A client recently asked about how our product might fare in a ‘WAN’ environment, whatever the heck that is. Unfortunately the presence of a new acronym caused Riddler and Teabag’s mouths to collectively froth with delight and I was asked to compile a list of issues to ask clients when dealing with installations in these environments. I carefully explained that:

  • I don’t know what to ask
  • I don’t know what the issues are
  • If I had answers to these hypothetical questions, I wouldn’t know what to do with them.

That was ignored. So, I compiled a set of useless questions which obviously demonstrated my lack of understanding about this new subject and promptly sent them off to Teabag.

A few hours later, Teabag’s henchwoman (Catwoman) slinks over to my desk holding the list of questions and engages thusly:

Catwoman:
What does this mean? Exactly.
HPDEB:
I don’t know, I’m not a network engineer. I don’t even know if it’s the right question. If I got an answer, I don’t know what I’d do with it.
Catwoman:
Can we have them call you to discuss this?
HPDEB:
No. I wouldn’t understand what they’re saying.
Catwoman:
Does Riddler know about this network stuff?
HPDEB:
(after an incredibly convincing attempt to disguise huge laughter and a display of contempt) Umm.. No. No, he doesn’t.

She leaves abruptly, leaving behind her own aura of contempt towards anyone who doesn’t solve her problems immediately. But what I found fascinating what that Riddler has managed to convince her that he’s aware of and capable of solving technical issues. For those that know the man, that is beyond belief.