This new thread has been created specifically for those of you who are relatively new to Y2K. It is a collection of other threads I started with newcomers to Y2K (a.k.a. newbies) in mind. If a hotlink doesnt work you can simply copy/paste the url to go to the original thread. I hope that you find the posts helpful and perhaps time-saving in your efforts to understand and prepare for Y2K. Good luck newbies!

(Note: All of this was originally posted on the classic TB2000 forum and recently compiled there onto one thread called Y2K for Newcomers. Since there are newbies here on the prep forum also, I thought it might be helpful to post a link here on the prep forum to the TB2000 collection. But that thread has some posts/links that are very specific to the classic forum itself. So, I decided instead to just re-post the first ten links. Some of these posts relate to preparations in a direct way, including mental preparation. Others are less specific to preparations, yet may still be helpful to those who may soon find themselves beginning to think seriously about preparations. This thread is categorized under Personal Considerations. I would like to thank BigDog for helping me clarify how best to approach this effort here on the prep forum.)

1 There is a difference between what you may want to know about Y2K and what you actually need to know. Here is what you need to know. There is also a link on this thread to the wonderful "classic" preparation archives that Brian created.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000ebS

New to Y2K? What you need to know

2 This thread discusses how to mentally prepare for new or unexpected situations by thinking about various possibilities ahead of time, instead of waiting for "What do we do now" to happen.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000Rlr

What do we do now?

3 This thread encourages you to think twice before accepting opinions and to question what you hear and read.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000S0B New to Y2K? Question what you hear and read

4 Those of you whose preparations include thinking about relocating will want to read the link on this thread, where pros and cons are discussed and the risks and benefits of your current location are examined.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000ac9 Risks and Benefits of Your Current Location

5 This is about the benefits of knowing who your neighbors are and them knowing you, so that you can prepare together where possible.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000i2W Get to know your neighbors

6 Not all preparations are prudent. This thread discusses how to prepare so that you will minimize having regrets later.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000iTj

Preparation and Regrets

7 Worrying about any uncertainty, including Y2K, is normal. We all do it. By thinking about what you do or don't have control over, you can reduce needless worry and focus yourself on preparation as well as solving problems that are within your control.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000nAW

New to Y2K? What are you worried about?

8 This thread encourages you to start preparing now for uncertainty. Not later, now.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000qnN

New to Y2K? Start Preparing Now

9 Anyone who is thinking about preparing for Y2K asks the question "How long should I prepare for". That is the subject of this thread.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000wjO New to Y2K? How long a disruption period to prepare for?

10 So many of us who are Y2K aware and are preparing are mocked and laughed at by those who do not take Y2K seriously. This thread offers some comfort and discusses the fact that you are not alone after all.

The url is: http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000xfk

New to Y2K? Take some comfort in the fact that you are not alone

More and more people are looking into Y2K every day. Some will find their way here. It is my hope that we can use this thread as a resource for those seeking to turn down their level of Y2K confusion. If just one person reads this thread and is helped by it, then to me it will have been worth the effort. Please consider posting information to this thread that you think would help newbies. Thanks, Rob.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), July 23, 1999

Answers

The hotlinks do not work (duh!). So copy and paste the urls to go to the threads.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), July 23, 1999.

Here is anotehr prep-specific thread from the "newbie series".

Newbies: Preparation can be a cure for worry.

The url is: http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch- msg.tcl?msg_id=000S95

Y2K is quite overwhelming a subject, especially for newbies who are trying to sort it all out for themselves. One of the most often heard reactions is frustration with the unknown, which causes worry, and sometimes inaction. Perhaps the best cure for worry is knowledge: a combination of thought, education and then preparation based on that knowledge.

After taking Y2K seriously enough to really look into it, the question "what should I do" soon follows. One answer is to keep looking into the various aspects of Y2K until you can understand it as a threat. Once you do, a plan of preparation can be made. Each person will need to prepare according to their means as well as their expectation of what the impact will be, based on the perceived threats identified. People have a great deal in common as far as what threats they face from Y2K. If you can, find others who are like- minded in your community. This greatly reduces worry too, since you realize that you are not so alone, and also there are others who you may rely on, and vice versa, when crunch time comes. Just knowing that some folks close to you are getting ready can take a load off your mind.

As you prepare against each potential individual Y2K threat, you will become more confident in your ability to meet that particular challenge, and worry decreases. Preparation is the cure for what ails you in that it not only helps you meet the problem head-on, it also allows you a sense of accomplishment. It is hard work, and so will help focus your mind off of worrying and on to solving. Good all the way around. Worry may not go away completely, but it should be reduced a lot - perhaps in direct correlation to the amount of successful preparation you and others near you actually do.

So take it one step at a time. If you think you will have a potential water problem, or food problem, or whatever, solve them by learning how to prepare, and then do it. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to look in the mirror and say "I solved this problem". Life is full of choices. You can worry, or you can solve. Worrying may seem like the easy way out, but the doors of the room may all be locked when you are ready to go. Take what appears now to be the harder way - learn and prepare - make it easier for yourself and others later. Have you ever regretted solving a problem?

Do it now. Start solving. And remember; preparation itself can be a cure for worry.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), July 31, 1999.

I am posting the hotlinks again. Thanks to Gayla for pointing out why they were not working. So, here goes...

New to Y2K? What you need to know

What do we do now?

New to Y2K? Question what you hear and read

Risks and Benefits of Your Current Location

Get to know your neighbors

Preparation and Regrets

New to Y2K? What are you worried about?

New to Y2K? Start Preparing Now

New to Y2K? How long a disruption period to prepare for?

New to Y2K? Take some comfort in the fact that you are not alone

Newbies: Preparation can be a cure for worry

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), August 02, 1999.

OK. All of the re-posted hotlinks work now except the last one... if at first you don't succeed...

Newbies: Preparation can be a cure for worry

-- (sonofdust@net.com), August 02, 1999.

If you are relatively new to Y2K and find yourself on this forum, you have at least taken an important step: that of finding out more about preparing for Y2K and the uncertainty we all face. Preparation requires thought, work, and resources. It should be based on your own research, which will result in you forming expectations for how you may personally be affected by potential Y2K disruptions. Once you have come to some conclusions regarding what specific Y2K threats you may face, you can begin preparing based on those expectations, as well as the means available to you. Make a list of preparations and actions to take.

Think things through before you take action, and prepare prudently since the actions you take will have consequences. Many of us are taught early on in life that there are consequences to our actions. There are also consequences to inaction. Dont be like the proverbial frozen deer in the headlights. There is still time to prepare (much to the amazement of many Y2K aware folks). This is to your advantage, so capitalize on it while you can, especially since we are in the Y2K end game now with only 150 days left until the rollover.

Take things one step at a time, and keep at it. Concentrate on basics like water, food, and shelter before tackling other items on your preparation list. An ounce of preparation will cure a pound of Y2K anxiety.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), August 03, 1999.

Gang: Please consider posting info/links you think will be of help to the newbies on this thread.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), August 09, 1999.