So it finally happened. My e-mail got horrendously hacked. The electronic rape turned these lovely autumn days into a vortex of Internet Hell. Massive amounts of information and history were lost forever. While it wasn't the Imperial Library of Constantinople it sure felt like it to me. Never again will my e-mail double as a filing cabinet!
The provider's "customer care" apparently has nothing alive working there. Spending all night long reading their "suggestions/recommendations" does not resolve the problem. Filling out forms generates form responses from computers. Human beings do not exist to serve humans using their services - no one is available for communications or correspondence. There is no accountability or responsibility by the company for the wreckage wrought.
Hardware, software and electronics' firms generally have some type of human customer service. Even if it requires a fee, all e-mail providers should also have such a service. And because cyber crime and identity theft can ruin a person's life, or at least cause a misery infection for a long time, I believe that legislation should be introduced to prod these companies into doing the right thing. As it is, this situation is not "sustainable", and it would also encourage improved security.
The one bright spot - although I'm sure it wasn't for all my contacts who received the criminal's e-mail - was that people contacted me that I hadn't heard from in months or years. Friends and business associates called and wrote to let me know. I felt terrible that they had been subjected to such a disgraceful e-mail, but it reminded me of why they had been in my contact list in the first place! These friends, clients, business acquaintances, colleagues, and fellow volunteers are all very special, unique and talented individuals. Sometimes we get so busy we forget to stay in touch, and I'm so proud to know, associate and/or work for them.
Autumn's softly lit afternoons will soon fly into the holidays and land in the New Year. We should take a moment to remember and appreciate the warmth of our trusted friends and associates - and that even havoc can harbor happiness!
