The video was the one you put together with your wife. It was priced at $9.99. I couldn't bring myself to purchase it though. In your response to my (tiny little comment that sparked alot of support for you from alot of the posters} you mentioned that you and a couple friends each put up 10 grand to put this video together. Was the "reason" for the investment to make as they say in ebonics, some "skee" or were you "genuinely" concerned as you stated in your response to me, to enlighten those that like to watch videos? Respectfully submitted, Vern

-- Vern (bacon17@ibm.net), December 15, 1999

Answers

Vern,

After three years of this nonsense, I have to tell you that people like you really do amaze me...

First of all: it was my DAUGHTER, not my wife, who was involved in the video. The very same daughter who co-authored the book "Time Bomb 2000" with me. That book, by the way, sold for $19.95 -- are you going to get into a snit about that, too?

Second: it was not "a couple friends" who put up 10 grand each to make the video. It was the producer, Robert Roskind (who has produced about a dozen Y2K videos, as well as co-authoring a book with me called "The Complete Y2K Home Preparation Guide), and the third "commentator" on the program, James Talmadge Stevens, who wrote a food-storage/ preparation book called "Back to Basics" that became a best-seller long before Y2K arrived on the scene.

Did we hope that we would recoup our investment? Yes, of course. Did we think we might make a profit to compensate us for the time and effort that we put into making the video. Yes, of course. What's your problem with that? Have you ever found a company in our free- enterprise society that did not feel it was appropriate to make a fair profit in return for providing a useful product or service?

Re your comment about "enlighten[ing] those that like to watch videos": what I was attempting to communicate in my last posting was that many members of our current society are unwilling or unable to digest information by reading lengthy documents; as members of today's "TV generation," they absorb information visually, by watching it on video or television.

It's of no concern to me that you couldn't bring yourself to shell out $9.95 for the video; indeed, if you lived in my town of Taos, NM you could have visited the local Chamber of Commerce to borrow any one of the dozen copies that I donated for free. And, as many people on this forum would be happy to confirm, virtually every piece of information that people have found in my books or videos could be obtained free on the Internet -- assuming that you're willing to spend some time and energy to track it down. The issue is NOT the money involved -- there are dozens of ways to become educated about Y2K, depending on where and how you want to get the information; the issue is whether you're going to digest the information and actually do something about it.

If, at this late date, you're still worrying about whether useful information about Y2K is "worth" ten or twenty dollars, there's not much point in having a conversation at all...

Ed

-- Ed Yourdon (ed@yourdon.com), December 16, 1999.

"you and a couple friends each put up 10 grand to put this video together."

Lets do the math. $30,000/$9.99 = 3,003 videos (full value). Factor in the cost of materials, art, packaging, shipping, marketing, etc. and the profit is probably less than 50" each video. So now you would need to sell 60,000 videos to break even. So far I don't see a road to riches here.

-- Uncle Bob (UNCLB0B@AOL.COM), December 15, 1999.

If you couldn't bring yourself to purchase it, why are you asking the question? Mr. General Motors, you have manufactured a vehicle, and I understand that you and a few other friends have put up $xxxx.xx together to put this vehicle together. Was the "reason" for investment to make it easy for us to get from A to B, or are you "genuinely" concerned that we are all enlightened. I Mr. Yourdon, sir, would rather be fully enlightened than to watch a video of Laurel and Hardy any day. Thank you Ed for everything you have done!

-- you all know me (youallknowme@youallknowme.xcom), December 15, 1999.

Vern, your wife called and said your head was overdue for its soaking.

-- a (a@a.a), December 15, 1999.

Vern, courtesy? Euphemizing your aspersions? Ed has already more than adequately and graciously answered you.

Get off your silly fixation. Ed has helped many people prepare. The gratitude he deserves is enormous.

-- sick of trolls (goback@under.bridge), December 16, 1999.

Vern-

there is a segment of the population that only gets its news from TV.

its quite a large segment.

There is also a perception that if something is FREE, it must not be worth anything. If the same "something" has a price on it, it has value.

ahhh, what do I know,...I'm in advertising.....

-- plonk! (realaddress@hotmail.com), December 16, 1999.

A 9.99 video is as near as damn to free.

Chuck whose wife used to sell them for the 2nd largest distributor in the country.

-- Chuck, a night driver (rienzoo@en.com), December 16, 1999.

Vern, Does the congregation pay the minister? Do you pay your doctor? Are people entitled to earn a return on their labor?

-- Mara (MaraWayne@aol.com), December 16, 1999.

...euphemising my aspersion...2 words I had to look up...NOT! I want to know what was Ed's motivation. Did he "see" an easy way to make some "skee" or was he "genuinely" concerned as stated? Nothing wrong with being compensated for your efforts, but Ed made enough "skee" off his best seller. If the preparation video was an attempt at making even more "skee" off of people's anxiety/whatever,then that attempt was no better than someone trying to sell water at $10 bucks a gallon in a few weeks. Money IS the root of all evil. I'm sure you all agree. Ed doesn't have to respond to this post. It was just an FYI out of courtesy. I just felt he needed challenged. The question that I asked him is for his own personal recollection, not mine or yours.

-- Vern (bacon17@ibm.net), December 16, 1999.

Vern, I have heard Ed speak, and I have seen his genuine concern for this problem, and unfortunately, I have seen the criticism he has had to endure by people who just cannot apprecieate his efforts.

He is a "biigy" in this field, and I as a the person responsible for y2k remediation in our hospital system, really appreciate the help he has given me, and the fact that he takes the time to answer my e-mail.

I have been working on this problem for 18 months, and lately have been putting in 70hr weeks, and am not quite finished yet. I have no idea what is going to happen, I have been very focused on my own problems with y2k, and hope others have been as focused as I have.

I suspect we as a people will have problems, and people like Ed are only trying to help us out. Please give him the respect he deserves.

-- Jim Sharp (JIM4RLORD@aol.com), December 16, 1999.

..lol...we posted at the same time Ed. Nonsense? What nonsense? Do you care to explain? Are you insinuating that y2k is nonsense?

-- Vern (bacon17@ibm.net), December 16, 1999.

Vern, shut up already. Idiot. What the hell are your motivations anyway? To out yourself completely as a total as*hole? Congratulations you have succeeded.

-- Vern = troll (too@late.killfile), December 16, 1999.

Vern, you are an idiot. I get similar unfounded criticisms. I look at it this way - when you have done as much for society as Ed and others have, then you will have a right to be critical.

-- Sheri (wncy2k@nccn.net), December 16, 1999.

...Sheri...I have, and so have you and everyone else. We all agree that we should exercise our rights...don't we? I am not attempting in any way (though many of you will disagree) to be disrespectful towards Ed. I applaud Ed for his unselfish efforts. I am just curious as to how much he was motivated by "genuine" concern (vs) making some "skee".

-- Vern (bacon17@ibm.net), December 16, 1999.

Vern; You are not doing this to exercise your rights. You are doing this because of jealousy, suspicion, obcessivness, and because it makes you feel important.

Do you work? Do you get paid for your work? End of a very stupid discussion.

-- (...@.......), December 16, 1999.

Vern the Genius (who KNOWS THE DEFINITIONS OF THE WORDS 'EUPHEMISM' ***and*** 'ASPERSION')--

In your infinitely questionable wisdom, you wrote:

""The question that I asked him is for his own personal recollection, not mine or yours.""

I just want to apologize on behalf of myself, and the rest of the folks who posted here, for interpreting your

POSTING OF A RUDE, INSULTING, INAPPROPRIATE, UNECESSARY QUESTION ON THE *WORLD* *WIDE* WEB

as being somehow meant for the many people around the globe who would read it.

After all, Ed only puts his *email* address after every single one of his posts, how could you possibly have contacted him individually???

Vern, if you are over the age of 12, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Judging from the tone of your last post, your one tenth of the way there.

People, this is the kind of thing that is going to brand the doomers on this site "CYBERTERRORISTS" once the wheels come off this rig.

It is just this sort of snivelling slander that is going to get a lot of us into a lot of hot water.

sean

-- sean (hah@hah.hah), December 16, 1999.

Vern, "Money is the root of all evil" is the most misquoted bible verse next to "God helps those who helps themselves". The first is a miquote (go find the actual quote yourself) and the second does not exist.

I'm always amused by those who challange others with the greed "card". Its not really an argument. Its a cheap emotional jab that is supposed to result in guilt. We all know that we live in a capitalist society where the supply of all things (not controled by government) is controled by the price offered by the purchaser. No price, no supply. That's why capitalist societies with strong democratic institutions and open markets are flourishing. And why centrally planned, authoritarian countries with closed markets are withering away.

If you firmly believe that altruism should be the source of all economic activity, when you report for work tomorrow demand that your wages or salary be cut by 50%. Too much skee may make your soul weary.

You can be disrespectful to Ed all you want. You can voice your opinions all you want. So please don't come back with those worn out rejoinders. I just simply love to lecture on free markets, capitalism and the conservative economic philosophy.

-- gary (a@a.com), December 16, 1999.

...hey Gary!!!...my wages are already cut by 50% between taxes and child support!!!...lol...chill dude! If anyone feels that I have been disrespectful, may I assume my apology is accepted? Now what was that about "nonsense"?

-- Vern (baacon17@ibm.net), December 16, 1999.

Vern,

You have no right to judge anyone here. You best focus that watchful eye instead on yourself, your family, and their futures.

How dare you ask a stranger to defend his motivation to you! Who do you think you are?

That video has motivated numerous households as well as businesses to prepare in earnest, and perhaps we will all fare better in the long run because of these efforts.

And what have YOU done Vern to motivate businesses, gov, friends, family, on a local, national, and global scale?

Why aren't you directing this energy in a direction that will help yourself and others survive (like Ed does), rather than generating hatred and malcontent?!!!

It's ironic to consider that had you spent this evening watching the video in question rather than playing judge and jury to strangers, then you would be closer to fostering the mentality needed for your survival rather than trying to leech an ego trip off this forum.

Shame on you Vern, you know better.

-- Hokie (nn@va.com), December 16, 1999.

$9.99 to BUY it? Man, I should have bought 100 and gave 'em away. Hey Vern, why didn't you buy *ONE* , show it to 100 people in an auditorium, charge 'em 10cents each, and donated the extra penny to charity? To RENT a video here in Bermuda is $5.00/night,and sometimes we get tied up with something else(like anwering stupid posts like yours)and wind up paying $10 bucks for two(2) nights rental.But we do enjoy comedys with dopey acting. "Know what I mean, Vern?"

on de rock

-- Walter (on de rock@northrock.bm), December 16, 1999.

Vern, I was raised differently from you I guess, which may show a difference in our ages. I was raised by parents that where, at one time, commonly refered to as from "the old school".

In other words, my business is my business, and yours is yours. I don't generally cross that line unless asked or at least the invitation is obvious. You, sir, have gained little by this post, and in the process, lost alot of respect.

I also suggest you consult the archives, as this subject has been beat to death here previously, and repeating such dribble appears as dispution to the forum. Surely, that wasn't your intent, or was it???

Mr. Yourdon, for what is it worth, the single copy of your video for sale in my local one horse town, down at the local grocery is still there after several months. I have pondered over who might purchase it , as I weekly stand in the check out line.

So I guess that is one "catch $.22" cents, (you are damned if you do, damned if you don't) return you won't be seeing. :-)

-- Lilly (homesteader145@yahoo.com), December 16, 1999.

Hey, is Vern's ISP the same as Lady Illogical's? Seems to be ramping up the screeching similarly...

-- Kristi (securxsys@cs.com), December 16, 1999.

Folks, folks, please, you are not seeing the real issue here...

Vern has learned a new word, "skee" and is merely, like all children, saying anything that comes to mind in order to use his new found word as much as possible. Next he will start in on the evils of quick "skee" made on Wall Street. Then he will rave on and on about how much "skee" it takes to build a skyscraper, etc etc etc.

-- Uncle Deedah (unkeed@yahoo.com), December 16, 1999.

Vern can't help it. He's just upset because his parents didn't have any children.

-- cody (cody@y2ksurvive.com), December 16, 1999.

Vern,

You've misquoted the Bible (as so many do) in order to try and justify your position. Money IS NOT the root of all evil! According to 1 Timothy 6:10, "the LOVE of money is the root of all evil..." Get off your high horse and quit judging Ed. You don't know what's in his heart.

-- Paul (paul@postle.nt), December 16, 1999.

Gary:

Your two references in the opening paragraph of your post is from Hezekiah - -along with 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness' and others. ;-) ;-) ;-) (Chuckle)

-- Connie Iversen (hive@gte.net), December 16, 1999.

Just for the record (and *not* because anyone would think Ed would tell tales about this and *not* because Ed needs defending) I'm more than happy to confirm that Ed donated many copies of book and video to the Chamber resource center. (I know this for a fact because I organized the center.) He also "donated" his time--including giving two speeches to large (public) groups in town, two radio programs (as part of a group invited by the hostess), attending almost every meeting the town had (and sharing his knowledge liberally to those who asked questions), talking to town and county government, and anything else anyone *ever* asked of him.

Yesterday, I went to get gas and found that the entire inside of the little station store was embroiled in a discussion about y2k. These were folks who just happened to be passing through the store, buying gas, a newspaper or maybe a snack--about 12 people who suddenly began a conversation. Every one of those randomly-gathered people knew quite a bit about y2k--and part of the reason for this is the fact that Ed and a few others started a group that spread the word as far as they could. Certainly no one paid him a penny for anything he's done for this town/county. In fact, since everyone pretty much knows where he lives (OK, everyone pretty much knows where everyone else lives around here), by being vocal and informative on the subject, he's pretty much laid himself on the line. That doesn't suggest money as a motive, does it? (Note to Ed: Rose was there. Want to make a bet she started the conversation? (grin)

-- julie (sigh@probably.not), December 16, 1999.

ARE from; ARE from

-- Connie Iversen (hive@gte.net), December 16, 1999.

Vern, would you send me all your money so you won't be evil anymore?

-- money bags (moneybags@moneybaggs.xcom), December 16, 1999.

*Sigh*

I have Ed's Home Preparation Guide video, which is quite useful and informative. It helped me at a time when I wanted additional Prep information and I was more than happy to purchase a copy of something useful, that I wanted to know more about.

So, Vern what the heck is your "snit" about?

Ed has always been "genuinely" concerned about Y2K and it's impact on people's personal lives. Suspect he made way more doing his computer books and consulting work.

Sometimes an issue is SO BIG and so globally encompasing, that you just have to put your own life on "hold" and stand up to be counted.

I for one am VERY grateful to Ed and thank him profusely for having the courage, that few have exhibited these days.

Thanks Ed!

Diane

@}'-->---

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), December 16, 1999.

Vern:

If you didn't deduce the answer to your question about the 'nonsense' Ed referred to:

The nonsense is in questioning Ed's motivation for putting out a 9.95 video. Some people habitually tell the truth. Ed is one of them.

Some people give of themselves to help others. It's known as altruism. Ed has done this because he sincerely believes it will be helpful to people who didn't know of the dangers attached to Y2K. All of his material on this subject has been free on the Internet. He could have made more money on his technical books than on Y2K.

I for one am thankful to Ed for his information. We have prepared moderately, but have the basics covered. If you appreciate nothing of what he's done, I don't see why you can't just do your own thing and let everyone else do theirs. No one has put a gun to anyone's head to make them buy books or videos. That is another 'red herring'.

Pretty soon we will know how serious Y2K will be, but I, personally, like Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone With the Wind' (one of the few novels I've read) will ever be without some provisions again.

Thank you, Rd yourdon and all others who have been so helpful. And, no. I don't worship Ed Yourdon.

-- Connie Iversen (hive@gte.net), December 16, 1999.

Vern = shit for brains

-- Norm Harrold (nharrold@tymewyse.com), December 16, 1999.

LadyLajoke and Vern are husband and wife!

-- (SkyTravler@Jupiter.com), December 16, 1999.

I may be mistaken, Vern, but I thought this discussion site belonged to Ed. If that's true, then the man is graciously allowing you to slam him at his expense. Go figure. But it Hardly sounds money grubbing to me.

Take care, Ed.

-- Doorbaby (tomG@h.com), December 16, 1999.

"Money IS the root of all evil. I'm sure you all agree."

Not me, Vernie...

.....The LOVE OF money is the root of all evil. You've probably gotten everything else wrong, as well. I've personally found Ed to be a very genuine "good guy." all too rare these days, as you so aptly portray.

-- Patrick (pmchenry@gradall.com), December 16, 1999.

geeeeeshhh!! get a life Vern! Civilization might collapse in two weeks and you have the time and energy to publically worry over a $9.99 video. Get a life, Vern!

-- JoseMiami (caris@prodigy.net), December 16, 1999.