Dear Dan, I decided to write you this e-mail because in all my research, you are the FIRST person I have found that shares nearly all my views on y2k. It is nice to see that there are y2k 'doomers' out there other than myself that are not religious fanatics or survilalist lunatics. The term 'doomer' is an interesting one as it is used synonomously with terms like 'fanatic' and 'crazy'. While you and I are certainly extremists (in that are views are considered extreme) and doomsayers (in that we believe mankind is about to experience an event unparalelled in history), we are certainly not crazy or fanatic. However, it is interesting that because of this connection, we are unable to talk outwardly about our beliefs which we KNOW to be true.
Anyway, I have a dilemma I would like to share with you as I would imagine you will be able to relate- Last night, I went to my local Barnes and Nobles to try to find something to give to my girlfrieds father to 'wake him up'. I ended up unable to find anything that I would feel comfortable giving him (i.e. credible, convincing, and scarry enough to move him into action), so I left empty-handed. Now I am faced with a serious problem; my girlfriend knows that I have food (and lots of it. . .about a year and a half to be exact), but she refuses to buy food for herself or her family. At this point, she sort of likes the idea that her boyfriend does not fit the typical mold. . .but she nontheless thinks my beliefs about y2k are absurd (and YES I have tried to convince her). So when (if?) the time comes prior to y2k that people start to panick (perhaps next week?), she and her family will be at the end of a very long line. Imagine if her father (who knows nothing on the subject) came to me and said,"you mean you knew this was going to happen and you never told us?!". What could I possibly say except perhaps,"well, I wanted to but I was afraid you would think I was crazy".
So here we are, the 1 or 2 percent of the population that is FULLY aware of y2k and it's possible consequences, and what can we do? Nothing. Many months ago, I felt like Paul Revere. I had a mission. . .tell everyone, tell the world, y2k is coming! But to my surprise, not only did people not believe me, they thought there was something wrong with me, they labeled me a fanatic. So were I to tell her father, he would probably have the same reaction. What a burden it is, knowing what you and I know.
Anyway, enough about me :). I have a question for you. . . what is your opinion of maxing out one's credit cards and going into y2k with a balance?
Take Care,
Wells
Dear Wells,
I concur with your dilemma. I too have tried to convey my concerns on y2k to family, friends and co-workers. At first it was met with interest as I handed them copies of my web site for them to read. Generally they were open-minded and concerned . However, since the beginning of the year they have all (and I mean ALL completly changed their mind and believe it will be a "bump-in-a-road." Presumably this is due to many factors such as the constant stream of PR spin issued in the mainstream media and authorities of late seeking to "reassure" the public. Most of my co-workers and friends now avoid y2k (and me, when the subject is brought up) and give looks which gives the immpression that they have scorned and ridiculed me behind my back.
The majority simply can't comprehend the concept that its too late to fix y2k and will therefore stay in a state of denial--no matter how much evidence is presented. In this case there's no point in trying to "convert" them--they have solidified their beliefs. This is a difficult situation when it involves family members. We all want our loved ones to be prepared, but not all will. I have no clear answer or solution to give other than tell them you are preparing extra for them as well. This may give them the impression that you are REALLY serious about this whole y2k situation, and compel them to prepare for themselves (?)
I suggest printing out some material from this site and the internet (such as scary quotes from officials ) and pass it around to family. When doing this be low-key and serious. Not frantic and alarming as you will shock them into thinking you are crazy. Bring up the fact that the Red Cross (hardly a fanatic organization) is recommending a week's preparation for y2k. The Canadian Mounted Police are suggesting 2 weeks.
As far as books are concerned, try Ed Yourdon's Time Bomb 2000.
As far as the credit card question, I don't give financial advice on this site, but think about this: Either way the credit card companies have nothing to lose if everyone racked them up. How so? If y2k is doomsday, it doesn't matter--it's all over. If it isn't doomsday, there will be alot of interest payments coming in!
Best of luck!
Daniel F.
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