The totally off-topic thread

[anat0l]

Not always means it's not a real letter as below.

"The National Westminster Bank admitted last month that it keeps
personal information about its customers-such as their political
affiliation-on computer. But now Computer Weekly reveals that a
financial institution, sadly unnamed, has gone one better and moved
into the realm of personal abuse.
The institution decided to mailshot 2000 of its richest customers,
inviting them to buy extra services. One of its computer programmers
wrote a program to search through its databases and select its
customers automatically. He tested the program with an imaginary
customer called Rich cough.
Unfortunately, an error resulted in all 2000 letters being addressed
"Dear Rich cough". The luckless programmer was subsequently sacked."


From New Scientist, 28 august 93, Feedback column.

And what do you call the "luckless" programmer in this instance?

Poor cough.



Of course, "luckless" my backside. He meant to do a test, he didn't clear out the test frame (if needed) and he pushed ahead. So he got to eat what he was owed. At least he would not have been dismissed with prejudice, so surely if he is worth his weight for a financial institution of some repute, he would have had little trouble getting a new job. Particularly as this story was some 20 or so years ago.

 

[JohnK]

I think AFF is a form of social media, and you have been pretty active in it JohnK.

Not sure I agree.

In my opinion AFF is a forum/bulletin board where you can share ideas and remain anonymous if you wish and social media is Facebook, Twitter etc.

I could of course be totally wrong.

 

[Pushka]

^^^ This .....

Except - I received a legitimate NABtrade email about 12 months ago with a link requiring I log into my account. I called them up and they confirmed they had sent it. I suggested their IT people needed a rethink.

 

[Pushka]

I could of course be totally wrong.

Nailed that JohnK. AFF is pure social media.

 

[TomVexille]

In my opinion AFF is a forum/bulletin board where you can share ideas

That IS the definition of social media

 

[medhead]

Except - I received a legitimate NABtrade email about 12 months ago with a link requiring I log into my account. I called them up and they confirmed they had sent it. I suggested their IT people needed a rethink.

As I wrote. Even if the company is real, that is not legitimate. The comment applies to your NABtrade experience just as much as it applies to the royal king of the nigeria central bank who wish to just give me 10 gazillion $$$ that he inherited from my ill aunty.

I delete the email in either case. If I really feel like it I'll find my own way to nabtrade and log in (not via the email)

 

[medhead]

That IS the definition of social media

Hang on a second now, Is it possible to be anonymous on facebook and twitter? Would one share ideas on facebook and twitter? surely not!!!

 

[TomVexille]

Hang on a second now, Is it possible to be anonymous on facebook and twitter? Would one share ideas on facebook and twitter? surely not!!!

Nah, turns out that they're just a popularity contest

 

[RAM]

Hang on a second now, Is it possible to be anonymous on facebook and twitter? Would one share ideas on facebook and twitter? surely not!!!

Just ask any pedophile or police force - unfortunately all is not what it may seem!

 

[JohnK]

Nailed that JohnK. AFF is pure social media.

When I hear someone referring to social media they are referring to Facebook/Twitter/MySpace etc.

So if by definition sites such as AFF, Flyertalk are social media then including Facebook/Twitter/MySpace in the same category is extremely misleading. Chalk and cheese.

I'll stick to my interpretation thanks.

 

[Pushka]

Just for JohnK.

 

[JohnK]

Thanks pushka. I saw the definition.

 

[BettyB]

Not sure I agree.

In my opinion AFF is a forum/bulletin board where you can share ideas and remain anonymous if you wish and social media is Facebook, Twitter etc.

I could of course be totally wrong.

AFF is a social media forum.

 

[BettyB]

Is it possible to be anonymous on facebook and twitter?

It is both possible and frequently occurring.

 

[robd]

Except - I received a legitimate NABtrade email about 12 months ago with a link requiring I log into my account. I called them up and they confirmed they had sent it. I suggested their IT people needed a rethink.

Amex FX sent one to me too. I phoned them to ensure it was legit (and it was). How the heck are you supposed to know

 

[JessicaTam]

Blatant cross posting, but the schedule for AFF #9 has just been loaded. The link is in my signature.

 

[coriander]

Expensive day today.

Our three year old blood test machine ($18k) failed, outside its two year warranty (of course).
"Ok, s*** happens, how much to repair?"

"Standard minimum repair cost $4,644. Ninety day warranty on parts and labour - you pay shipping MEL-SYD-MEL. Or you can purchase an extended maintenance agreement for $6400 for four years."

"Take up the agreement and we'll replace your current dead machine with a brand new machine. You'll never see your old machine again."
"Or not, as you wish, and we'll fix your current machine (for at least $4644, but might be extra with parts once we have it back in the workshop)."

Hmmm... coriander thinks.... there's newer machines on market, maybe I just repair, sell it and move to an alternate brand machine.

"No problem, dr coriander, but be aware that we do not offer subsequent owner(s) a maintenance agreement, and the 90 day warranty on current repair applies only to current owner."

"Ok, what if I sell the practice - does maintenance agreement continue with new owner?"
"No. Read the "No assignment" bit in clause #3 - you will need to pay out full four years of agreement.
We *may* transfer the agreement to the new practice owner if you are retiring."
"Oh, can I have that in writing?"
"No. There *may* be an offer made. You have always been a good customer, so I wouldn't worry about it."
"Ok, so I keep the machine, but lease it to the new owner."
"Yes, as long as you abide by Clause #2 stating that you will be responsible for the use and maintenance of the machine and that it remains at current premises."
--------
Why do I feel that I've been royally screwed over?
--------

 

[OATEK]

Not sure I agree.

In my opinion AFF is a forum/bulletin board where you can share ideas and remain anonymous if you wish and social media is Facebook, Twitter etc.

I could of course be totally wrong.

AFF is a social media forum.

There is a bit of a chicken and egg argument here, as in what came first! Before there was a definition of "social media" there were bulletin boards and forums all over the internet. Did AFF precede the "Social media" era?

It might be fairer to say that AFF has come to be seen as "social media" as I don't remember this term being part of every day life back in 1998 when I understand AFF came into being.

 

[rogerkambah]

Sorry I posted my belief that AFF is a form of social media. Seems to have caused a storm in a teacup. I'm sure there are bigger matters that warrant discussion.

 

[amaroo]

There is a bit of a chicken and egg argument here, as in what came first! Before there was a definition of "social media" there were bulletin boards and forums all over the internet. Did AFF precede the "Social media" era?

It might be fairer to say that AFF has come to be seen as "social media" as I don't remember this term being part of every day life back in 1998 when I understand AFF came into being.

Good post OATEK