“Dear Abby… (Part 5)”

Published on 23 October 2012

Written by Victor Libby

Dear Victor

I am a Disaster Recovery Coordinator for a medium sized business that works with a commercial DR vendor. We test almost every year. We understand the importance of testing and the need to have these exercises regularly. But sometimes, we just don’t have the time or resources to have an annual test. Because of this we lose our allotted test time for that contract year. It’s frustrating but we end up paying for time we never use. Do you have any thoughts or words of wisdom?

Frustrated in Fremont

Dear Frustrated

I know right?! Have you noticed how for the past year-or-so any young person who you ask a question to replies to your query, ‘I know right?!’ I don’t begrudge their enthusiasm but I think this is their way of answering without having to express any knowledge on the subject. Try it the next time you are asked something that you’re not 100% sure of but don’t necessarily want to disagree... 

But worry not gentle reader as I do know what you are talking about, I just wanted to take a playful jab at our younger audience.

The practice of bundling items together and forcing you to pay for both even though you may not want both is as old as the day is long. I’m sure that Phoenician traders would throw in a sack of millet with a purchase of a goat for only a few extra sheckles. We see this today in our modern fast food industry. And for our purposes, we’ll limit it to the ‘big three’. We all know who they are and this is no time to argue about a submarine sandwich being included in the discussion. Nobody likes fast food but we all eat there. Anyone who says they don’t eat the stuff is a liar. We crave the stuff even though we all feel like rubbish after eating it. Oh the joy of munching on those crispy golden brown French fries! Nevertheless, those dastardly fiends have all created jumbo meals or joyous meals or super value meals. Perhaps I’d like to have a beverage with my ½ pounder? Nay! I would not, sir! I just want the sandwich. But it’s easier and such a great value that I’m swayed by their Siren-like song of luncheon delight. 20 minutes later I’m rendered useless from over consumption and have turned into a dullard for the next hour... and this brings us up to the noon hour. Go out into the world and practice our new found freedom from hamburger authoritarianism!... Hm? Oh! Yes, the testing question. Sorry.

You should look into companies that have separated the monthly subscription fees from testing fees. This allows you to skip a test and not assume the charges or lose test time. You can test at your leisure and not feel pressured to ‘use it or lose it’.

Victor Libby
Account Executive of Disaster Recovery