In the never ending search for Y2K truth what can be said with certainty? Several things I think.

Barring Divine intervention, it will be 2000.

Nobody knows exactly what will happen.

Y2K is global.

The infrastructure that we rely on is a chain on interdependencies, each link of which is susceptible.

Some of the computers we rely on will fail unless fixed and tested properly.

Not everything that needs to be fixed will be fixed in time.

People are people - there is such a thing as human nature. Most people will not prepare.

Panic is inherently uncontrollable and to be avoided if at all possible, regardless of the reason for the panic.

To prepare for uncertainty in a prudent way based on an informed opinion and expectations mitigates risk.

Not to prepare prudently in the face of uncertainty increases risk.

With Y2K, there has been and continues to be much uncertainty.

Experience is an expensive teacher.

Blindly accepting what any poster including me writes, or opinions from "experts", or reports from the Government, or blind acceptance of anything you see on TV or in the press is a failure to act responsibly. There is no shortcut for questioning and thought.

Go back now and re-read the list above, asking yourself the questions:

What was true two years ago?

What was true one year ago?

What is true today?

Feel free to add your two cents.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), May 11, 1999

Answers

Time does not stand still, the clock keeps ticking.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), May 11, 1999.

Russia and China are extremely pissed off at the moment.

The KIA commercials are what most people think about Y2K.

Russia and China are extremely pissed off.

The econimy is great.

-- R. Wright (blaklodg@aol.com), May 11, 1999.

Hi Rob!

Y2K is not universal. It affects only computer-related situations.

For example, last year Gary North said that if the computers of the world's militaries shut down, China will have the world's greatest navy, because their navy is of World War II technology.

It has been suggested that perhaps the AIDS in Africa is so widespread among heterosexuals because the UN has used its needles on more than one patient to innoculate against other diseases. If Y2K cripples the UN, this will (theoretically) improve the living standards of those third-worlders the UN seeks to help.

Here in the US, those who choose to live the Unabomber lifestyle won't notice a thing.

I know that some of this is nitpicking, but I think its important to remember that the teetotalers wouldn't notice if all the liquor were poisoned.

-- GA Russell (garussell@russellga.com), May 11, 1999.

Well put, G.

But don't p.o. those drunks, now...

Dano

-- Dano (bookem@blacksand.srf), May 11, 1999.

Those who analyze and plan ahead have more options available than for those who "wing it". This applies not only to Y2k, but other things as well. Especially when it comes to meetings :-)

-- Tim (pixmo@pixelquest.com), May 12, 1999.

The wise one turns problems into opportunities.

-- doyle (tqm@iso9000.com), May 12, 1999.

The increasing devestation and cost of natural disasters is escalating alongside the manmade ones.

The ... government, corporations and newsmedia ... Y2K information releases are typically self-serving.

Shift Happens ... daily.

Prepare for, and expect the unexpected.

Home is local, and where your heart ... and community is.

Be prepared to move, if necessary.

It's an inter-connected planet.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), May 12, 1999.

Next year, EVERYONE (politicians to Yourdonites) will claim they were right all along about Y2K, whether it is a bump ("you call this a bump?") or TEOTWAWKI ("Well, the entire world didn't end, did it?").

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), May 12, 1999.

Sho' nuff, BigDog.

What can be said with certainty: insurers recognized the potential of Y2K a long, long, time ago and got CYA legislation passed in nearly all the states before last summer.

Were they being paranoid? Over-reacting? Jumping at shadows?

-- Lisa (lisa@work.now), May 12, 1999.

at least we'll know if we have a job

-- zoobie (zoobiezoob@yahoo.com), May 13, 1999.