Victim's email

Mar 22

Hey, Dan.

What role does the .ini file play in all this? And is it even necessary? I was thinking of using an .ini file as part of the install process, but I kind of wonder if there isn't a better way. The real positive to this is that the user could go in and adjust their .ini file anytime they needed to change the configuration. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I know that I'm almost finished with this product, and it's kinda silly to be thinking about these things now, but the thought did pop into my head.

Hope all is well with you,

Wendy

Wendy, I don't believe I would go this route. Yes, it does make it easy for a user to change their configuration, but as you well know, that also makes it easier for them to screw things up. I would stick to your original plan and leave it at that.

Mar 31

Still working on it. I'm close. No reason it can't be shown. I think P is just nervous. Cut him some slack.

Jenny

Apr 1

W–

Still talking with the folks. They liked the prelims. Will get back to me soon. When I know, you'll know.

–P

Apr 2

Okay, here's some more for you. How would you handle each user's encryption key? Do you think they should be able to adjust it at all or just go with system generated encryption? And do you think that a return document should also be encrypted?

For instance, if User A has the software and protects everything and sends a protected e-mail to User B, then the user replies, should the reply pick up User A's encryption?

Basically, this is for marketing stuff… I can't decide between showing really how sophisticated the software is, which will bring in the hardcore tech types but maybe scare off casual users, or focus on the simplicity of the program.

Apr 3

W–

Going out to see them today. Should know by noon today. Will info you asap. How's J doing on the beta?

–P

See? I told you. Why don't you get out and do something for a few hours? It's all going to be fine. No, didn't see any article. Where is it?

Jenny

Apr 4

Sorry it took a while to respond, Wendy. I was out of town doing a demo for a prospective client.

To answer your questions, or at least put in my two-cents worth, I would allow the user to change around certain aspects of their encryption. Particularly if you're going to market this to techies as well as average computer users. And yes, I would have the reply carry the encryption characteristics of the parent document.

But I'm sure there's some way to address the marketing aspects. It's no different than a car. Some people just want to drive the stupid thing, others want the speed-sensitive steering and all that junk.

Just tell your clients that they can use the software in ways that are as simple or complex as they want.

On a more personal note, how's the man doing?

Thanks for the input. I think I'm just freaking out here at the last moment. My damn brother isn't making matters any easier. Oh well, that's another story.

The man is good, but he's pretty busy. What about you?

Hi, baby. I wish I could've seen you over the weekend, but I respect the fact that you had to spend some time with your family. Just think, someday we won't have any of these obstacles!!!

Thinking of you…

Me

Apr 5

Well, this just sucks. I'm at work for the 11th day in a row. Such is the life of a software developer on a deadline, I guess. Or at least those of us who don't get to telecommute all the time, like you.

I'm sure you're out having fun, and I hate you for it. ;-p

Oh well, I better get back to work. Tell me all the exciting details of what you've been up to so I can pretend to have a life.

Jenny

I wish we could have seen each other as well. I had to put up with Eugenia all day, and Philip did nothing but play with his insects and give me attitude. It was so hard knowing that you were just down the highway.

Do you think you'll have some time to meet this week? I've got some ideas for the novel that I want to get your input on.

See you soon!

B

Apr 6

Hey, girl. My weekend was pretty low key. Sorry to disappoint you, but there really aren't any exciting details to divulge.

So what are you working on that's causing you to work so much?

Wendy

Apr 8

W–

No show at the meeting. Not returning my calls. Still trying to get through. Did you copyright yet? Sorry haven't had time to return your calls, been crazy over here. We'll talk soon.

–P

Apr 9

Went out FedEx today. Totally ready, if you ask me. So, how are things going with your new guy? Do you think he'll really leave his wife? Should I start picking out wedding gifts? LOL. Have you been eating lately? You sound wired. Try to get some rest and relax, will you? Still haven't found the article. Wanna send it to me?

Jenny

Apr 10

Do you have any experience with breaking a legal relationship? I'm fed up with my brother's excuses and delays. And to be honest with you, I think he may be up to no good. I'm not quite sure how, but something's not right. What do you think?

Wendy

Apr 11

Sorry to hear about your problems. I don't know what I can offer without knowing more about your situation. Even if you never signed an actual contract, you've clearly had a working relationship with your brother to do some marketing work for you, so there is clearly an implied contract at the least.

I think you would have to prove some wrongdoing or some sort of breach of contract in order to get out of paying him any money you might owe him. If you've been paying him all along, you might just be able to fire him, and you two go your separate ways.

Let me know what happens.

PS: Didn't you tell me that the guy you're seeing is in law somehow? See what he has to say.

Apr 12

Thanks for the input. I don't have time to give you a lot of the details right now, but something is definitely going to happen. I've got to run… Talk to you later!

Wendy

I don't want you to go…

W–

You have to stop stressing over this. You're getting paranoid. I'll come down this weekend, and we'll get it out sorted out. Don't listen to rumors… you know how people are. I'll come down this weekend for sure. Okay? Just chill until then.

–P

Apr 13

I don't want to go either, but I'll be back soon enough. Just keep our reunion in mind.

B

No, I don't think you're paranoid. You just get tense when you're nervous. Read the article. Sounds similar, but it can't be the same. Don't worry so much. Wait till you see him before you do anything. Please don't say anything you can't take back, okay?

Sorry that B has to leave town. If you get too lonely, maybe I can fly down for a weekend? How about that?

Call me when you get the package.

Let me know what happens this weekend. Okay?

Jenny

So, you never told me what was causing you to work all those crazy hours. And what else is going on with your life?

It's been nuts around here. I've been working on this new HR payroll system. Management wants to cross-train the staff as much as possible, so a lot of us are doing different types of work. So in addition to writing code for this thing, I also have to do some of the functional pieces of work. The other day I was writing test scripts and scenarios. Can you believe that I have to spend my weekends looking through use cases and business requirements to write stupid test scripts?!?!? That sucked!

But that's about it with me. Nothing terribly exciting is going on. What's going on with you? Tell me more about this mystery man you've been seeing.

Jenny

Things here are good. I think the encryption software is just about ready to be released. There are some issues with P, but that's too much to get into here. I'm also working on this new project. I can't really give out any details, but it's very exciting and could turn out to be huge.

The man is good. We have such a great time together. Unfortunately, he is going out of town for several weeks, leaving this weekend, so that sucks. But, other than that, everything is great!

Hope your work gets better!

Wendy

Apr 15

I may have some more details for you regarding that stuff with my brother next week. I think some things are going to fall into place this weekend. But I'll give you the scoop later. Have a great weekend!

Wendy

I already miss you. I don't know when you're going to be checking your email on your trip, but know that I am thinking about you, that I miss you, and that I can't wait for you to get back.

Me

Apr 18

So what happened? Sorry I missed your e-mail on Friday afternoon, but can you believe it? I actually took some time off! Left work early on Friday and went down to the beach for the weekend. Now I'm having a tough time getting going again. Anyway, give me the details!

Apr 19

I just checked into the hotel and finally have a few minutes to myself, so I got to check my email. Thanks for the note. Of course, I miss you too. I can't wait to get back. I wish you had been able to come with me on this trip, but I'll be home soon enough. I miss you!

B

Apr 20

Okay, now you're just teasing. What happened? You got me all curious, and now I'm dying to know. Quit holding out.

So, I've only been here an hour, and already I'm bored with business scenario reviews. How was your weekend?

Jenny