read my Sexy Supermodels mailserv without wading through hundreds of pointless messages. Although I did kind of enjoy the ones that were from women." Frustrated, Josh wrote a program that automatically replied to each and every piece of e-mail. "I pointed out that what they were doing was a definite violation of proper net etiquette, and asked them to stop."
If anything, the volume of mail increased. Thousands of messages arrived each day, causing system crashes and provoking Josh's Internet provider to threaten to pull Josh's account. In addition, Josh began to notice patterns in the messages. "Some weeks, they were all about sex. Once, they all threatened to tickle-torture me until I shot milk out of my nose. Lately, they have all contained the word 'pewter' in the subject line." Josh realized that this was not just some random coincidence. Someone was deliberately organizing net denizens into a calculated campaign to annoy Josh.
Josh has no idea who or what is behind the flood of unwanted attention. He has no enemies, few unfriendly acquaintances and is deliberate and correct in all on-line correspondence. And as far as vengeful ex-lovers go, Josh admits to having more experience with the intricacies of PC card configuration than with the ample charms of the fairer sex. "All the women I meet are through the Internet," Josh stated. "So as far as I know from what I've read, I haven't actually had sex with any of them."
Today, the deluge of letters continues, making it nearly impossible for Josh to answer his legitimate mail. And while he continues to respond to each piece of mail, reasonably requesting that senders find someone else to bother, Josh is becoming frustrated. "I used to think that this would blow over in a few days, but its gone on for months now. Its almost like some evil, all-knowing force has set its sights on making my life a living hell on Earth. I just wish I knew who it is."
