Mr. Cowles,

As you and many others may well know by now, Ed Yourdon has abdicated his position as one of the chief spokesmen and authorities on the Y2k problem and adjusted his webiste accordingly. It is, in my view, an unfortunate decision because it eliminates a major conduit where information about Y2k is dissiminated.

While it remains true that there has been an increasing measure of incivility on many discussion forums, there has also been constructive examples of prepardedness techniques and a mechanisim already in place where Y2k events can be monitored from different regions of the country and world (providing the Internet functions properly through the transition).

Personally, I believe it's extemely important that we keep our national and global communication lines open through this transition and until the course of Y2k is established beyond doubt. To that, I offer this open letter as encouragement to you, Rick Cowles, to continue this site so that we can communicate with each other and continue to monitor Y2k developments.

It is my belief that any measure of mitigation, whether on a personal or technical level, even up to the very edge of the transition, can only be of help in getting us through. The outcome of Y2k must be that we overcome Y2k.

Though this topic has been broached before in this forum, I ask those who share my conviction that this forum has an important place through the transition to reaffirm their support for Mr. Cowles and his site. I thank him for all that he has done and continues to do and thank all who have contributed to the thoughtful discussions brought forth. It has been and continues to be a demonstration of the sum being greater than the collective parts.

Sincerely,

Charlie Register Westergaard Year 2000

-- Anonymous, May 29, 1999

Answers

Addendum:

Returning home from work I now find that the discussion forum remains on the Yourdon site. From my server at work, the discussion forum had been removed. I cannot tell whether this is a problem associated with the server at my office, or if this is being experienced by other people as well. Please accept my apology for any confusion I might have caused.

Nonetheless, I stand by my statment above and my conviction that this site remain active through the transition.

-- Anonymous, May 29, 1999

I second the motion. Rick, you are doing a great service to all by hosting your site. Please do not quit.

-- Anonymous, May 29, 1999

I third the motion. Rick's site is one site I always look forward to contributions.

Roleigh Martin

-- Anonymous, May 29, 1999

When I got the news about Ed Yourdon's forum I had a tremor of fear. Oh, I know there are many others out there still, but I started to imagine what it would be like if (when) they are all gone. What if I had to rely on the mainstream press for all my Y2K information? What if I had to try to deciper the PR reports myself, without the benefit of insider's insight which I experience so often on sights like Ed's and Rick's.

I guess what I'm saying is, AMEN! DITTO! Please stay the course, Rick. I don't want to have to rely on Dan Rather and Peter Jennings for my daily updates as we aniticipate what may be the most earthshaking event in my lifetime.

Jim.

-- Anonymous, May 29, 1999

Keep it up Rick. We need this site!

-- Anonymous, May 30, 1999

Ditto's

-- Anonymous, May 31, 1999

I vote "AYE."

-- Anonymous, May 31, 1999

Thanks, everyone, and especially to Charlie for the "pre-emptive strike". ;-)

There are days when it is indeed a mentally exhausting chore to continue the effort, but then I look at the calendar, and we're getting ever closer to the finish line. Over the past week, we've had a couple of Y2k stalwarts depart from the scene, both for very good reasons.

I have a few very good reasons for hanging out awhile longer. First and foremost, it is my great pleasure (and honor) to be in the company of everyone who contributes to this forum. I would not hesitate to ask any of the regular contributors to a barbque in my backyard. Second, I believe that our collective dialog has made (and will continue to make) a positive difference in the outcome of Y2k.

Should either of the above change, I of course reserve the right to take my ball and go home. ;-)

-- Anonymous, May 31, 1999

Rick & Charlie,

Just a quick note. Ed Yourdon has appointed a Lead Sysop, and that person has recruited a team of regular posters to act as Time Bomb 2000 moderators.

It will continue, through the turn. Stay tuned.

TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000)

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and- a.tcl?topic=TimeBomb%202000%20%28Y2000%29

Diane, an observer

-- Anonymous, June 01, 1999

Rick,

Hang in there guy, we need you. Your technical knowledge and analytic ability are vital. It is too bad that guys like you are not in a highly visible White House position.

Ron Sander

-- Anonymous, June 01, 1999

rick, i have been lurking on this site for than six months, i occasionally add things in a small way. this site is invaluable, the turn is near, for all of us that lurk remain a conduit of "un-spun" information. thanks alex

-- Anonymous, June 03, 1999