If the "intellectual organism" that this forum certainly is, had such a thing as a "leader", Ed Yourdon would certainly have been such. I think however, that the two ideas are incompatible. Many here are obviously leaders in a number of areas, but a forum (presumably modeled after the Roman Forum) is simply a place for the exchange of ideas and is actually pretty sparse in the area of structure.

Ed Yourdon would be the first (I suspect) to disavow an honorific such as "Master". Ed clearly knows the difference between reverence and respect. The former is simply not appropriate while he has earned the latter in very great measure.

As such, "Teacher" would be accurate, "Visionary" could well be suitable as might "Prophet", but we will have to wait a short while to determine if those two fit.

Ed Yourdon has given of his knowledge, his opinion and his time. Clearly, time is the scarcest of the three and he has given generously of it. Those who shriek of such pecuniary reward as he may have found ring hollow and false. Those who have poured out their feelings of gratitude and love over the past few days are clearly sincere. Such men--men who give of themselves--are exceedingly rare and to be treasured and honored by their fellows.

Let me suggest that it is appropriate to think of Ed as a Navigator, in the sense of the Mississippi River pilots of yesteryear who attempted to guide the paddle wheeled steamboats around the shoals and sandbars of the river. Like the shoals and sandbars, the perils of Y2K are not static and constantly shift. In like manner, men must not remain too long at a single endeavor lest they become stagnant and fail those who depend on their support and assistance. Ed has made it clear that he must now honor responsibilities to his own family, as indeed we all must.

Ed Yourdon is only a man, but a very special one, and one deserving of our thanks and our continuing respect. In keeping with that fact, I would like to further suggest that we bestow on Ed, the honorary title of Navigator Emeritus of this forum. He has indicated that he intends to return on occasion and as with the retired professor who returns to the university, those occasions will undoubtedly be notable events and well attended.

-- Hardliner (searcher@internet.com), June 01, 1999

Answers

This is the most pathetic thing I've ever read on this forum. Yourdon is a software guy with some writing ability who got out early on the Y2K issue and made some good money off of it. And now that he suspects that Y2K will be no big deal, he's disassociating himself with the nut cases on this forum - in the hopes that 7 months off the paranoia circuit will eliminate the stench and allow him to continue a respectable career next year. But the doomers don't see that. Instead you shower admiration, and cheesy monikers like Navigator Emeritus, on him, and now will continue to worship him in absentia.

Only the confluence of the internet and the Y2K problem could create an environment where someone like Ed Yourdon would be practically worshipped. And I'd bet my last dollar that it actually gives him the creeps. Some of you people really must have sad, empty lives.

- Troll Emeritus

-- gag me (with@spoon.com), June 01, 1999.

Hey, did everyone fix Y2K when I wasn't looking? Trolls bite.

-- Doug (douglasjohnson@prodigy.net), June 01, 1999.

Actually, those of us who have too-full, intense, richly varied and rewarding lives are the ones who have garnered the wisdom to be able to discern Ed's true helpfulness. Not worship at all, but sincere appreciation, well-earned and deserved. Those who are very strong, and have learned to stand bravely for themselves and courageous principles, have no trouble giving credit where it is due.

xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx

-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), June 01, 1999.

Oh my...........I didn't think jarheads got that kind of sappy. Ed is a good guy no doubt, but will have a hardtime with successful bowel movements if you don't remove your nose........

Deano

-- Deano (deano@luvthebeach.com), June 01, 1999.

Hardliner:

While you and I have had our differences over the treatement of certain individuals, it's clear that Ed Yourdon's actions, generousity, and personal kindness have been powerful motivators for the success of this forum. He has been a professor, a learned teacher, who has shared his concerns and doubts with us -- even as he has faced extreme criticism and derision from those who do not understand.

"Navigator Emeritus" is fitting and beautiful. Let's bestow it formally....

Anita Evangelista

-- Anita Evangelista (ale@townsqr.com), June 01, 1999.

Hey Troll, you're pathetic. You know why? Because people close to you have to put up with you archane bs. I feel sorry for them, no you. Hope you enjoy the taste of bugs, leaves and whatever you have to scrounge up to get through y2k. Do you guys (trolls) actually have working brains, or is all the space up there filled with jello? Obviously you're not ready to deal with the real world. Maybe next time around, eh?

Troll Biter

-- troll biter (hot@hotmail.com), June 01, 1999.

Thanks, Hardliner!

Ed has my respect because he's "earned" it by being willing to speak out on an issue of prime importance to the whole world.

He was willing to put his lengthy computer experience and reputation on the line, for the rest of us. Chief economist Edward Yardeni, did the same.

He was, and is, one of the pioneers that helped alert the planet, on what has turned out to be a key mission-critical issue for EVERY country, government, business and individual.

Only a handful of our elected leaders in Washington, have been so daring and up-front. (Not even our President will stand up on an issue thats globally cost more than two world wars put together to try and fix a little computer "glitch").

For his courage, and integrity, I honor him.

Diane

(BTW, certain anonymous and bitter little posters dont even come close in being willing to publicly stand up, and be counted--in front of the TV cameras, or the the Senate--or even being asked to do so!)

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), June 01, 1999.

Navigator Emeritus=Ancient Mariner

Got Albatross?

-- Proud2baPolly (ProudPolly@polly.com), June 01, 1999.

Why do you even bother coming here Troll? Leave us to our alleged cultish behavior and misguided hero worship. Could it be that you fear you are wrong in laughing off preparation plans and therefore must be so defensive. Dont come back.

-- (y2kfallback@yahoo.com), June 01, 1999.

Troll Emeritus:

Well spotted! I thought it was just me that was nauseated by the sounds of Doomers licking his backside in adoring worship. Not surprising really, all cults must have a hero focus. Can you say "Heavens Gate?"

-- Canada guy (stick@ontheice.com), June 01, 1999.

Agreed, Hardliner.

We should charge our glasses and toast "Mr. Awareness."

If those who criticize him would have heeded his call earlier, we would be further down the path than we are today - an exciting race to the finish line. Who will win? Critical-system remediation or the calendar?

If those who criticize him are so smart, why didn't they write a book, or prepare their company, or lead their community, industry and nation to full compliance long ago?

-- PNG (png@gol.com), June 01, 1999.

YO....Canada guy, Can you say, "Freezing my [XXX] off up North in January"? (my apologies everyone....some things just NEED to be said)

-- Will continue (farming@home.com), June 01, 1999.

Poor Will

You remind me of chicken little shouting "The Sky Is Falling, The Sky Is Falling" after being hit on the head with an apple. I'll be nice and warm where I am in a gas (compliant industry) heated house.

-- Canada guy (stick@ontheice.com), June 01, 1999.

The gas industry is compliant? Since when? You wish.

-- Doug (douglasjohnson@prodigy.net), June 01, 1999.

All the flaming aside, as I recall wasn't there supposed to be a re- evaluation for Y2K severity by some "big names" due about the end of May? And if I recall correctly, wasn't "one big name mid-scaler" reported as saying that his outcome would either go down from around a 6.5 or up to over an 8.5 based on activity towards remediation by now?

And now we have Ed taking his leave for family commitments. Any takers on which way those severity outlooks panned out? Have you read those "unwritten notes" written in the margins of Ed's farewell and turned to the pages "If it looks this bad, then make these additional preparations" of your Y2K preparation checklist?

Looks to me like Ed has turned the page in his playbook, and I do believe it's also time for me to move to the next page in my checklist. I just hope I don't have to keep turning pages, 'cause the ones further back in the book get scary. Kinda like the "Preparation for Ejection" pages in the old F-4 aircrew's checklist I keep as a momento.

As long as I don't get to a page in the Y2K checklist that equates to: "When Escape From The Aircraft Is Impossible".

WW

-- Wildweasel (vtmldm@epix.net), June 01, 1999.

Hardliner:

I agree. And I apologize for my previous comments to you.

-- sally strackbein (sally@y2kkitchen.com), June 01, 1999.

If the critic who trashed Mr. Yourdon had ever heard him speak, he might think otherwise. I had the rare treat of listening to him in Mobile, and I must say, I was impressed. His was a quiet and persuasive style, but with content and a ring of truth. He trashed no one, was respectful, but insightful. Anyone who left there certainly was enriched, because he stressed the attaining of knowledge, so that those who did take in facts, could make better assessments. That is all. If he made money, so what? Can the trolls accurately predict the outcome of Y2K? Hardly.....can Ed? He can't either. but the trashing and disgust of the trolls makes me wonder what their agenda is. Can they really assess what the damage may be? Interestingly, 3-4 months ago, there were more programmers on this site, and more IT people, with opinions. Where are they? In hiding? Anyway...the reaction of the troll was, to say the least, a real testimonial to his heart. cold and stupid.....he is not prophet, so his affirmations that Ed is in left field...are completely and significantly irresponsible. Lets go with facts and intelligent assumptions... INTERCONNECTEDNESS>>>>>................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is the factor that no one discusses!!!!!!!!!!!

-- rick shade (Rickoshade@aol.com), June 01, 1999.