Mr. Lipinski
 
I'm not quite sure why you would post something like this to this list..
it's sensationalism..as you said:
 
>"Is this sensationalism and prophesizing doom and gloom?  Yep, on both
>counts." --if you believe this, why did you continue to propagate this myth
>throughout the rest of your post?
 
There are lots of people (like my husband) in lots of companies, also
goverment agencies, and corporations that are working with the year two
thousand problem.
 
I also think that posting, and or spreading rumours and opinions about what
could possibly happen (and is very unlikely to happen), only helps seed
people's minds who might have less than the best of intentions for society,
and mankind (and ferretkind in general).
 
I find it very disturbing to come upon a post like this, in the midst of
important and more topical posts, like poor Jennifer's little fuzzie Furlow
needing lots of help.  I'm not sure why it was posted, and I hope this isn't
a trend.
 
Robynn McCarthy and Gargoyle("yeah mom..you go!..gimme a raisin")
 
[Moderator's note: I'm half asleep, but I think I own the FML an
explanation.  I hope I make at least some sense in my stupor.
 
Maybe Ed's post exaggerated the issue.  And further, it's a somewhat long
leap to take to call it ferret related.  But, it turns out many people ARE
scared to death of the year 2000 issue -- the damage has already been done.
 
Certainly, the veracity of the gloom and doom predictions have yet to be
proven and there is much sensationalism.  So why did I allow the post?
Because I do think many (or most) of us *will* be affected -- even if not
as seriously as some predict -- and I think it's not too early to start
being mindful of the issue.  A good example: I'm worried that shelters (and
readers) may find their own computers are not working properly in the year
2000.  Will delays in retrieving information stored on your computer affect
a shelter operation?  Quite possibly.  Print out things you absolutely must
have access to -- NOW!  The year 2000 is just one of countless reasons
things can screw up.  Reminders about being prepared for emergencies --
even somewhat far-fetched emergencies -- are better than assurances there
never will be emergencies.
 
At the same time, it's always been my policy that things like computer virus
alerts (the very few which aren't hoaxes to begin with) aren't appropriate
for the FML, and the Y2K problem isn't all that different.  I don't expect
we'll continue this debate for long.  If we are reminded that problems can
spring up at any time, and in unexpected ways, then the post served its
purpose.  BIG]
[Posted in FML issue 2365]