I was on vacation when my employer’s new fiscal year started. My manager let me take vacation because it’s not like anything critical was going to happen. Well, joke was on us because we didn’t foresee the stupidity of others…

I had to update a few product codes in the website’s web config and deploy those changes. I was only going to be logged in for 30 minutes to complete that.

I get messaged by one of our database admins. He was doing testing and was unable to complete a payment on the website. That was strange. There was a change pushed by our offsite dev agency, but that was all frontend changes (just updating text) and wouldn’t affect payments.

We don’t want to enlist the dev agency for debugging work, especially when it’s not likely that it’s a code issue. But I was on vacation and I couldn’t stay online past the time I had budgeted for. So my employer enlists the dev agency for help. It’s going to be costly because the agency is in Lithuania, it was past their business hours, and it was emergency support.

Dev agency looks at error logs. There are Apple Pay errors, but that doesn’t explain why non Apple Pay transactions aren’t going through. They roll back my deployment and theirs, but no change. They tell my employer to contact our payment processor.

My manager and the Product Manager contact Payroll, who is the stakeholder for our payment gateways. Payroll contacts our payment gateway and finds out a service called Decision Manager was recently configured for our account. Decision Manager was declining all payments. Payroll was not the person who had Decision Manager installed and our account using this service was news to her.

Payroll works with our payment processor to get payments working again. The damage is pretty severe. Online payments were down for at least 12 hours. Our call center had logged reports from customers the night before.

At our post mortem, we had to find out who ok’d Decision Manager without telling anyone. Luckily, it was quick work. The first stakeholder up was for the Fundraising Dept. She said it wasn’t her or anyone on her team. Our VP of Analytics broke it to her that our payment processor gave us the name of the person who ok’d Decision Manager and it was someone on the Fundraising team. Fundraising then starts backtracking and says that oh yes she knew about it but transactions were still working after the Decision Manager had been configured. WTAF.

Everyone is dumbfounded by this. How could you make a big change to our payment processor and not tell anyone? How did our payment processor allow you to make this change when you’re not the account admin (you’re just a user)?

Our company head had to give an awkward speech about communication and how it’s important. The web team can’t figure out issues if you don’t tell us what you did. The company head was pissed because it was a shitty way to start off the new fiscal year. Our bill for the dev agency must have been over $1000 for debugging work that wasn’t helpful.

Amazingly, no one was fired.

Me: The dev agency didn’t follow best practices. They only implemented front end validation on the form. The form submits to a public endpoint, so bots don’t have to go through our site to submit the form. That’s why our database is still filled with $1 donation transactions. I honestly recommend telling this to the dev agency and request that you not be charged for the extra work needed to do this right.

Manager: They charge $95/hr and they’re billing for 8 hours already.

[Aside: The agency’s task was to implement a $10 minimum on the form, do some text changes, and deploy.]

Me: I would expect work to be done according to accepted best practices. It’s really a half done job.

Manager: But they were very helpful when we had that payment processing emergency. They stayed late to help us. We shouldn’t push this in case we need their help again. Can you do the backend validation? [We are in US and agency is in Lithuania.]

Me: 🤬😩😑🤐[To myself: This wouldn’t have happened if the fundraising team hadn’t panicked and would only wait until I came back from my one day of PTO.]

When you’re fundraising, it’s AI
When you’re hiring, it’s ML
When you’re implementing, it’s linear regression
When you’re debugging, it’s printf()

Stakeholder: The orders aren’t importing from our order systems into our fundraising systems correctly. Gifts are showing last year’s codes. Do I restart the system?!

Me: Dude, I don’t know. My only responsibility here was to update the website’s config with the new codes you gave me. I did that. The correct codes for the orders are being sent to the orders system and that system is receiving the orders correctly. I know nothing about the configuration between the orders and fundraising systems.

Plus, y’all should have done testing before you ok’d my deploy. Don’t go looking to me to know someone else’s job. Y’all should have especially done testing since the person who’s the SME resigned months ago and there’s been no one to replace him yet.

Fundraising? Here is some short tips..

So I've been thinking about how to get people in my high school to join a team that I am creating for MLH. I also need to figure out how to plan and host the hackathon as well as fundraise for it. I'm trying to get all of this done be March of next year so that everything runs smoothly(hopefully). My school district is full or super rich kiddos so fundraising should be easy. Anyways do you guys have any tips for trying to get people into a team and organizing/fundraising for a hackathon?

I Could Hardly Breathe! Months of tireless fundraising had finally come through for my small nonprofit, and we had $300,000 in Bitcoin to supply food, shelter, and medical aid to refugees fleeing war. That fund was hope, a future for families who had no other place to turn. It all fell apart in an instant. Our treasurer, a man I'd trusted like a brother, vanished overnight and took the entire fund with him. I was heartbroken. The weight of the people who were depending on us pressed against my chest. I could hardly breathe. I looked at my screen, powerless to do anything as the blockchain ledger confirmed my worst nightmare, the funds had been moved through a series of wallets, vanished into thin air.
Sleepless and remorseful, I consulted a crisis management expert in a desperate phone call. With the calm, panic-slashing tone of her voice, she spoke GRAYWARE TECH SERVICES . Her confidence was the sort that spoke of seen miracles. At that straw of hope, I grasped and called them immediately.
From that first call, GRAYWARE TECH SERVICES treated my case like those refugee lives were in their own hands. Their lead investigator explained their approach, tracing transactions through blockchains, monitoring wallet activity, and leveraging relationships with international exchanges. They explained it all in plain terms, never once making me feel dumb for my ignorance. They understood both the technical complexity and the human stakes.
There were daily progress reports. They followed the laundering path our treasurer had attempted, following the trail through the decentralized exchanges and privacy-focused mixers. Each breakthrough was like a heartbeat resuscitating a stilled chest. On the nineteenth day, they called with the words I had scarcely dared to hope: "We got it back."
I got down on my knees and wept. $300,000 was safely recovered to our nonprofit wallet. But GRAYWARE TECH SERVICES didn't hesitate. They guided us through implementing enhanced security measures, such as multi-signature wallets, cold storage solutions, and rigorous internal oversight. They even advised us on vetting future financial officers.
Our mission is stronger today than ever. Refugee families are still being assisted, and I sleep well knowing our funds are secure. GRAYWARE TECH SERVICES not only retrieved our Bitcoin, they restored my faith in resiliency and human kindness.

Luxe Decore Event Designs & Rentals: Stunning Corporate Gala Decor in Alabama

Planning a corporate gala is no small task. It's an event that needs to exude professionalism, sophistication, and style while ensuring that every detail aligns with your company’s values and brand identity. At Luxe Decore Event Designs & Rentals, we specialize in crafting corporate gala decor in Alabama that elevates your event and leaves a lasting impression on your guests. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional decor solutions that turn your corporate gala into a memorable and elegant celebration.

Why Choose Luxe Decore for Corporate Gala Decor in Alabama?
A successful corporate gala requires meticulous planning and flawless execution. Luxe Decore brings years of experience, creativity, and attention to detail to every event we design. We understand the importance of setting the right tone for your gala, and our expert team ensures your event reflects your company’s image while providing an inviting and luxurious atmosphere for your guests.

Here’s why Luxe Decore is the go-to choice for corporate gala decor in Alabama:

Custom Event Design: We work closely with you to understand your brand, theme, and objectives, then curate a personalized decor plan that brings your vision to life. Whether you’re aiming for an elegant black-tie affair, a modern, minimalist look, or a themed gala, we ensure that every detail fits your unique style.

Full-Service Decor Solutions: Luxe Decore offers comprehensive decor services for every aspect of your corporate gala, from initial concept design to the final touches. We manage everything, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

High-Quality Rentals: Our vast inventory of premium decor items, including furniture, table settings, lighting, and floral arrangements, will ensure that your gala is nothing short of extraordinary. We pride ourselves on offering only the finest quality decor to complement your vision.

Seamless Execution: From delivery to setup and takedown, our team handles all logistics with precision. We ensure that your decor is perfectly installed and creates the desired ambiance without disruption.

Our Corporate Gala Decor Services
At Luxe Decore, we offer a wide range of corporate gala decor services to make your event shine. Here’s a glimpse of what we can do for you:

Elegant Furniture Rentals
Furniture is key to creating a comfortable and stylish atmosphere at your corporate gala. We provide a variety of furniture options, including:

Chairs & Seating: From classic Chiavari chairs to luxurious lounge seating and cocktail chairs, we offer seating solutions for every type of event. Our options ensure that your guests are comfortable while adding a sophisticated touch to the decor.

Tables & Displays: Whether you're looking for sleek modern tables for a cocktail reception or long banquet tables for a seated dinner, we have the perfect options to suit your event’s needs. We can also provide accent tables for displays, registration desks, and more.

Lounge Areas: For networking spaces or VIP areas, we offer plush sofas, ottomans, and coffee tables that create a relaxed yet upscale environment.

Stunning Floral Arrangements
Floral arrangements are an essential part of creating an inviting, beautiful environment for your corporate gala. Our expert florists design custom arrangements, including:

Centerpieces: Whether you prefer tall, dramatic floral displays or low, elegant centerpieces, we tailor our arrangements to match your theme and venue.

Floral Installations: Make a statement with floral walls, hanging florals, or floral chandeliers that add grandeur and a touch of luxury to your event.

Bouquets & Other Decor: We can also provide personalized floral designs for welcome tables, stage decorations, and other event areas.

Lighting Design
The right lighting can completely transform your corporate gala. We offer a variety of lighting options, such as:

Uplighting: Soft, ambient lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Chandeliers & Hanging Lights: Dramatic chandeliers or pendant lights for a sophisticated touch.

Spotlighting: Highlight key areas, such as the stage, award presentation area, or your company’s logo.

Custom Decor and Theming
Luxe Decore works with you to create a theme that aligns with your corporate identity and vision. We offer custom decor solutions including:

Branding & Signage: Whether you want a branded photo backdrop, custom signage, or a corporate logo displayed on the event stage, we provide solutions that seamlessly incorporate your brand into the decor.

Themed Decor: From formal galas to themed fundraising events, we design decor that matches your event’s theme, creating a cohesive look that resonates with your guests.