dan@WILMA.BBN.COM (03/30/88)
There was a lengthy discussion of this message on the ETHICS-L mailing list. The consensus was that it was probably a hoax, based on (among other things) the fact that the Guinness Book of Records has no category for "most postcards received". Some posters warned against overloading local P.O.s, as happened in the past (this is apparently not the first time this message has gotten around). Sorry to disappoint everybody... Dan
Messenger.SBDERX@XEROX.COM (03/30/88)
Re: The postcard story I don't know about the other instances of postcard appeals cited as hoaxes, but this one was definitely TRUE. I live a few miles from Luton (which, incidently, a large industrial town and not a "tiny village") and phoned Miss Williams (not McWilliams) just now. The appeal closed at Christmas, David went on TV to say that he had enough postcards to get the record and he didn't want anymore. Please, please, please check your facts before mailing this kind of emotive stuff. No excuse in this case - a full postal address was given, and there is such a thing as International Directory Enquiries for getting hold of phone numbers. I am totally amazed that a "lengthy discussion" could be held about this and reach a "consensus was that it was probably a hoax" and nobody even bothered to pick up a telephone! Come on guys 'n gals, there is a world outside ... -- Hugh
TS0400@OHSTVMA.BITNET (Bob Dixon) (03/30/88)
This sounds like an "urban legend" that has circulated many times.
Bob Dixon
Ohio State Universitydkovar@VAX.BBN.COM (03/30/88)
This made the rounds of USENET recently. Two important points: 1) Usually, this type of thing is a hoax. Another one of the urban legends. Surprisingly, this one was not just another legend. 2) It's over. It's done. He's in. They're being flooded with mail and really want it to stop. Please. That's one of the major problems with starting this sort of thing: How do you stop it? So please do not continue passing this plea for letters along and help out both the US and British postal services. -David Kovar DKovar@BBN.COM