Update: Tuesday, July 6, 2004 Seismo Friends, Visitors and Associates - To the best on my knowledge and despite the heavy security, on August 31, 2003, the seismo-watch.com server was hacked. Over time, the hacker replaced the operating system, destroyed files and used the system to launch a widespread e-mail spam system. By September 16, the system was crippled and on 19th the server was disabled. Other hardware and software systems eventually failed, complicating the predicament. Furthermore, the illegal e-mail spamming operation generated a firestorm of returned e-mail spammed messages that exceeded 1000 messages a day, overwhelming my modest ability to respond to nearly every honest inquiry to what had happened. A number of attempts were made to bring the system back on line; however, the costs to complete the repairs exceed the financial capabilities of the company. Therefore, Seismo-Watch has gone under a number of changes since the hacking, mostly discontinuing non-revenue generating products and service, including the free newspaper reports, regional earthquake reporting, EQNews, Special Earthquake Reports, and unfortunately and as of this date, the EQFlash! earthquake alert bulletins. Essentially, Seismo-Watch has reverted to what it did best in the beginning, providing high quality earthquake reports to a few select newspapers and managing a modest web site for additional earthquake information. Further changes in this web site will occur as time permits and I apologize for any inconvenience. On a personal note, my passion for earthquake reporting has waned considerably and I have returned 90% of my time to my geologic consulting business, Advanced Geologic Exploration, located at Lake Almanor, California. Please feel free to contact me there if you need an experienced geologist or surveyor. The business of earthquake reporting is difficult and over the last 12 years has had numerous rewards. I believe there are more rewards out there and if someone or some organization has the resources to climb that mountain, perhaps I can be persuaded to return in those efforts again. Until then... Thanks again for all the good times and be earthquake safe, Charles Watson President, Chief Geologist Seismo-Watch