Your coverage of our Y2K meeting was a gross misrepresentation of our message. At no time did we “forecast doom and gloom.” We deliberately steer away from extreme predictions, for the simple reason that no one knows what will happen in the year 2000. We do know there will be problems but no one can predict how severe they will be. Rather, we advise Centretown residents take precautions, just in case. A better heading would have been “Group urges preparedness for Y2K.”
By contrast, your Y2K column on the business page was insightful. Y2K does seem like a conspiracy by business to make money off computer problems. We don’t believe most businesses involved in Y2K preparedness are trying to cash in, but many are, and as always the watchword is “buyer beware.” However, again we caution against making predictions. Jen Ross concludes we’ll only see “isolated computer glitches lasting a couple of days.” While it’s clearly just her opinion, it’s not a helpful one.
It pays to keep one’s sense of humour with an issue so bizarre and trivial as neglecting two digits in computer date codes. However, we need to steer clear of flippancy and denial of the potential for danger. We also need to see the silver lining. Y2K requires we get to know our neighbours and engage in mutual support as we prepare our homes and businesses for possible disruptions in essential services. Such activity generates community spirit and helps make us more self-sufficient.
Terry Cottam,
President
Y2K Centretown Preparendess Group