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Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
Posted by Nick on 10 July 2000, 20:07 GMT

Alright... I'm beginning this item at 12:37 AM. I just got home from a rather complete day. I don't know how many mistakes I'll make, but here goes nothing (everything?). Keep this in mind while I lambaste all you otherwise comfortably happy people with a very (very) bad rant that I've had festering in me since about last March.

I've always enjoyed my work at ticalc.org. The people I work with are great, they're friendly (even though there are people I rip on as a joke sometimes *g*), and I'd be hard pressed to find another team quite as talented, skilled, and devoted as the people I've worked with since my joining the staff last May.

I like posting news. I like making people smile at the news, to have a chuckle, and then to be entertained to boot. They have fun coming to the site. Inevitably, they come back for more. I enjoy what I do. I'm good at it, and I'm having fun at the same time. I really haven't found such a thing in my entire life.

For those of you who have just started visiting here (and I just know we get such an influx of visitors in mid-July), my name is Nick Disabato. I post news here at ticalc.org. It's what I do. I was initially hired to do screenshots, but problems with the system and a vacancy as news editor quickly found me at the helm of said section in question. I've been that way ever since. I'm getting close to posting my 250th news item (yay!), but that's not really a milestone that I care about much at the moment.

Since my beginnings as a completely inept, bumbling moron of a news editor who would insert many a grievous error into news items (destroying our page layout was a real fun one), I'd like to say that my practice has led to perfection... at least, technical perfection. Up until about late March of this year, I can honestly say that working at ticalc.org was one of the best things I've ever done.

Quite sadly, my current position and views on things have led me to think of my job as being far from the halcyon days of yore. I refuse to mention names, I refuse to link to email addresses or web sites. I don't want to start wars. I wasn't hired here to start wars with anyone. The only person I'm at war with right now is myself.

Let's start with the general immaturity and ignorance of most people who decide to visit me during my normal day. Requests have filled the news mailbox and my mailbox like clockwork that: think we're the epicenter of vast conspiracies headed by TI because our secondary DNS server is ns.ti.com, want me to post news about $1,000,000 contests if people can find two numbers that divide together to equal a number besides 1.41, want me to go F myself, want me to die, tell me that I'm going to die by their hand, etc. etc. etc. Mostly it's just people begging for news items, and the signal to noise ratio has gotten alarmingly low as of recent. I doubt it has much to do with the signal decreasing as it has to do with the noise increasing: people see a lack of news posts on the site to be their cue to flood my email box. I've gotten mailbombed before, too. With 2,000+ messages. That was really pleasant, especially for my friend who hosts my mail servers and web site for free.

It almost seems like, as far as my posting news goes, there's two camps: those who get along with me fine, who claim their files and participate actively, who put out good quality software, who get my news posts more often than anyone else. There eventually becomes an influx in that direction of news items pertaining to that person or people, and that irks me, because it always seems like I'm not giving enough focus to the people who have rising talent and potential to improve. On the other hand, if you're not intelligent and polite in your requests, and you don't seem to want to talk to me (I am an approachable person - most people should probably notice that by now); you want me to die, to fall off a large building (ironically, I do live in the city with the largest building in the world, heh), to be shot. I've had death threats before. I don't take things like that lightly, only because I've never really gotten serious death threats in real life prior to my working at ticalc.org. I hate to say that, but it's true.

Horribly Extreme Example of the Day(TM): Someone from the East Coast wanted to visit me. So much, in fact, that he decided to drive to Chicago to visit me. This involved stealing his parents' SUV and driving across five state lines. He did so, and was eventually caught at the Indiana/Ohio state border. Furthermore, he's fifteen years old and as a result has absolutely no driving experience.
All to see me. To top it all off, I still have NO idea what he would do if we actually met.
It's flattering, but... you get the idea.

Moving away from the people who hate me with a passion and/or are obsessed with me, let's go on to the immature and ignorant ones. People have done things that really, REALLY chafe me - I don't want to say what they've done, because that gives their name(s) away, and furthermore - this is what really gets to me - they don't understand that they've even done something wrong in the first place! Doesn't that seem just a little wrong to at least some of you? Please? Anyone?

Another example. Two programming groups - both of which code BASIC programs (you know who you are) - have gotten themselves into a war because one of them is full of power-hungry, pre-pubescent, twelve-year-old control freaks. They both come to my email box pleading to post news items validating their respective existences. They bug me through AIM. They invite me to Buddy Chats with them. I oblige. They spew "I hate this group! I hate this person!" over and over again, not giving *ANY* reasons as to why: or even HOW it happened! And you think this would simmer down after a few weeks? No! They have to be painfully persistent about it. They deface each other's web pages in only the most moronic and blatantly obvious of ways. I tried to make some humor out of the situation at my personal site a few days ago, but none of them noticed. They chose not to view that page. They blocked that out of their collective consciousness.

You know what? Ignorance is bliss, and they're in euphoria right now. Life is inherently unpleasant. None of them understand that. None of them ever WILL understand that, it seems.

But wait, there's more! A highly esteemed, respectable programming group - all of its members I have a great deal of respect for - has been at the forefront of what seems to be Nick Disabato's Evil Bad Few Months(TM) for the past week. One of their projects, which they've been working on for five months, was prematurely leaked to the public by what seems to be an unknown person. It's been traced back to another TI site, and essentially what happened in the past day or two was a lot of people were added to my AIM block list. By now, I've refused to deal with this anymore. Can you tell?

I posted to nickd.org six weeks ago that, come college this fall, I won't have any more time to work at ticalc.org. I mean that: I really won't. After September 15, I honestly won't know what to do. I love my job, I love the people I'm around, but there are just those bad points that really, really do irk and chafe me. None of you have any idea the kind of world of terror one goes through when people call you up at 3:00 AM repeatedly with death threats. Or when they drive across four state lines in an effort to stalk me. Or...

I hope at least a few of you can reflect on what I'm saying, and really do act upon it, without blindly sending flames to my inbox. I doubt it'll happen, though. After all... ignorance is bliss. Enjoy your ride.

 


The comments below are written by ticalc.org visitors. Their views are not necessarily those of ticalc.org, and ticalc.org takes no responsibility for their content.


Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
Adam Palmer  Account Info

I am deeply indebted to your service at this site and would like to make an apology. I am sorry for the idiocy of humanity. Being a current member of the review staff, I truly understand that you only do this because you enjoy writing news items. I love writing software reviews, and if it's any consolation to the crap you've be subjected to...I wouldn't mind taking up your responsibilties here when you leave. Thanx.

Adam

     11 July 2000, 02:44 GMT

Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
~Dan_C  Account Info

Wow.

I enjoy the whole Simpsons spin of some kid riding the suv like a shopping cart, but it still disturbs me. I (like many others here) feel much indebted to Nick's hilarious and interesting news articles. Like the mentioned people, I would like to apologize for the complete stupidity and idocraty of each and every one of us here. Going off on a bad note can be one of the worse things to happen right about now, but I stand behind whatever Nick decides (which doesn't really do anything anyway).

But, I guess you need to get rid of these disturbances in order to live a peacefull (if not secure) life; 'much like a boxer must shed layer after of disgusting useless flab before he can win the title.'

Very sad will the day be when Nick and ticalc part ways, but it's been fun.

proConsul31 -- ~Dan C

     11 July 2000, 04:00 GMT

Nick...
TimeCross  Account Info
(Web Page)

Nick, I would like to personally thank you for what you have done for us at Destination Software. You've posted more info on us (without me asking) then we would have ever guessed. As for your current situation with the way things can be when your a popular person, just don't let it drive you too crazy. Yeah...I thought the whole BASIC war was pretty funny/annoying myself. I respect you even more for at least posting this rant... it'll help you feel better man. SOME people may actually leave you alone...or at least get the point. Think about it this way, at least you have a working server to post news on. Not saying any names, but someone has bad luck picking a decent @#%@#ing server. <--- my short rant :) Have a good one Nick.

     11 July 2000, 04:27 GMT

Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
Paulo Marques  Account Info

Damn, Nick, now I'm really sorry for even for my light flaming on the articles... That's really a shame what is happening, if you must leave, do, and it's been a pleasure being in this site and seeing your work. Can't imagine it without you though... if it weren't the calls, you could pretty much do what everybody does and use all the ignore features u could find, but the phone doesn't have one... oh well, Nick, it's been nice.
---
Cd_Slayer

     11 July 2000, 05:27 GMT


Re: Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
Paulo Marques  Account Info

BTW, nice how all the 3 thing i've been replying tonight actually relate... ok, i'll go to bed now.
---
Cd_Slayer

     11 July 2000, 05:53 GMT

Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
Vejita  Account Info
(Web Page)

You guys(ya'll?) can clearly see my response.

-Corey

     11 July 2000, 06:49 GMT

Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
BPacker2000  Account Info

It's a shame that you have to get all that crap...There's always gonna be morons out there that try to screw with people doing a good job and doing their best to try to please their audience and still enjoy what they're doing at the same time...I've always enjoyed ticalc.org and have been coming back for a couple years now...

Thanks for the good work Nick...sorry that you're leaving with such bad experiences...but it'll definitely be good for you...and your GPA (I'm gonna be a freshie this fall at ASU myself)

Thanks man

     11 July 2000, 07:46 GMT


Re: Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
Nick Disabato  Account Info
(Web Page)

ASU eh? whimsy from #ti is going there.

--BlueCalx

     11 July 2000, 08:45 GMT

Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
akromix

I havn't posted on this site for a LONG time but here goes. What I personally would do is make some, quote "some", little explosives and just have them like under my bed or somethin. Any notice of someone coming to get me, and they'll get it. Or, go to cheaperthandirt.com and buy a baretta 92f replica Plastic BB gun (hurts like hell if you get shot by it) and carry it around. Any person to step would back off when a BB going near 300 FPS hits them! My friend and I have gotten them stuck in our skin before so watch it. I know this sounds a bit immature, BUT...what would happen if someone actually tried to hurt you buddy. This would be a not-so-good experience. I personally would not like to be buttraped any time in my life. Or murdered for that matter. Show the little bastards' who's boss. Some people from my current school were gonna kick my ass for something stupid (clothes) so I said bring it on. Boy you should have seen the look on their faces when I got them with the BB gun and little explosives. BOOM....No I'm not crazy, I just plan for the future, WAY AHEAD OF TIME....Later, Nick good luck bud.

     11 July 2000, 07:56 GMT


Re: Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
evan  Account Info
(Web Page)

myself, I prefer blowguns because you can take them anywhere legally. And I dunno if you've ever been hit with a 4 inch needle moving at 150-800 fps (depending on the length of the blowgun and your lungs), but that would definatly show the little bastards who's boss.

     11 July 2000, 23:45 GMT

Re: Re: Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
Paulo Marques  Account Info

hhhhmmmm

BUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
ops...

     12 July 2000, 00:17 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
calcfreak901  Account Info
(Web Page)

Blowguns seem to certainly be the better choice. They are also almost silent and the darts can be "tainted" if necessary.
I would not like to be hit by either BBs or a high-speed dart, but then again, i'm just a smart, pale IB nerd. Some people are much tougher than us nerds. It never hurts (well, almost never) to have the BB gun and a few dozen expendable pyrotechnic devices if the situation degrades to that point.

     14 July 2000, 04:26 GMT

Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
eggo

Does this realy constitute a news item?
KIDDING--Just kidding!
/me ducks to avoid the flying vegtables.

eggo

     11 July 2000, 08:28 GMT


Re: Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
Nick Disabato  Account Info
(Web Page)

BREAKING NEWS: Ceremonial Figurehead of Calculator Web Site Gets Madly Pissed Off at General Public

:)

--BlueCalx

     11 July 2000, 08:45 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
ikecam  Account Info
(Web Page)

subtitled: arguement over world's tallest building ensues.

     11 July 2000, 23:20 GMT

Re: Re: Re: Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
Nick Disabato  Account Info
(Web Page)

sub-sub-titled:
<nickd.org>
Does this really need a sub-sub-title? At any rate, it has one.
</nickd.org>

--BlueCalx

     12 July 2000, 02:21 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
calcfreak901  Account Info
(Web Page)

Sub-sub-subtitled:
Does this really need a sub-sub-subtitle?

     15 July 2000, 21:00 GMT

Da@# Fox for Censoring Drew Carry, the Christmas episode was not offensive for that time of night.
Cpt.Ginyu

Followed by Insane Simpsons Refrences over run the disscusion. I prefer Funimation's dialouge interpretation of DBZ to the Simpisons. Yes I know i am about to be crucified, but there is just no end to the laughs at all of the ways to laugh at the "gay translation of the show". Come on, who could help but laugh when Freeza rubs the dragon balls and says "I just love rubbing my balls" or when Vejita sees the drangon god summoned and says "Wow!, Look at the size of that thing!, That is one wopper of a lizard" Or how about when my name sake says "I hope you are both wearing clean underpants!" or when Goku says "I know a better way" Kurlin then bends over and then gets up and says "How was I?" and Goku resoponds "I don't know, it was my first time" and I haven't even got up to the Dr Gero series.

Now about the Drew Carry episode with Santa Claus, why did they censor that? There was a scene where Kate said, "I can't belive the last thing he said was 'Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night'". They cut out Oswalds responce, "Actually thats just what we told the kids, his real last words were, "I'll see you in hell Oswald'". How ofensive was that, I have heard bit!@ at 12:00 noon on fox but you can't say this at 7. Were they afraid of hurting children? I just don't get it, I was considering writing them a letter of complaint, but have not yet. What do you think, I want your input. PLEASE!!!

     12 July 2000, 05:10 GMT


Re: Da@# Fox for Censoring Drew Carry, the Christmas episode was not offensive for that time of night.
Cpt.Ginyu

Tonight I saw the final episode with Mr Bell they cut off the very end where Drew gets back at Mr Bell by tricking him into setting off a Mimi Trap. No bad language, too short to be for time alotment reasons. Originally it cut off before he set off the trap anyway but they just cut the whole part out. I am going to get a letter together, at this point, it is insane, this must be stopped.

     13 July 2000, 04:56 GMT


Re: Re: Re: Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
calcfreak901  Account Info
(Web Page)

As far as practical structure goes, the Sears Tower has the record by far.

(that was mainly to get the ball rolling on the argument again...)

     14 July 2000, 20:27 GMT

Re: Rant: On Asbestos, Hacking, and Ineptitude
monoman  Account Info
(Web Page)

It's sad that people threaten you, Nick, even though you're giving them totally free and great services.

     11 July 2000, 09:24 GMT

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