Truth About Computer Security Hysteria
Network Associates telethon fund
Rob Rosenberger, Vmyths co-founderThursday, 18 January 2001 POOR NETWORK ASSOCIATES. They once called themselves the largest computer security firm on the planet, but now they can't even afford to keep their domain name.
Network Associates bigwig Gene Hodges played along when he learned of the telethon pledge. "Thanks to Rob and RenderMan from keeping [our domain] out of the hands of some evil company."Hey, I'm serious here. "RenderMan" (AntiAV.com) discovered NetworkAssociates.com went into arrears with its Internet registrar. Domain names work like P.O. boxes — the post office will close it and lease it to somebody else if you don't pay. Internet registrars do the same thing with domain names. This one faced deactivation in a few days for lack of a $35 payment. RenderMan noticed the snafu just in time to come to the rescue. He tried to donate to a "Network Associates telethon fund" to keep their domain running smoothly. Sadly, RenderMan's credit card balance exceeds Network Associates' current market valuation. He couldn't pay the domain fee himself, so he notified Vmyths.com. I paid for the re-registration to keep the domain alive. Don't underestimate this selfless act, folks. What if a massive virus outbreak occurred right when this domain stopped functioning? Why, it could have stranded millions of antivirus users in a time of worldwide crisis. Whew! Another horrifying catastrophe narrowly averted. (Take a bow, RenderMan.) "C'mon Rob, why would you whip out a credit card to help a multinational conglomerate?" Oh, stop rolling your eyes. We picked up 15 nanominutes of fame for $35. You can't find bargains like this on eBay. Besides, it's funny! RenderMan loved the irony of not having enough money to help a billion-dollar company which can't afford to pay its bills. Network Associates bigwig Gene Hodges saw the humor. He played along when notified of the telethon pledge. "In times of change Network Associates sincerely appreciates support from partners and the public," he wrote. "Thanks to Rob and RenderMan from keeping [our domain] out of the hands of some evil company. If RenderMan and Rob feel further action [is] appropriate, we of course would love to see a grass roots campaign to buy our stock!" Hodges then sent an email to his VP of marketing: "I suggest we buy this URL for 10 years or so, so we don't have to rely on the kindness of global virus fighters!" On a serious note, Hodges will
