Got me another nomination!

As Gomer Pyle used to say: Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!
One of my stories from last year, Panic on Portage Path, has been nominated for a Private Eye Writers of America Shamus Award. Next to an Edgar, its the highest honor in my genre.
I won't win, of course. Often nominated, but always a bridesmaid, never a bride.
That doesn't sound quite right, does it?

Dear Dick,
These two crows that you see here are called Edgar. I post them in honor of your Shamus award, soon to be forthcoming, that should be an Edgar. I hope that made some sense.

Libations are awaiting me.

Love,
Betty

Nomination is also great! Receiving is better. It's time!

I did a search on your story, Dick, and clicked on a link to a website that loaded a trojan. It knocked out my MacAfee security center and downloaded a replacement "Windows Pro" protection center. It took me 45 mins to remove it! Had I followed the instructions, it would have infected the whole of my computer.

It's 12.50am now -- long past my bedtime. I'll see you tomorrow. Glad I knew about your computer virus -- it helped me to understand what was going on.

Dick,

I am so proud to know you.

Dick we are humbled and honored to be in your presence. Who says you won't win? The judges are sure to wake up sooner or later!

Dick,
the nomination alone rates you.

Congratulations, Dick, although it doesn't surprise me. I've read your work.

Ann

Shelagh wrote:

I did a search on your story, Dick, and clicked on a link to a website that loaded a trojan. It knocked out my MacAfee security center and downloaded a replacement "Windows Pro" protection center. It took me 45 mins to remove it! Had I followed the instructions, it would have infected the whole of my computer.

It's 12.50am now -- long past my bedtime. I'll see you tomorrow. Glad I knew about your computer virus -- it helped me to understand what was going on.

Darn it, you caught on! I thought I had really gotten you this time.
I wonder how that site, whatever it is, got infected. This time I'm really innocent.

Thanks for all the kind remarks.

It was one of those Murphy moments. It was useful though. I clicked on the link and a page came up that I could not exit. It downloaded software before I could stop it.

A warning to anyone who clicks on a link that leads to a page that downloads software automatically -- take immediate action. It will take ages to remove so don't allow it to download! Disconnect from the 'net immediately to stop the download. Close down the browser and turn off the computer without reconnecting to the 'net. Restart the computer and open the browser. If the page is still there or you are asked if you want to reload that page, don't!!!! Exit the browser and reopen until a fresh page tries to open (it will say that it was unable to open the home page because you are not connected to the 'net). It is now safe to reconnect and use your browser.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing!

Congratulations on the nomination, Dick. Please don't allow any downloads onto your computer. That's an order!

I always obey orders. Yeah, right. But it worries me that the same thing might happen to someone else. If by chance anyone wants to read Panic on Portage Path I just placed it on my website www.dickstodghill.com After calling it up, click on FREE JACK EDDY STORY on the navigation bar at the left.

Virus aside, well done. As far as I'm concerned you have won.
Despite whatever anyone else decides. If you don't get a trophy or whatever they give out these day's I'm sure Shelagh can rustle up one on our behalf. Truely you deserve one.