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Runaway hysteria reminds me of Y2K

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by qbee42, Mar 12, 2010.

  1. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    The current hysteria surrounding Toyota in general and the Prius in particular reminds me of the run-up to Y2K.

    Being a computer and electronics professional, a lot of people asked me about Y2K and whether the world would end. Many people were really scared. One crazy neighbor stockpiled food and hunkered in the basement as the clock ticked toward midnight.

    When asked, I would patiently explain why Y2K wasn't a big deal, why most computers didn't even know that it *was* Y2K, and that for those that did the only real risk was data corruption. I answered every question with airtight logic, and with as much calm as I could humanly project. It didn't help. The skeptics still hid in the basement. They believed CNN when told that their toasters might kill them.

    This current runaway Prius situation is a lot like that. Many people have come to PC concerned and asking questions. This is a good thing, as PC is the right place to come for information about Prius. The bad thing is that many of these people choose to ignore the experts and instead fall victim to the fear mongers.

    There is a core of dedicated technical experts on this site. These people really know the Prius. Mostly they don't work for Toyota, nor do they profit from their knowledge. They come onto PC and answer questions because they like to help, and enjoy talking about the technology.

    Beating up the experts when they provide real answers is a lot like what happened during Y2K. I wasn't helpful then, and it's not helpful now.

    Tom
     
    #1 qbee42, Mar 12, 2010
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  2. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Hey, don't knock the Y2K hysteria. I made good money being on call for that! ;)
     
    #2 David Beale, Mar 12, 2010
  3. Stev0

    Stev0 Honorary Hong Kong Cavalier

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    People need something to panic about, whether it's Y2K, swine flu, {insert politician of your choice here}, or whatever. Next week it will be something else, so ride it out (and get ready to shift to neutral).
     
    #3 Stev0, Mar 12, 2010
  4. Sheepdog

    Sheepdog C'Mere Sheepie!

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    I bought a lot of discounted ammo back then! shoots just as good now!
     
    #4 Sheepdog, Mar 12, 2010
  5. PriusSport

    PriusSport senior member

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    Some people believe everything they see in the media-particularly on TV. They don't realize that the media is a business--their agenda is to make money. That means advertising and ratings--entertainment, not truth.
     
    #5 PriusSport, Mar 12, 2010
  6. Sheepdog

    Sheepdog C'Mere Sheepie!

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    does that mean my law suit for fear of high speed death and loss of value may not get far? :mod:
     
    #6 Sheepdog, Mar 12, 2010
  7. A Prime Factor

    A Prime Factor Formerly "I want my PHEV"

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    Can you imagine the level of hysteria if this had happened ten years ago, at the time of Y2K? Nobody would want to drive a Toyota with a computer in it as the famous date arrives! Ha ha!
     
    #7 A Prime Factor, Mar 12, 2010
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i dropped half a mil on new hardware and software. absolutely could not get a guarantee from anyone, including the old tech people and consultants. so, i'm passing on U/A and climate change. can't afford either.:eek:
     
    #8 bisco, Mar 12, 2010
  9. going red baby!

    going red baby! still a n00b

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    People also think all pit bulls are killers when nothing could be further from the truth. Lovable, obedient, devoted, affectionate babies when raised right but you wouldn't know it from the stories that make the news.
     
    #9 going red baby!, Mar 12, 2010
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  10. Silver bullit

    Silver bullit Right Lane Cruiser

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    You are so right. I volunteer at an animal shelter and pit bulls are just dogs. They were the most popular breed in the early 1900s. They were called the nanny dogs because they were so good with children. The breed has been hijacked by evil gang banger types and they have suffered terrible abuse. I have an adopted pit bull and she is sweet, sensitive, friendly, playful, and goofy.
     
    #10 Silver bullit, Mar 12, 2010
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