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29A Issue 03 02 13
A tribute to only AV'er that can make me laugh
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Always I've frowned upon using newsgroups, let alone reading them.
Yesterday I've been proven wrong by my friend Wintermute, and I must
say that I now really do enjoy reading newsgroups. I still don't read
them for the intellectual value, since that is near nil. The reason I
do enjoy is a poster in alt.comp.virus and alt.comp.virus.source.code.
If I didn't know I would think this guy is John Buchanan in a feeble
disguise. Now I know better and hail to what I think is the greatest
jester in AV world (even though Alan Solomon can juggle), Nick
Fitzgerald. Nick is the editor of Virus Bulletin, a very nice job with
a great responsibility and with a professional attitude - except for
Nick his behaviour in the newsgroups. You see, Nick has devoted a
major part of his life trying in vain (sometimes with success when
attempted on a retard) to get virus writers upset by his coarse
actions and very flaming messages. In respect to his job I think this
behaviour is very immature and does not reflect the professionalism of
Virus Bulletin whatsoever. On the other hand, we are dubbed "The Kids"
by the alltime guru Solomon. As kids, we yet have to learn our
responsibilities and usually this happens by "fighting" against the
ones that raised them, parents, school, researchers with an attitude
like Nick, etc. In time our behaviour will change, when we get a wive
and kids, get a decent job - more generally the time we grow up. Nick,
on the other hand, should have passed this stage already. Yet he still
seems to get emotional gratification by posting messages in
newsgroups and insulting virus writers (it looks like he declared some
total war). Unfortunately, this has not the effect he desires for,
when I read them I must laugh, because it's fun to see that you can
stand above this level of bullshit. Let me put it in another way:
WOULD YOU BUY A NEWSLETTER FROM SOMEONE WHO CAN'T EVEN
UPHOLD THE NETIQUETTE IN A NEWSGROUP???
On the other hand, we know our public. Mostly they are other virus
writers interested in certain techniques, and they probably fit in the
same catagory as I do. They understand our misbehaviour, as they do
the same. Virus Bulletin customers are decent people from companies
that want to secure their networks. What would they think if they see
the editor posting messages like that? Some might cancel their
subscription and head for a more professional company.
Rajaat 29A, November '98
