Y2K - What can an individual do?

         I am sometimes asked the question: "I understand the
         ramifications of the Year 2000 problem but what can I
         do?  I am just an individual, nobody will listen to me".

         Well, here is a tip to place you personally in the
         forefront of the battle.

         Carefully observe the business documentation with which
         you run your daily life.

         When you find something such as a bank statement or
         invoice where the date is ambiguous i.e. a two digit
         year, not 4 digits then write a letter to your supplier
         something on these lines:

                     INFURIATED CONSUMERS INC.

                                                 Myplace,
                                                 Anytown.

                                                 1996/10/20

         The Managing Director,
         Scumbags Inc..

         Reference: Monthly statement a/c xxxxx dated xx/xx/xx

         Dear Sir,

         I observe from my (statement) that your organisation is
         not yet Year 2000 compliant.  Date references are still
         expressed with two digit years and not four.

         I presume you are aware of the serious economic and
         security implications of such a breach of International
         Standards, particularly at such a late date. I would
         also caution you that you are laying yourself open to
         future litigation.

         In order to protect your interests and mine, I would be
         obliged if you could investigate this problem and advise
         me of your action plans and estimated date of
         correction.

         Your faithfully,

         And if you receive no satisfaction, follow up and
         escalate.

         P.S.  Start writing your own letters etc using the date
         format in the sample.  Tell your children, tell your
         friends.

         P.P.S.  I use a little mailing list database which
         writes these standard letters and zaps them into my
         Faxworks queue.

         P.P.P.S A word to the Suppliers.  Do you have a
         reasonable reply for your Infuriated Consumers?
         Remember they are not going to stop nagging until you
         have actually fixed this problem.  Do you really want to
         stay in business?