!! Factor in alittle cyberterrorism and is could be a 12 on a 10 scale!!

-- Moore Dinty moore (not@thistime.com), March 13, 1999.

Freddie the Fool said:

"Vinnie will be in a body bag in a year! You can count on it!!! "

The delight ol' Freddie makes in wishing another human being dead is astonishing in its ugliness. As someone who works for a "large " Y2K consulting company, I feel I have valuable information to impart. Unfortunately, information from the other side is not welcomed by the True Believers.

I will be back in January Freddie to shove that comment up your flacid, uncomprehending keister.

-- Vinnie (mail@bomb.com), March 13, 1999.

All this talk of "believers" and "converts" play right into the hands of DGI's and media cult spin!

Lets try not to use such analogies ok? Instead, saying things like "a light bulb went up into this DGI's head" is more acurate. One tiny christmas light bulb at a time, until the whole tree is lit up.

We're not cultist worshiping and fearing computers' wrath dog gonit!

-- Chris (catsy@pond.com), March 13, 1999.

You know Sysman, no one has the answer sheet to the questions asked and discussed here. I've tried to avoid using labels. It reminds me too much of cliques in high school, which I left 29 years ago.

If John Koskinen, Paul Davis, Deano, Peter de Jager or Maria are correct, we all win. Is it part of their job to make those who 'Get It' UN-GET IT? If people who are preparing for an over 5 event are right, we all lose. Maybe even (God forbid) I'm wrong? I've been wrong before and displayed poor judgement...but I divorced her long ago. (I think introducing her to everyone as my "first wife" was a mistake)

Y2K is not a competitive sport. Of course a televised "y2k Quiz Show" every Sunday evening might be cool. "OK Bill from Montana... for $5,000, a case of beans and a chance to enter our bonus round, here's your first question... and it's a tough one: 'Name 1 Microsoft Service Pack that was on time and actually y2k compliant."

I can't remember anybody on this forum saying anything like this "You know, after reading your rant in response to my opinion, I've completely changed my mind. You're right and I've been a complete idiot. God bless you."

I think the battle lines are pretty much fixed now. The ratio of converts between y2k camps may be the same ratio as converts from one political party to another. Calling it a "club" means people can be expelled for blasphemy...look what happened to Peter de Jager.

He might be right. He "got it" long before most of the people here did. He's taken a lot of heat from both camps now. If you think evangelism works, write a letter to him and see if you can get him to "Get It Again"(GIA). Good luck.

Sysman, I don't think IT people are really justified in calling themselves :professionals." Other professions have strong professional associations (IEEE, SME, etc) with local chapters actively involved in professional and community involvement. I was lucky enough to receive a scholarship from a local chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers for undergraduate work. The local members invested their money in my future and I have done the same for others as my professional responsibility.

Are you a member of a "professional" organization?

If you feel the call for evengelism, may I suggest convincing your fellow IT associates to volunteer your time to help some small businesses in your area get their small system or their PC's ready?

Of couse, I could be wrong.

-- PNG (png@gol.com), March 13, 1999.

It seems to me that most DGIs can't see the big picture. What do I mean by the big picture? The big picture is the fact that y2k is a very systemic problem where companies or systems are by their nature very dependent on a long chain of other companies or systems. Systems are the components of our infrastructure like power. Power is dependent on fuels like coal or diesel and on a parts inventory. There are many other links in the chain however each link is often dependent on the next link. For example power is dependent on coal. Coal is dependent on people and equipment and also trains to transport the coal. If the link is critical to the survival of your company you have two choices. You can establish a new link if one can be found or ??? Put a lock on your door. There is also this little problem with the rest of the world, due to the fact that many countries are 12 to 18 months behind the U.S. on y2k. Often the U.S. is dependent on other countries for such items as oil, chemicals, food items, tools and the list goes on and on. As an added bonus there will be disruptions with our defense systems and the defense systems of the other world players. Did I mention the world economy? And finally you have the fact that if there were ever a good time to kick someone while they were down y2k would be that time!

--Got Contingencies Tman

-- Tman (Tman@IBAgeek.com), March 13, 1999.

Read Arnies post about "Got my Petromax".

There's a good post to illustrate one of the reasons for this forum.

Good information with a problem that is current to several here. While it may seem trivial to some, to others (like the first responder) it is very helpful.

Also read several of the comments about flour vs wheat. More of what I think this board does best.

The news analysis is a valuable feature amongst the noise.

There is a growing process required as a central part of preparations for self-sufficency. The trolls and distractors here seem little more than children not yet able to deal with the harsher realities of life. And yes, sometimes the more mature folks here loose their temper, too. This is not a lot different that non-cyber life.

I take what I can use from here and ignore the rest. Ocassionally I may have some small tidbit to contribute.

--Greybear

- Got Beans?

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), March 13, 1999.

I think micro-managing this forum was-is-will always be impossible and non-productive. Y2K isn't a tea party. The lives of millions really may be at stake. By and large, we all do a great job of managing emotions.

Anyone remotely experienced on the Net knows that the "heat" level is somewhat higher than in ordinary conversation: "the medium is the message". Within limits, one of the charms of the Net is it enables us temporarily to slip the constraints of the straitjacket of political correct-ness. Used to be (100 years ago and more) that people spoke more frankly to each other in REAL LIFE (and still kept speaking, BTW, to each other).

Again, like anything, labels can be destructive, I take PNG's point. However, it is IMPOSSIBLE to arrive at sensible conclusions about anything in life without careful "categorization" (ie., labels). In a good conversation, people know when to back off, that is, when the bad is driving out the good in that process.

This forum can't possibly be all things to all people (for instance, Flint's neighbors or mine or bardou's or ....). I've been "virtually" furious at Flint all week. Big deal. I think Chris has been taken in by the bozo and is picking on Andy. Big deal. Put it in context (ie, real life).

The virtual/real Flint (not to mention Chris and Andy) remain welcome at my real home anytime before, during or after Y2K. Can you imagine a Yourdonite cocktail party? What a trip that would be. Heck, Mutha can even come by though s/he will have to clean up after the geese :-)

Ed does exactly the right thing here (and it's largely why the forum works). That is, he lets it take its own shape, except for deleting the nasty stuff. You don't have to delete a lot to get the message across and he does. LIFE is messy and Y2K is, regrettably, just like LIFE (hence the possibility of TEOTWAWKI ....).

I do think Jor-el's suggestion on the "Paging Vinnie thread" (that was a real profound debate, sheesh) is good, but maybe impractical: collect together some of the most engaging Y2K-related threads (computer stuff plus prep) into a Yourdon Lite library. But who selects? Ed? I'm not sure he wants to be placed into the role of rating our, um, labors. I can just see the threads now, "Hey, Ed, what about my post on ...."?

I don't have a label for all of you (I'll get to work), but view everyone together as part of the same team. A sanitized forum (it's impossible, fortunately, so I'm not worrying) would make an already hideously boring topic (Y2K) totally unbearable.

Now, about that ludicruous post of yours about the post office, Flint ....

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), March 13, 1999.

Impossible.

-- Andy (2000EOD@prodigy.net), March 13, 1999.

This forum is for vacillating "get its". It re-assures us that we are not insane for having spent every red cent we have in order to prepare for the crisis.

-- (Barn266@aol.com), March 13, 1999.

Big Dog:

Good post! Yes, my post office post may have been ludicrous. But the reply from 'nine' made it valuable. Here's someone who works there, knows what they do and what can go wrong. I admit I don't know squat about USPS internal operations, I can only ask for details. Without those details I must pick an authority on faith. But 'nine' had details and they were good ones. I really hope to hear more from him/her.

Sorry to make you virtually furious. When I ask what makes you right, I'm not implying you're wrong, only looking for analysis. I ask myself the same question daily (and keep getting different answers!)

-- Flint (flintc@mindspring.com), March 13, 1999.

Flint ---- Just don't give me a virtual heart attack, I'm not sure how many virtual hospitals are Y2K compliant.

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), March 13, 1999.

"Big deal. I think Chris has been taken in by the bozo and is picking on Andy. Big deal."

Big Dog, put your emotions aside for just a sec while you read what I have to say, I count on your wisdom and smarts for this.

I've been "taken in" by Flint a long time ago, around November, when I stoped to automaticly dismiss his posts as "Polyanna Flint" and brainlessly lump him together with Paul Davis and a couple other posters of that time, and start reading his posts with an unbiased cleared mind. I realized he was smart, eh. I also got an epiphany around that time. I realized that I could simply read the posts without first looking at who wrote it, and attempt to understand what the poster was trying to convey. Ofcourse, I've been here so long that now it's too easy for me to figure out who's the poster, especially if it's an oldtimer, before I get to the bottom of the thread. But still I get surprises. I strive to look at each post for its INDIVIDUAL merit. Even those I'm completely in oposite views with in many respects have tought me something of value.

Flint is unduely attacked and dismissed. I respect what I perceive as intelligent and logical thinking (each of us have our own perceptions on these, usualy what matches our own.) If Flint posts something that is off the wall and illogical in my view, I'll point it out the same as I would with Troll Maria or Paul Davis or Hardliner, you or Andy. But Flint has the quality of being civilized and not using as much emotional traps in his writing, like too many do. I'm as guilty as Andy and many others, I've put out emotional baits too, I've bullied too, and I understand the frustration Andy feels. But that's letting ourselves become too personal with people and we lose objectiveness.

Hardliner remains my roll model as a poster, and I don't come to his ankle yet, but I keep trying.

The only ones I refuse to be tolerant of are the REAL trolls. Malicious impersonators out to discredit an established poster, and immature ones that get a kick out of posting something just to get emotional reactions and sit back and enjoy the show. I've learned to deal with them by simply ignoring them completely. It's easy to do with a bit of practice in recognizing them.

-- Chris (catsy@pond.com), March 13, 1999.

Good afternoon. I've read your answers here, and want to thank all of you for taking the time reply. Now I've got to sort it all out and think on it for a while. This place really is a great resource pool. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you and let you know that I'm back on-line! See ya later. <:)=

-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), March 13, 1999.

Chris --- Sorry, but still disagree with you in some crucial respects. I've never doubted Flint's intelligence or ability to contribute to this forum and, in fact, we've corresponded privately. In that sense, I never thought of him the way you apparently did.

On the other hand, I felt and still feel that his thread about 'GIs' this past week (and continued defense of it) was far worse than any THREAD I've ever seen here by a "regular" GI or so-called doomer about "pollyannas". As Puddintame pointed out elsewhere, he essentially described MOST of the regulars here as neurotic and paranoid. Talk about not basing something on facts! That attack did demean this forum and I don't regret hitting back hard about it.

I don't agree with you or Flint that our positions on Y2K are tied closely with temperament whatsoever but with our estimate of the FACTS to this point. Contra Flint and some others, this is about as independent a group of thinkers as I have ever seen.

We do roughly match Yourdon's Y2K expectations reasonably well and for the same reasons: the known facts so far. It's not surprising that we would be interested in wrestling further with each other about those facts in this space that Ed has contributed.

I believe Flint owes the entire forum an apology for that GI thread.

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), March 13, 1999.

Lets leave it at that then and agree to disagree.

-- Chris (catsy@pond.com), March 13, 1999.

Chris --- Agreed!

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), March 13, 1999.

Sysman,

Theres a continual multi-dimensional mission morph going on here. Kinda like life.

You waste your time trying to make someone get Y2K. Thats their job.

However, as a teacher, or better yet, a Y2K gardener, if you plant those initial seeds (copies of articles, Red Cross & FEMA checklists and pointing out ongoing news & TV coverage), and add fertilizer (updated news changing daily), weed and prune (sort and sift the Y2K and related info puzzle pieces so the garden plan becomes clearer), add water (stay open, fluid and flexible) pay attention to your plant growth and give more attention to those early bloomers, then youll reap a Fall harvest (which requires some additional prep readiness to stock and pile a more-than-adequate community larder).

Perhaps by the 2000 rollover, enough will GI and be prepared, each to their own level, that most will make it through the chill of a Y2K winter, with a little help from their friends, into the promise of a new and different spring.

Got Flowers & Mixed Vegies?

Diane

(BTW, Flint, even the spoiled fruit can add to the compost heap and become recycled nutrients for new growth)

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), March 13, 1999.

Is OlD ViNnIE A MaN OR A WoMaN???? If HE Is A mAN, He SurE HaS A FeMMY NaME!!! He MuST BE A JacKaLLLL!!!!! HusH NOW!!!

-- Dieter (questions@toask.com), March 13, 1999.

FAKe ASSwiPe DIeTer alert!!!! HOw caN YOu teLL reAl diETER???? REal dieTer wILL Tell yOU, WIll hE NOt?????

FAke DIeTer, TRuE DIeTER IS STiLL WAItINg FOR A SEnsE OF HUMoR FRom you!!!! WhY ARE YoU SO SAD????? ArE LosER HYeNA FAkERs sO FOoLish as To haVe leSS SELf woRTh thAN trUe DIEtEr?????? HOw amaZing is THaT????? JACkass!!!!

FAkE ONe, poST HUMor HErE FOr reAL DIetrE!!!!! CAn yoU????????????????

NO????

SCROTuM!!!!!

-- Dieter (questions@toask.com), March 13, 1999.

Sysman:
No -- don't waste your time. Remember, if TSHTF in a big way, there will be a huge population die-off world-wide. The DGIs and DWGIs have had their chance. They're going over the cliff. It's a question of relative preparadness. That DGI you convert tomorrow may outbid you for the last bottle of bleach six months from now. That may make him better prepared than you; he will live; you will die (at least that's the way to bet -- evolution operates on populations in a relative way, not necessarily on specific individuals).

It's at a stage now, where the more people aware, the less your own chances. Maybe different a couple of years ago, but not now.

-- A (A@AisA.com), March 13, 1999.

Hi Sysman! I suggest you consider what it is you wish to enlighten your friends about.

I have never attempted to enlighten my friends about computers. My summation of the computer problem is usually two sentences: There is a computer design flaw which is so widespread throughout the world that it is now too late to repair. This design flaw may cause electric and water services, as well as deliveries to stores and gas stations, to be interrupted for two weeks or more in January.

My missionary zeal is for preparedness.

A number of friends have understood when I mentioned that I buy health insurance although I do not predict that I will become ill and I am not expecting to become ill. So they then understand why I suggest we be ready should the electric or water or retail (i.e., grocery stores) services go out.

I find that the DWGI's for some reason feel that preparedness is bad unless the problem occurs. They apparently feel that to prepare is to predict, and they do not wish to appear to be found wrong in a prediction. They feel every dollar should be spent on pleasure and obligations they can't get out of. Since they can get out of preparing for a disaster and since they get no pleasure out of being prepared, they refuse to get it.

So in my experience, the disagreement is not about what will happen 1/1/2000. It's about what a person should do in anticipation of the day.

-- GA Russell (garussell@russellga.com), March 13, 1999.

As a long time lurker who has yet to make up my mind about Y2K, this place teems with hatred. For each other, the government, whatever expert who does not conform to your views, etc.. Have you read some of the disrespectful bile that GIs spew at DGIs? and visa versa? What did you all do before Y2K, pull wings off flies?

-- Helen Wheels (helenw@notelling.org), March 13, 1999.

Well, I guess I've made up my mind on this. I'm giving up the "argument mode" in favor of the "hint mode". I think Diane said it best. It's their job, not mine. As usual, she is correct. So to all my DGI friends out there, expect a mellow Sysman from now on. And as for my TROLL "friends" - don't even expect the time of day from me.

Thank you all very much for this "pep talk". I needed it.

Off to plant some seeds. <:)=

-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), March 13, 1999.

BeWaRE OfF ThE DiEtER, WhO Is TrYInG To SoUNd LiKE ThE RerAL DIEtER!!!!??!! He Is My ImpOStER WhO Is TRyINg To SounD LikE ME!!! He Is tHE ULTimAte ImPoSteR. He Is NoT EvEN A DGI!! JaCkALL IMpOStER DIeTer HYeNA BRaInLEss ImPoStER, I HaTe YoU! HuSh NoW, YoU SillY MaN!!! My MrS.DiEtER HaTes YoU ToO!!!!!

-- Dieter (questions@toask.com), March 13, 1999.

Helen Wheels is right!!!! We all should be ashamed of ourselves, including me!!! When ever sombody posts a good idea, there are swarms and swarms of others who disagree and tell you it was a stupid and rotten idea that will not work or do any good!!! It make=s the poster think, "Oh what's the use"!!!

Let's all vow to become more positive and stop this negativity on this forum!!! Y2K is just around the corner and it is vital that we keep a clear head and put some good idea's across that we all can use! There are to many "KNOW IT ALLS" who respond negatively to those with good ideas!!! IF YOU CAN'T SAY ANYTHING NICE, DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!!!

-- Whytokay (whytokay@prepared.com), March 13, 1999.

FAKe DIEtER!!!!! When OH whEn wiLL YoU Get a fuNNy bone????? YoU suck, do you nOt????? Yes???? YEs!!!!!! THe reAL DIetER HAtes YOu nOt beCAUSe yOU IMItatE HiM!!!!! WHY THeN????? BEcauSE You are DULL And boRing!!!!! IDIoT ROdeNT DINglEBErrY!!!!! PLeaSE FEeL FRee tO CONtinUE With yoUr foOlishNESS, diEter enJOys watchiNG TRaiN WRecKS!!!!

-- Dieter (questions@toask.com), March 14, 1999.

To all the Dieters, who ever you are!

To the real and first Dieter, I think you got more then you bargained for. Now you have your own copycats. Hey, Dieter, don't let it bother you. Somebody is just having some fun with you, just like you are having fun leaving your nutty posts here. Somebody here decided to give you some of your own medicine. Looks like you have a hard time handling that.

Dieter, I hope however, that you are smart enough to prepare for Y2K. The more I read on the Internet about Y2K, the more I think it is going to be APOCALIPTIC! Those who do not believe this, are simply being fooled by the Government lies.

When has the Government EVER been truthful to you? Go back into history and remember all the lies about Vietnam! Now finally after many years we learn that there NEVER was a Gulf of Tonkin incident that gave President Johnson the excuse to start the Vietnam war. He simply lied to the American people. President Johnson was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans, who did not need to die. Now soon Clinton , Koskinen and several Senators will be responsible for the deaths of millions of Americans who trusted their Government!

-- Whytokay (whytokay@prepared.com), March 14, 1999.

Sysman, have you forgotten your own advice?

Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.

Never argue with a pig. You'll both get dirty and the pig will love it.

I could explain it to you, but your brain would explode.

I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.

You have the right to remain silent, so please SHUT UP.

And your point is...

-- Dilbert (get@it.gov), March 14, 1999.

Thank you for reminding me Dilbert. Seems that I did forget my own advice! <:)=

PS - my favorite Y2K Dilbertism...

Of course I don't look busy... I did it right the first time.

-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), March 14, 1999.

GA Russell -- What an excellent point. I find the same thing you do: the real blind spot isn't even Y2K per se, it is preparation. Somehow our culture, which used to propose "storage" of goods as wisdom now treats it as major distrust of ???

With your permission, I would like to propose this as a separate thread at some point.

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), March 14, 1999.

Hi Big Dog!

Thanks for the compliment! I needed that today!

You are very welcome to start a new thread inspired by something I wrote.

-- GA Russell (garussell@russellga.com), March 14, 1999.

Hi GA. I also would like to thank you for your input. BD does have a new thread on this at... <:)= News FLASH: Big Dog and Flint in 100% Agreement!


-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), March 14, 1999.