Id like to thank all the posters on this forum who have contributed information they thought would be particularly cogent in regards to Y2K. I come here to gather information so I might make intelligent decisions in light of the possible problems related to Y2K. I appreciate most of the discussions regarding new material, I often LOL at some of the comments, and I admire the comprehensive research many people have dedicated to this forum.

I believe in prudent preparations. I dont like to be caught in situations where I might be unpleasantly surprised. I like to garner as much information as I can, both pro and con, to support whatever decision I might choose to make.

I hope the rollover will not be globally devastating. I hope it will not even be seriously inconvenient. I do not wish harm, in any form, to befall any living being caught up in a technological storm.

I am appalled by the behavior of some individuals posting personal attacks, and by the intentional attempt to disrupt the flow of information. I am not interested in anothers opinion on whether or not I choose to view the approaching New Year as catastrophic or merely another year. I am, however, concerned about the lack of verbal (written) impulse control in some posts, and how it may be symptomatic of a type of social disorder that is neither productive nor harmless. If we cannot conduct ourselves with reasonable decorum on this level of merely exchanging information, then what hope is there for us as a society in situations calling for courage and honor?

I read and understood the philosophy and guidelines of this forum before I chose to participate. I entered the forum, by choice, based on what I read. The calls for the deletion of disruptive individuals by a majority of the forum should be taken into consideration by the sysops maintaining this forum. Disruptive, not dissenting.

Personally, I object to those posters using Freedom of Speech arguments in an attempt to ultimately control what material should or should not be included on this particular forum. Freedom of Speech is a freedom that is precious and hard won. Part of that freedom is the right and ability to maintain a forum structure, clearly defined and stated, without having to justify the forum position. I particularly object to the use of the right of Freedom of Speech in the guise of protection of those people new to the seriousness of Y2K. It is, in my opinion, an arrogant excuse to behave badly and an attempt to discourage participants in this forum.

I will not stop reading and posting on this forum because of a few disruptive individuals. I will not be dissuaded in my search for information by those same individuals intent on forcing, on others, their opinions about the severity of Y2K. If I were convinced there would be no problem, I would not choose to be on this forum. I question the motives of posters who would call for the disruption and discontinuance of this forum.

I will continue to read all threads so I might continue gathering information. I will support the structure of this forum until, or unless, I feel it no longer serves my purpose. I will support the sysops privilege and responsibility to uphold the basic premise of this forum.

Im asking, as a participant in this forum, that the abusive, insulting personal attacks on the sysops cease. If you have something to say, and you believe what you have to say is valuable, say it in a way that you might be heard. Alienating people who hold an opposing opinion will only gain you a deaf ear.

"The articulate voice is more distracting than mere noise." Seneca

-- Casey DeFranco (caseyd@silcom.com), November 22, 1999

Answers

Best case I've seen Casey. Thanks from a lot of us in your boat.

-- Carlos (riffraff1@cybertime.net), November 22, 1999.

Hi Casey,do you have a good water filter?Putting dirty water through a coffee filter first will extend the life of your anti-viral filter.

-- zoobie (zoobiezoob@yahoo.com), November 22, 1999.

hear hear.

A hearty "amen" from this corner.

gene

-- gene (ekbaker@essex1.com), November 22, 1999.

Casey, VERY well said. I've been a little more blunt, lately.

NO NEGOTIATIONS WITH TERRORISTS

PERIOD

-- mushroom (mushroom_bs_too_long@yahoo.com), November 22, 1999.

Thank you Casey.

Counting the daze.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), November 22, 1999.

Flag burning is also generally viewed as freedom of speech and is legal, but should not be tolerated either, as it is inflammatory and has no other purpose but to incite. Individuals who participate in such nonsense are welcome and allowed to do so. Such dimwits should not be surprised if and when an offended citizen attempts to squelch such behavior by issuing a sound thrashing to the offender.

-- cavscout (tired of all @the.whining), November 22, 1999.

Thanks Casey. (LOUD APPLAUSE)

-- snooze button (alarmclock_2000@yahoo.com), November 22, 1999.

Flag burning is also generally viewed as freedom of speech and is legal, but should not be tolerated either, as it is inflammatory and has no other purpose but to incite. Individuals who participate in such nonsense are welcome and allowed to do so. Such dimwits should not be surprised if and when an offended citizen attempts to squelch such behavior by issuing a sound thrashing to the offender.

At which time the offended citizen should not be surprised if such dimwits legally kill them in self defense.

-- (bing@bang.boom), November 22, 1999.

Good post, Casey. Thanks, zoob. I hadn't thought of ADDING coffee filters!

-- Mara (MaraWayne@aol.com), November 22, 1999.

Casey --

SECOND! All in favor say 'AYE'?

-- just another (another@engineer.com), November 22, 1999.

Yes, Zoobie, I do have a water filter. I didn't know that particular tip, thank you.

-- Casey DeFranco (caseyd@silcom.com), November 23, 1999.

Hi Casey. I'm generally in support of your views, but I have to point out that Freedom Of Speech only applies to you good citizens of the USA, and - as far as I can tell - this is an international forum. Without wishing to cause personal insult, I'd suggest (wryly) that this is a perfect demonstration of the ingrained ethnocentricity that is going to land us all in the shit come rollover. This isn't a personal attack! I've recently pointed out that the UK's Y2K response is insular, protectionist and jingoistic as well, and I personally am planning on blaming the French for everything. :)

Just a thought.

-- Colin MacDonald (roborogerborg@yahoo.com), November 23, 1999.

Founded by computer expert and noted author, Ed Yourdon:

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.

About: http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/policy.tcl?topic=TimeBomb% 202000%20%28Y2000%29



-- (about@TB.2000), November 23, 1999.

Colin, Please accept my sincere apology and thank you for pointing out my neglect in recognizing the rest of the world! Indicative of how watchful one must remain in distilling the citizens of the world down to ones minute portion of the planet. To those in Canada and across the sea, please forgive my slight. It was not intended. I should have been more specific and addressed the Freedom of Speech portion to the denizens of the US.

-- Casey DeFranco (caseyd@silcom.com), November 23, 1999.