[Vision2020] Thank you for the catch up

Thu Dec 15 09:29:49 PST 2011

Back in the 70's, my mom loved to listen to Karen Carpenter on her
phonograph.  

At the same time, we kids loved to jump from the top bunk of our beds
into a clothes pile on the floor... causing the entire first floor to
shake.

This would cause the player to skip around... jumping into different
songs... cadences... melodies... rhythms... making it impossible for mom
to enjoy her music.

I have long suspected a correlation between these two events and the
ping-pong paddle that would emerge to "correct" the situation... but I
lack hard evidence to prove it.

Your post sounds a lot like the record I remember hearing as I would
jump from the top bunk into the soft pile of clothes.  

Judging by your email, I will only summarize with this:

1)      You have a personal bone to pick.

2)      You've never managed a data center.

Jay

From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com
[mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com] On Behalf Of Abu Dmaharra
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2011 3:19 AM
To: vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: [Vision2020] Thank you for the catch up

Greetings all,

I would like to thank you all for the public forum, it has enabled me to
catch up on what has been going on these past years I have been gone.

I will be the first to say, like many others on here, I am anonymous,
and have taken precautions to keep it that way for my own personal
reasons.  I am no one famous, nor distingushed, nor criminal, I am
simply an "average joe" and would like it to stay that way, for now.

Secondly, my games and expertise is business, marketing, and technology.
I am still quite young by most standard measures, but I am old enough,
and have been 'blessed' (I use that term loosely) with experiences that
have provided me with wisdom in these areas beyond the years of most.  

It is the technology aspect which brings me to the whole reason why I am
posting.

I read the archive about slander on public forums and what not, and I
doubt if any of you really get what the "anon person that is in no way
associated or even could considered to be associated with First Step"
(haha) is saying in a beat around the bush sort of way.  Most of what
they posted is about 90% BS.  (I am assuming it was "them", but I don't
actually know, although it seems blatently obvious.)  

In order for them to be truely liable, LOTS of things have to happen
first, none of which have to do with them and what they support.  They
are federally protected by their status as an internet service provider,
and even then, I really doubt even THAT applies to them, as no one is
PAYING for their services.  This is a free-will pro bono unregulated
public service they are providing, and therefore I don't believe that
any presedence has been set for that sort of thing.  

All of the e-slander/e-liable cases to date have involved some sort of
paid venue in some shape or form.

BTW, in case you were wondering, in order for a domain host to be liable
for anything like that, a complaint must first be made directly to them,
officially by registered mail (differs by state), and that letter must
be signed in front of a notary (and again differs by state).  This makes
public record of the complaint, and of the sending of the complaint.  

Still with me?  Now, lets say a complainer doesn't have to do all that
in the state they live in.  So they complain about a poster, and write a
letter to support detailing the "abuse".  

All that the provider has to do is say "As this is a public forum
provided as a public service that we neither moderate nor regulate short
of archiving old messages and adding/removing subscribers via an
automatic process, we are not responsible for the content of this public
forum.  We understand your concern about this incident, however, as we
are simply the medium of public communication, and not party to the
offender, nor the offended, in any manner, we have no right to take any
action on any user due to a lack of an end user agreement."  

Although that is stated on the mission page in not so eloquent words...
okay sure same thing really.

This statement, assuming it is totally accurate in the scenario, will
show that the digital provider is simply providing the service.  The
offended party can still suponea whatever details are available of the
offender from the service provider, but that would be about the extent.
To actually name a service provider providing a free public service in a
law suit is a very hard thing to do, and only the most slimiest or
desparate of lawyers would even take the retainer to write up the suit,
as in most cases it doesn't even make it beyond interrogitories due to
it being a FREE service, and lack of criminal violation.

In essence, it would be like suing a radio station for doing a public
service announcement because it offended you personally.  Good luck with
that case.

More to what the user is stating, who is probably associated, or works
for, First Step Internet, is that they are tired of providing this
service for free, and taking up some of their "very limited" bandwidth.
It's not going to matter in 3 years anyway as they will probably be
replaced by something else, but to all those that think that First Step
Internet has provided a monumental public service at their cost, let me
dissolve that for you.

Vision2020 is a sub-domain of the moscow.com domain.  Moscow.com is
owned by first step internet.  Google "WHOIS moscow.com" and you will
find a bunch of tools that will verify the owner.  Any domain, although
there are exceptions, can have unlimited sub-domains, you simply need to
register them.  As FSI owns the domain, and is hosted on their privately
owned servers, they are only limited to storage space on that server,
and of course, bandwidth.

Bandwidth however has nothing to do with storage space, which is a
common layman error.  The entire data contents and code of this website,
with all archived messages dating back to origin, probably fits easily
on my thumb drive with tons of room to spare.  It loads fast, because
there is not much data to go through, for the most part it is simply
text converted e-mails.  Therefore, it is not as if 15 years of emails
take up anything substantial on their server, especially with archiving
and auto compressing.  If it does, well that would then have more to do
with lack of current technology at First Step because a standard HDD or
Hard Disk Drive is about 500GB now, and I would be real suprised if this
site took up even 1GB.  (assuming it did take up that much, you could
still make just under 500 copies of this exact website, so just short of
500 other addresses, with the exact same amount of data)  That is just
STANDARD, not a brand spanking new 2TB drive which is 2000GB.  (1000GB =
1TB ~ pronounced Terra Byte)  

The actual bandwidth is what First Step is hurting for at the moment I
would think, as is every other ISP in the area.  Think of bandwidth like
a steel plumbing pipe.  In this case a 6 inch pipe.  The circumference
of that pipe is all the volume that pipe will take at any given moment
or 6 inches of volumetric flow.  This forum is part of that flow.  In
relevance to the data flow associated with this pipe on the bandwidth,
vision2020's bandwidth is equivelent to a toothpick's width of flow in
that 6 inch pipe.  In most other cases, other individual clients are
equivelent to about this width of flow, with the exception of major
establishments, like say the hospital.

The hospital pays a premium for using a bigger portion of the volume.
The other users pay considerably less (although still stupidly
overcharged) for the flow they take up.  From reading the archive, what
appears to be going on is that First Step is getting nervous about not
charging for all of their bandwidth, as there are a few other public
service type provisions they do.   

In addition, this site does use their coveted "moscow.com" domain name,
that they also have not charged all these years for.  This has probably
become disconcerting to them in recent months, as they seem to be all
about having income for just having that particular domain name.  To
dissolve that illusion that it is something special or hard to acquire,
in 2017, any bloke on the planet can acquire the domain if it is not
renewed.  I think a 10 year renewal is like 300 bucks or something like
that? So take that with what they charge businesses for having a website
through them with the "blahbusiness".moscow.com per month/year and
figure their markup.

Of course to be fair, there is their own server equipment which could,
but probably doesn't, cost upwards of 20K  or more when you get into
decent server configurations, but like I said, I really doubt they are
using something like that.  It is probably like most small business
ISP's and piece-mealed together over time.  Even with a 50K figure, in
one year their mark-up is still considerable, because that server will
not be replaced if it can be helped for about 5-10 years.

As they are in the process of trying to negotiate a long overdue
equipment upgrade/additional towers, as well as increase their "pipe"
size, I would imagine that in this economy they are trying to do
everything they can to get whatever they can.  I don't blame them for
this, however, they are at the same time trying not to "stir the nest"
on here, and cause some PR damage to themselves by starting to charge
for the site.  Usually the first step of changing a public service forum
to a private fee forum, is some kind of announcement, or in this case a
"nervous Nelly" post about something that wouldn't even affect them, and
making the forum private to begin with.

What comes next is some completely overstated post about how oh because
it's private we have to moderate and blah blah blah, and takes
resources, so we are charging a small fee, etc. etc.  Pffh... I could
moderate 10 years of this website's posts in a week, and I sleep for the
first 5 days.  It takes nothing with the way it is set up, no code to
manage, automated sign up and unsubscribe pre-fabricated inserts.  It's
really not much and by leaving the forum public, they would not be doing
anything wrong legally.  This forum is really nothing more than a e-mail
forwarder to list members, and a site to access old messages from.
Completely automated setup going on, nothing to maintain, unless it
breaks on their end.

So what was the purpose of that e-mail on the 1st?  I absoulutely detest
companies, especially computer, internet, etc. digital providing
companies that try to beef up what they do, simply to make it seem like
they move heaven and earth, so they can charge something or charge more.
To put this in even more perspective for people, if I could sit down
with an individual to educate them in this kind of technology for a
month straight, 8 hours a day, by the end of that month they could
replace all of what First Step Internet does by building a setup and run
it out of a closet.  Even funnier is that with what some remote server
management places are offering, you could run what First Step does in a
remote closet somewhere else in North America!  (Going across the
atlantic causes issues with packet information delay, although those
trunk cables are getting better everytime they upgrade)

Upon moving back into this area I am apalled at what passes for a
computer service professional.  There is so much gouging and price
hijacking going on with the tech and tech services around here, it makes
me sick that these people act more like a repugnant combination of used
carsalesperson and corporate lawyer, than an educated technical
professional that provides excellent service with a smile.  As digital
services grow ever more like the other life dependant utilities that are
in a home, I suppose it shouldn't really surprise me that companies are
starting to act this way.

I wish I had about 100K fall into my lap to show the people of Moscow,
my hometown, what true professional technical services are like.  I have
already had the extreme pleasure of revealing the existing "technical
businesses" true natures to a few local business owners since I have
been back.  In one instance I did this by fixing what 5 technicians
could not fix in 2 months.  It took me 30 seconds, if that.  (true
story)  I almost didn't accept payment that was offered for it, but I
spent some additional time setting up other things that other
technicians won't touch because it's "3rd party", or to translate that,
NOT BOUGHT THROUGH THEM.  Who cares?  This client of yours needs your
help with it.  Get on the phone with the tech support of the item if you
don't know much about it, no shame in that.  You are doing it so they
don't have to, that is what they are paying you for.  But I guess I
should thank those that have that policy, it made their client my
client.

Which leads me to my next issue - I am told that I am "sorely needed"
here.  I wish that were the case.  A year ago when I visited, I was
offered 4 interviews on the spot by 4 different places simply because I
needed to do some tech shopping and was out of timeframe reach of my
normal vendor.  Now, those places still haven't hired anyone, and they
are no longer looking.  Not because they don't need the skilled person
from the looks of it, but because the populus has allowed the economy to
dwindle to such that most establishments are afraid to hire anyone
skilled.

I use the term "populus" because I don't blame an individual grouping of
people, I blame everyone equally.  Candidates for not being aware that
at any point they may lose their job and preparing for it, also known as
a contingincy plan, business owners for not hiring when they need
someone, tightning of belts by consumers who haven't had any loss or
reduction in income, lack of advertising by establishments that need
advertising, and just about anyone that thinks to stave off reduction
you increase your prices.  I especially blame those idiots.  Less client
base, so instead of reducing the price to draw more in, you penalize the
loyal clients... that is smart how?  

Take McDonald's for instance.  It has done exactly that.  Yes, the owner
wants to make money, sure, I get it.  However, by increasing his profit
margin, he dropped his loyal client base pool.  I do like the fact that
when I am in an extreme hurry there is no wait for a cheeseburger, but
usually I find myself looking at Wendy's value menu more often, and as a
boy to young man I went in there all the time with my Dad because it was
affordable.  Now, instead of continuing the tradition someday with my
son, it will be cheaper to just use elk burger, homemade buns, and slice
of cheese and trimmings from the store instead.  (Tastes better too, but
you all know that.)

Anyway, my current count as of yesterday through all media of jobs
available in just Moscow alone was around 500.  I have applied for about
a tenth of these, and even more before I had moved back, now no longer
listed.  In most cases I don't even get a letter of "thanks for applying
but....etc. etc."  I believe I have received one from the U of I out of
about 200 total since this spring.  Some jobs I have even verified that
they have been relisted.  

So what the heck gives here?  I call to verify each and every one that
my material has been received, and they can't even send me a letter of
appreciation for applying?  If they are in such bad shape they can't
afford a dollarish courtesy for pool candidates, they might want to
rethink about hiring someone.  I think its even less than that- 12c for
the paper, 8c for the envelope, and 44c for the stamp or whatever it is
now, so ya not even.

In my last position, I would literally drop everything to review an
application when submitted (not counting undroppable things) because to
me, that person that applied is so much more than somebody looking for a
job.  They may be a potentially skilled or trainable asset that I don't
have yet.  If I see someone that has the potential to make my company
that I work for 200 bucks a day or more, and they are fine with getting
paid 80-100 bucks a day, well lets see, thats a Benny and possibly more
per day the company didn't have before right?  My math isn't wrong is
it?  This translates to the company makes more money, I make more money,
duh.  So why is it I am the only one that can see this apparently?  Why
is everyone so afraid to pay a skilled wage for someone with skills, or
even call back a skilled person?

The other side to this arguement is that employers want too many skills
and don't want to pay more than they have to for them.  That is equally
as ridiculious.  Someone with a Masters degree is not going to take a
35K year job if they can help it.  You will always be that individuals
LAST choice because right off, you have labeled yourself a "cheapass".
In the history of anyone ever employed, no one stays employed to this
sort of employer.  As soon as a better opportunity presents itself, all
offers and/or loyalty to the "cheapass" goes out the window.

Finally the great equalizer "or equivilent experience" and "year for
year" is another joke I see on most of the listings.  What exactly is
equivelent to my present day not even 6 month old real life business
experience compared to a textbook written 2-10 years ago?  I don't
understand that.  Sure, I can see where there might be a need to state
that, but it a real comparison, there isn't anything comparable when
considering classroom knowledge and practical application knowledge.
Show me what page in your book tells you how to broker a multi million
dollar contract deal.... Show me the class you took that describes how
to integrate this newly developed and released technology to existing
infrastructure.  Describe to me your class lab you did that gives you
the ability to identify the needs and desires of your new and potential
clients, and where to take them to wine/dine/entertain them deeper into
your business.  Tell me the base formula to use for generating
additional revenue when your pretty flow chart starts declining.  

You can't, because it doesn't exist in a college classroom, you get that
knowledge by "swimming with the sharks" so to speak.    I luckily
acquired mine in a slightly less hostile enviornment, with a very huge
(but docile underneath) shark in pastor's clothing.  It may sound
strange, and laughable almost to the unknowing, but anyone that has a
letter of appreciation handwritten from the CEO of Google back in it's
massive growth days is probably worth about 100 top of the line
professors.  The letter itself alone is probably worth 5 of their yearly
salaries to the right collector.  This letter was addressed to my
instructor, trainer, and company owner of my previous employment
establishment, who are all the same person.

On the flip side, the statistical average of someone leaving a company
that has been employed with the same employer for 4 or more years drops
considerably at that point.  At 8 years, it is virtually null for the
next 5-10 years, without substantial compensation.  Proof of point:  I
have recently heard that the CIO for the U of I is leaving to "jump the
border" for the VP of tech or something like that at WSU.  I can only
imagine what was offered.  (If I jumped ahead of the press release,
um... ya.. forget that I wrote that.  I don't read the controlled media
that is the local paper, it is way too biased.)

Right now, my current employer is probably thinking that I am wonderful
addition.  I am mature, professional, aware of the nature of the work,
and I work for minimum wage part time.  Given the other people that come
and go through there, and the colorful history of employees the place
has had, my employer is probably glad to have a break from the chaos.
Someone to rely on, who will show up, do their job, be self sufficient,
etc etc.  That is at least until I find full time work.  Wanna know what
got me the job?  I worked there 12 years ago, and did exactly the same
thing.  Pretty sad eh?  All of my qualifications and skills mean naught,
because the position is unrelated.

My point with all this is: this group is called vision2020.  Right now
the Vision of 2020 for Moscow looks quite dismal if the trend doesn't
turn upwards.  I have read your mission statement(s)/objective(s).  I do
agree with most of them, however, when I left this community 10 years
ago, I felt that I was leaving a good community with a strong foundation
and was a little sad to go off into the world.  Heck, I even helped
developed late night youth activities, and I WAS one of the youths at
that time.  Can you imagine?  One of two 17 year olds going up before
the city council for development outline and facility usage permission,
having the full backing of the moscow school district, and developing a
plan that "grown-ups" couldn't devise on their own.  So much potential,
so much opportunity, all seemingly evaporated and condensed down to the
cauldron of decaying sludge that appears to pass for this city.

This is like a nightmare dark-world version of the city I grew up in.  I
am willing to do my part to help turn it around, but I can't do it
alone.  I need contacts, resources, game plan, adversary profiles, etc.
This forum has done much to fill in some blanks as to some events that
turned Moscow into "Mush Co.", but I am still left with a feeling that
something big happened to sprawl it out of control, and break it as it
fell, and I don't know what that is.  My only question that I will leave
all of you with is this:

What the heck happnened to the Moscow that I knew?  

Regards,

AnonAbu

P.S.  Thanks for your time in reading the novel, I can already tell that
there are, and/or were, some pretty important people that read this, and
I know how busy your lives and jobs can get.

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