h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Today proved a very interesting one. The whole week, being the last proper working week of the year for most of us, was sporadic. There will always be some folks who deem their needs "immediate priority" (before they leave for vacation) and these were met. So brief spasms of panic, mayhem and over-work for some. And then there was a lot of "make-work" stuff, to keep people atleast 'looking' busy. And a LOT of lull and quiet times.

But today, there something of note. It has always been known that our internet access and e-mail service was specifically provided in the interests of accomplishing our required tasks. With policies that allow for some reasonable personal use, so long as nothing excessive or of a commercially beneficial nature was conducted. And that anything done, be it via web access or via e-mail, could be sporadically subject to monitoring. Well, it appears that I was monitored for a time. I was quietly counselled, firmly and without any malice or threat, that some of my activities were contrary to the offered uses of the internet. There were sheaves of print-outs that were shuffled about, referred to but not actively offered up for me to 'explain'. Some appeared to be e-mails that I used a web-service to deal with. One was very plainly my LiveJournal site, as seen by the average visitor. Which is rather odd, as I don't access it from work.

What I could see, and from the tone of the 'conversation', it was stuff that was monitored some little time ago, say perhaps a month or so. it just took time to filter down the pipes. In the end, while nothing was seen as a 'risk' to proper protocols, some of the content and mostly the quantity was seen as marginal abuse of the access to the net. Which translates as "look, you've crowded things, it's been seen, ..."

The man who talked at me did so in a very proper, firm and professional manner, knowing that my own history should recognize precisely where I stand. And I have. The whole affair ends in that one brief conference in which I acknolwedged that I was fully aware of my position. No quibble, no qualm, just "yes, I did" and "yes, I know".

I have pushed limits because I became lax and comfortable. So as is proper and expected in such circumstances, I will be cutting out much of my work-day net stuff. h2g2 might be 'monitored' by myself, but I don't expect to be signing in. (I can reserve loads of comments for later ) E-mails will be limited to what-ever the lame work-system allows. LJ and MySpace exchanges will have to wait until I am home again.

So, in brief, ... If I don't answer to posts for a time, no worries. I will get back to you. In and on my own time.

Oops that was a bit close, still head down for a bit we will keep in touch, so it will be a bit patchy what the heck it will make the contacts all the better.

Para-phrasing, ... "stuff happens". Most of us live with it and move on, eh? There ARE always times and wires. and a great week-end wished to you, mate.

Good attitude< you have a good one as well, just a point at 2200 gmt friday eg now what time and day do you have you are adoyt half a day behimd us arnt you.

Except for the occassional week, when seasonal time changes waffle, I am a solid 5 hours behind you. So your 22:00 is my 17:00.

As to all the rest, I'm sure that some may snigger and see it as justice or retribution. I'm not paranoid enough to worry of that. I know my work environment, our military and what goes with it. I screwed up in the use of their systems, and will deal as needed.

Ah well, it was good while it lasted

And with common sense and casuality, will return. I'm NEVER far away.

I can see that

Keep your head down and wait until they've forgotten? Oh well, whatever the hassle, I hope it was worth it. What am I saying- of course it was worth it. Don't know about you though, you might see it differently.

As long as I dont get a letter from MI5
I think RG would be a moneypenny

yep, the heads-low is the way to go ... For a time. And then, if needs arise, just use more subtle and discrete means. Some of us are rather y techs. And what tricks we don't know, ... mates do.


Hmmmmm, ... Reef as a Ms Moneypenny ... Now THERE is a fanfic just waiting to happen.

Dammit, I thought we'd got rid of you!

I have an "in" with 'Jaws'. (Metal poilsh, ya know) He's gotten me out of more'n one picklement.

I think I've lost the thread a bit here...

References to Ms Moneypenny, put me in mind of a couple of "Double-O" movies. An ogre of a man played a steel-trap-jawed man ... called "Jaws"

This means you'l have to work while you're at work?! jeez how will you cope!

*ahem* You know that I HAVE been known to work, when times absolutely demanded it.

WORK the curse of the DRINKING classes

It HAS been known to get in the way of a really good 'bender', hasn't it?

I am NO-ONE'S Miss Moneypenny, but I'll read that Fanfic of yours Nick