Oct. 29th, 2012

jack: (Default)
One of the many blogs I've happened upon is by a self-describednegotiation geek who went to harvard business school and became a trained mediator. Which is really interesting, because most westerners, and geeks specifically, rather hate negotiation. But it's really interesting to see some of the basic concepts explained by someone who knows about it, but thinks about it in the sort of abstract game-theoretic way that makes sense to people like me.

One key concept is in one of his first posts: http://negotiatewithchad.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/batna-and-zopa-quick-introduction.html

Best Alternative to Negotiated Settlement (BATNA) is what you get if you walk away now. Eg. if you're trying to buy a koala-kayak, and you walk away, the worst that happens is that you don't have a koala-kayak. Which is fine, since koala-kayaks are only useful in really, really specific circumstances, so you probably didn't need it. But if you're trying to navigate koala-phobic-shark creek, you really, really need that koala-kayak, and if he only knows, the koala-kayak saleman can ask an awful lot of money and you'll probably have to just pay it.

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jack: (Default)
Augh again! My landlord or letting agency want to terminate my lease. I have just over two months notice (I think). I don't know if this is due to the damp problems or is unrelated.

In a way it's a good thing I never felt this was really my home, because if I did, living under a sword of damocles would be really upsetting.

If it had been six months ago, I might have gone to pieces, because it would have meant moving in the middle of the wedding preparations, and while lots of other things are disorganised. Now I'm sufficiently on top of life I feel this is an unexpected requirement that I have the time to manage and may even turn out for the best, rather than a beam on the camel's back when it already has too many straws.

But the timing is really annoying. I was just beginning to get serious about looking into buying a house, but I almost certainly can't do that in two months, but don't really want to move somewhere else and sign another six month lease.

I think I'm on top of all the practical details, but emotional support or practical suggestions are much appreciated.

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