Overheard in the CyberCafe 19/5/00 We didn't spend much time in the bar at the Chateau Impney this week, largely due to the alternative of the excellent CyberCafe, café.com, run and sponsored by Kudos Research and Research International respectively. The following were picked up by our roving reporter either here or in the various Conference sessions... "I couldn't possibly comment... and I hope that's not how you conduct your research normally" - a chuckling Bob Cervi, Editor of 'Research' Magazine, at our attempts to get him to say something rude / controversial about the MRS and its relationship with its quality monthly publication. "Well, after two hours I think we're all thoroughly confused" - attendee at the afternoon workshop on Data Protection. It was more the Act itself that confused than Peter Jackling's excellent and thought provoking coverage of its provisions and implications. But boy did the questions / debate flow... "What a picture of rude good health" - spectator at the tennis tournament, watching David Cavalier puffing his cigarette between rallies "I'm sure they used to make them with cigarette holders..." - DC examining his racket "I'm going to offer you the lowest price I can, because I think it's important to have you on board" - shameless VoxCo representative Tariq Mirza, attempting to flatter a little known independent consultant into buying Web survey software "What happens if you shoot that dog?" - MrWeb's Nick Thomas revealing his ignorance of the video game Quake, before the Café's afternoon games competition. Expert Quake-r Alex Johnson of RI promptly picked up the 'dog', in fact a rocket launcher, and emptied it into one of the things you are supposed to shoot, namely an enemy trooper. Don't get arguing with Alex over a few quid on a fieldwork quote. (Oops - Jackling with a 'g', sorry). More from the BIG Conference, which concludes today (Friday), in our Monday news.