So I have this tech writing gig where I’m writing documentation for software that generates import/export documentation for exporters. The software now features the ability to produce documents for ITAR, which is the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. So on my technology Twitter Feed, I said:
Today’s user scenario: I am an international arms dealer. No, really.
A user scenario, as you know, is describes the mindset and goals of a user interacting with software.
Someone responded:
That’s good. Most of the software I work on is useless to you if you can’t get yourself some arms.
So I said:
Can I interest you in something on our menu? http://bit.ly/q6PkGl
The link goes to a list of codes used in shipping munitions overseas. Comparing this list provided by the United States Customs to the United States Munitions List, I discovered that the list was missing one of the munitions categories (even though the Customs data element spec says it should be available, but that’s government data integration for you). So I tweeted:
The Man is holding me down. I can’t sell Directed Energy Weapons abroad.
and:
I mean, the Pentagon’s selling its lightning gun on Ebay (http://t.co/xZTAwK7), and I can’t sell particle beams to the Mongolians.
I thought it was mighty funny. I just hope the Federal agents monitoring the social networks have a sense of humor, too.
