It seems that at the end of every article that addresses the likeliness of the power grid going down is information about the author's credentials which include the name of his/her book called something like, RWhy we'er all going to die from Y2KS or something like that. I'd like to hear from an industry expert or experts that are more the likes of Ralph Nader. Someone who doesn't have anything to gain from being a SdoomsayerR. Is there anyone out there like that?

Please e-mail me at jack@la-inc.com if you have an answer.

Thanks a lot, Jack

-- Anonymous, November 10, 1998

Answers

Jack:

Okay, I'll bite on this one. This the place you want to be for electricity utility information. Yes, Rick Cowles has a book out, but he's probably one of a handful of reliable sources who provides information and commentary that is not geared toward buying 'the book.'

I feel confident that many on this forum would concur that Rick's motivations are not driven by economics and that he shares the interest we all do, and that is to make Y2K as much of a non-event as possible. Rick has been staright with me on this site and through personal emails. Having said that, if you still can't value his observations, then I'm afraid your search will continue in vain.

-- Anonymous, November 10, 1998

Dear Jack:

Here's a good place to start. Go to your local computer store and buy the book "Y2K For Dummies". I don't remember the name of the author(I did'nt buy the book), and I'm not trying to be cute. The book explains in great detail how to fix Y2K code and is written for someone who is not a computer nerd. After reviewing it, I gained a much better understanding of the problem.

Sincerely,

Bill Watt

-- Anonymous, November 10, 1998

Jack, do a search at the amazon.com book site and you'll find that Ralph Nader is the author of *dozens* of published books. By your criteria, I guess we shouldn't believe anything Ralph has to say either. If people who are knowledgeable in a certain area write a book to explain a subject in more depth than can be addressed any other way, I cannot see how this disqualifies their expertise. Either they have the experience and facts on their side or they don't. I am also quite familiar with the book world, and no author becomes wealthy from royalties unless their book is a major best seller, and sometimes not even then.

It also costs a bundle to operate a public forum web site, not to mention the incredible time and commitment needed for anyone who is trying to bring Y2K awareness to the public. If you think the "doomsayers" are making a lot of money out of their efforts, I'd have to say that if profit were their objective, writing a diet book, cook book, mystery or romance would have brought them a lot more sales with a lot less grief.

A friend of mine is starting a community awareness program in conjuction with her church. When the pastor asked if there was anyone she could get to speak on Y2K, she took a chance and e-mailed Mr. Cowles. He responded immediately about setting a date, which surprised her greatly as she knows what a full schedule he has. (She is in an area relatively close to his location.) You'll have to take my word for it, but he is NOT going to get rich by giving his time to address this group. Commitment to awareness of the Y2K problem is the only motivator I can detect.

All that aside, if you wish to access views from high-level programmers who have NOT written any books, go to:

http://supernews.com/default/threads.pl?group=comp.software.year-2000:LAST

There is a caveat to visiting this site, however. Most of the posters there do not tolerate lightly anyone of the view that Y2K will be less than a disaster. If you wish to post contrary views or questions you'd better have facts to back them up. Otherwise, it's interesting reading.

Best wishes in your search for information!

-- Anonymous, November 10, 1998