San Francisco techies are hiring this Wiccan witch to protect their computers from viruses and

[progressoid]

San Francisco techies are hiring this Wiccan witch to protect their computers from viruses and offices from evil spirits

...

"Most people want me to protect their computers from viruses and hacks," she told SF Weekly. "So I'll make charms for them. I like to use flora." And when there are problems in office hardware, Talley turns to "Jet," a black stone that serves to block energy. In extreme cases, she casts protection spells of her own over the entire company.

Talley recounts one particular tale to SF Weekly, when a startup's office alarm would blare at all hours of the day, and no one knew why. After multiple electricians (the "rational" choice) completely failed to solve the problem, the company called in Talley.

"I got the spirit out," she told SF Weekly.

Talley's website says she welcomes issues too unusual or dangerous to take the the straight world of Western helpers. But she also says no problem is too big or small, even, perhaps, your printer malfunctioning. However before you jump on the phone, you should be aware that Talley's services do not come cheap. She charges $200 an hour (though a phone consultation is free).

http://www.businessinsider.in/San-Francisco-techies-are-hiring-this-Wiccan-witch-to-protect-their-computers-from-viruses-and-offices-from-evil-spirits/articleshow/48117338.cms

[bvf]

1. I don't care how free-spirited

the IT culture is there. If anyone on my watch did so much as a free phone consultation with Uri Geller there on the company dime, heads would roll.

I read through this and even watched the video, expecting a punchline (or even some indication of it being a team-building/morale exercise).

Damn!

(Now where are all the daemon/zombie jokes?)

[mr blur]

2. Ooo, she's got a black hat and everything!

You don't have to be a Xian to believe in supernatural drivel.

[AlbertCat]

3. But she also says no problem is too big or small,

I'll bet!

Hand me your cash, dupes!

[Curmudgeoness]

4. Why am I too scrupulous

to pull shit like this off? It isn't like I couldn't do it, I just can't lie that badly to people.

Pay me $200 an hour to protect your computers from viruses.........but invest in a good malware software program.

[Jokerman]

5. That's just fucking stupid.

The idea that anyone, particularly someone with a tech background, would pay this charlatan for her services is sad.

I have a close friend who is Wiccan and she is also a high-level network support engineer. I'm looking forward to her reaction to this nonsense.

Prove to me that any hardware or software can be altered by spirits or spells and I'll drop to my knees and pray to Bill Gates.

[LiberalAndProud]

6. I doubt this.

I tend to think that Talley has an informal relationship with the truth and a masters in artful marketing techniques.

I could be wrong, to be sure. But unnamed "certain tech big shots" is not terribly definitive, is it?