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General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: betty on December 22, 2006, 04:05:44 PM

Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: betty on December 22, 2006, 04:05:44 PM
i dont know what to say really, i'm a trusting person, always have been always will b, i always think the best of ppl and give the benefit of the doubt that ppl r for real and dont lie or stretch the truth...its that bad of me? i feel like this stuff with iceman is crazy, still dont know what to think, i had high respect for him and now i'm really concerned bout him. i'm not gonna slam on him, i'm hopin that if he needs a friend that he will know that i'm here for him regardless of if his story was true or not, i hate bringing this up but i have to defend myself against all the post that included my name and how i was stickin up for a friend. i feel that all this is my fault, i shouldnt have posted anything bout it, i should have kept it to myself, i just know that we are a community and wanted everyone to know that one of our fellow AH'rs was in a bad situation and let that person know that we all care bout each  other, i guess i have learned my lesson on this and it will deffinatly never happen again. i still have no problem with iceman and i will never give him crap bout this, i will however <> him everytime i see him in the game. that is all, just wanted to share a thought for a moment. ty for listening <>
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: JB35 on December 22, 2006, 04:15:28 PM
Its ok Betty , things happen for a reason.

Learn from it and go on enjoying life is the only thing you can do.

~S~ Thirty5
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: nirvana on December 22, 2006, 04:17:15 PM
Who cares what they think Betty?  You did what you thought was right, no one was hurt.  No harm, no foul.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: JB88 on December 22, 2006, 04:18:33 PM
posting it was probably the best thing that you could do.  

if it isnt true then he has to deal with the consequences of his actions.  

if it is he will see that lots of people care about him and love him.

either way, it is appearant that you care and you are to be commended for being
as forgiving as you are.

motto.

always forgive.  never forget.


betty

88
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: midnight Target on December 22, 2006, 04:19:31 PM
I think lazs said he wanted to comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: hubsonfire on December 22, 2006, 04:22:09 PM
You're not the first person to fall for an intardnet story, and you won't be the last. Don't sweat it.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Stampf on December 22, 2006, 04:22:42 PM
It's never a bad thing to see the good in people and hope you see clearly.  Though caution is never a bad thing either.  You believed you saw clearly and believed in yourself.  That alone is all good.

Salute Betty.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Bronk on December 22, 2006, 04:24:02 PM
Betty while your loyalty is admirable , best thing to do is let it die .


That's the best advise I can give .

Ohh  and IN .    :D





Bronk
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Roscoroo on December 22, 2006, 04:35:33 PM
<-- gives up the ultimate "Towel"
 (http://www.mts.net/~rural/boopbeachsm.JPG)

Just for you Betty .... wear it well :D
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: JB88 on December 22, 2006, 04:36:46 PM
sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: TW9 on December 22, 2006, 04:39:51 PM
Dont let it bother ya :aok
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Yeager on December 22, 2006, 04:41:51 PM
Betty,

There is a difference between being a trusting and caring person and being gullible and easy to manipulate.  Understand the difference.  Also, the internet in general, and online bulliten boards and forums in particular are terrible places to expect honesty and decency.  Learn from this. I try to use these forums strictly for my own entertainment.  And I will tell you, your "I dont know if I should post this" thread was the BESTEST all year!

:D
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Simaril on December 22, 2006, 05:00:54 PM
Betty --

It's been said before, but sometimes it helps to hear it again

You think you know somebody, they seem trustworthy. They tell you a story, and there's nothing in it to make you suspicious. You pass it on to the community so we can, well, be a community.

You did absolutely nothing wrong. I repeat, NOTHING.

Some folks get jollies from criticising others. Ignore them. You cared about what happened to someone you trusted, who you had no reason to distrust. You're in the clear.

There's no doubt Ice (or whatever new name he may come back with) is feeling embarrassed now. He should also be ashamed of the way he hurt his friends.

Dont give it another thought, Betty. Go blow something up (IN THE GAME!!!) -- you'll feel better.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: SkyRock on December 22, 2006, 05:02:40 PM
It  is very disappointing when it involves a longterm member of a community like AH.  I believe in this community and am thankful for it!
Mark
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: BOOMHOWR on December 22, 2006, 05:20:18 PM
he was a retard before and still is a retard. this story was just as retarded as his last. Yeager is right though, that was an awesome thread. no point in justifying yourself. Oh yeah, and MT is right. Laz heard you on vox one night and that inspired him to want to give a helping hand.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Toad on December 22, 2006, 05:21:51 PM
Betty didn't do anything wrong and Ice just made up a big whopper and tried it out on his friends.

Keep it all in perspective.
Title: Betty we need more like you
Post by: RAPIER on December 22, 2006, 05:28:05 PM
Betty, you did something for the right reason, nuf said!  Have a great Xmas, and New Year, and don't change, just enjoy the game and the people in it.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Warspawn on December 22, 2006, 05:29:12 PM
Yep yep.

Betty did as I think most of us would do.  I think it was actually a good thing for her and the community that this came up before he died again or won another purple heart for taking an RPG in the chest, or whatever.

If we had never heard the story and investigated, then the next one could have really been bad, up to and including people sending money to help out (seen this happen before, sadly...).  It all worked out in the end thanks to some folks sifting through it.  I thank them and Betty both, for exposing this in its early stages at a point where we can use it as a learning experience.
Title: Re: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: 2bighorn on December 22, 2006, 05:37:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by betty
..is that a crime?
Not at all.


However

Quote
Originally posted by betty
i guess i have learned my lesson on this and it will deffinatly never happen again.

and
 
Quote
Originally posted by betty
i still have no problem with iceman and i will never give him crap bout this, i will however <> him everytime i see him in the game.
are two conflicting statements.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: BOOMHOWR on December 22, 2006, 05:38:32 PM
yeah i got confused to, she said she was going to slam him and then she said she wasn't going to give him crap about it.

Betty=iceman??  :noid
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: betty on December 22, 2006, 05:40:04 PM
i ment to say i'm not gonna slam on him, omg!!!grrrrrrrrr
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: betty on December 22, 2006, 05:42:52 PM
there...............i fixed it.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: RTGorkle on December 22, 2006, 05:45:26 PM
I think most of us read it as "not going to", anyway :)
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: 2bighorn on December 22, 2006, 05:57:25 PM
Betty, friends do NOT lie to each other, and if it happens, than better be he has a damn good excuse why it happened.
Given his previous history, his explanation would most likely be another fat lie. If you accept his reasons at face value and If you're just going to salute him, then you did NOT learn a lesson.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: NoBaddy on December 22, 2006, 05:58:43 PM
Betty...

Your only fault is having a good heart. Look at the bright side, you could be a jaded, icehole like the rest of us. While doing a good thing may not always be the right thing....it will still be a good thing. :)
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: BOOMHOWR on December 22, 2006, 06:01:49 PM
Quote
Originally posted by RTGorkle
I think most of us read it as "not going to", anyway :)

I don't know about the most of us, but I read left to right, top to bottom. I calls it like i see's it.. etc.,

Bighorn nailed it, so I have nothing further to add.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: detch01 on December 22, 2006, 06:11:05 PM
Betty trusting is good. Some times it turns back and bites you but most of the time it doesn't. Just don't let those who don't know the value of trust get you down. :aok



Cheers,
asw
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: moneyguy on December 22, 2006, 06:52:00 PM
i musta missed something
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: BOOMHOWR on December 22, 2006, 06:54:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by moneyguy
i musta missed something


nah, just some intardnet tard making up stories.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Suave on December 22, 2006, 07:12:14 PM
Mistrust is a virtue just as valuable as honesty.

Fortunately for retailers and cult leaders, most parents don't have the stomach to plant that seed.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Panzzer on December 22, 2006, 07:16:16 PM
I do trust most people, whether in here or in real life. With my cartoon life, or with some of the folks in here even with my real one.

But wasn't this thread done with, I'd expect a lock soon.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: WMLute on December 22, 2006, 07:59:40 PM
Betty, I have some wonderful Real Estate investment properties to discuss with you when you have time.





(ducks, runs....)
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: aztec on December 22, 2006, 08:24:26 PM
Huh?
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Roscoroo on December 22, 2006, 08:30:20 PM
Quote
Originally posted by WMLute
Betty, I have some wonderful Real Estate investment properties to discuss with you when you have time.
 



Still trying to pawn off those 1 by 1 lots i sold ya eh :D
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: WMLute on December 22, 2006, 08:34:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Roscoroo
Still trying to pawn off those 1 by 1 lots i sold ya eh :D


Great lake front properties Roo.  I'm willing to sell 'em to some sucke.....errr.. lucky person CHEAP!.



(Great vacation spot!  If you look past all the swamp.  oh, and the Gator's.  and the fact it's on an indian burial ground.  'cept for that it ROCKS!)
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: FALCONWING on December 22, 2006, 08:44:12 PM
Betty there is a fine line between being a good person and being a stupid person.  Sometimes when people are being "good people no matter what" they are actually being needy and bringing bad things upon themselves.  

While i had no problem with you linking the original story...to now say that you are "there for him no matter what" now that you know he knowingly deceived you and others is foolhardy...

if he respected you, he would not have used you to spread a false story...why would you "be there" for someone who has clearly shown you disrespect and manipulated you once?

find better friends who don't "need" you to "be there for them."  otherwise you run the risk of feeding a "savior" complex which sets you up for further abuse.

and be very aware that while AH seems different....this is still the internet and scams work in forums as well as they do in emails.  i would be very cautious meeting folks in person who you have only encountered online.

friend
mike
Title: Re: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Ack-Ack on December 22, 2006, 08:48:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by betty
i dont know what to say really, i'm a trusting person, always have been always will b, i always think the best of ppl and give the benefit of the doubt that ppl r for real and dont lie or stretch the truth...its that bad of me? i feel like this stuff with iceman is crazy, still dont know what to think, i had high respect for him and now i'm really concerned bout him. i'm not gonna slam on him, i'm hopin that if he needs a friend that he will know that i'm here for him regardless of if his story was true or not, i hate bringing this up but i have to defend myself against all the post that included my name and how i was stickin up for a friend. i feel that all this is my fault, i shouldnt have posted anything bout it, i should have kept it to myself, i just know that we are a community and wanted everyone to know that one of our fellow AH'rs was in a bad situation and let that person know that we all care bout each  other, i guess i have learned my lesson on this and it will deffinatly never happen again. i still have no problem with iceman and i will never give him crap bout this, i will however <> him everytime i see him in the game. that is all, just wanted to share a thought for a moment. ty for listening <>



Betty you did what any friend would have done and someone would be lucky to be able to call you as a friend.

As for Iceman24...I have really nothing to say about him or to him.  As far as I'm concerned he's a non-entity now.  I am embarrased though that a squadron mate is the one that lied to his friends and community.



ack-ack
Title: Re: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Slash27 on December 22, 2006, 08:48:38 PM
Quote
Originally posted by betty
i dont know what to say really, i'm a trusting person, always have been always will b,


 So you're a good person. Don't feel guilty about that or doing what you felt was right.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Arcades057 on December 22, 2006, 10:51:54 PM
I came in late.  Even so, reading the first page, the initial faux-AAR, I thought to myself, "why would you talk about 'I load my ACP in my Glock'?"  ACP stands for Automatic Colt Pistol, which is the smaller of the .45 rounds (Long colt is for the old revolvers).  Someone who was in the military (as he supposedly was, or is that false as well?) wouldn't brag about loading their Glock with "ACP," as any moron with a handgun and a modicum of knowledge knows it's just the designation of the cartridge, not the bullet itself.

Maybe if he'd bragged "and I stay loaded with .45 HP or HS" I would've believed it.  Wouldn't have gone congatulating him until I got more info, though.  I guess in your situation, Betty, you didn't think he'd pull it on you.  Not your fault.  I once had a PS2 and a buttload of games stolen from me by a guy whose life I saved.  Such is life.  Can't trust everyone but you have to trust SOME people.  Don't let it sour you.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Murdr on December 22, 2006, 11:40:11 PM
Don't sweat it.....and merry christmas betty ;)
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: LEADPIG on December 23, 2006, 06:39:39 AM
Hey Betty after talking to you numerous times i just think your the sweetest person and wish you well. The world could use a few more beautiful people like you. I love you (hugs).... and heres a BIG Ledpig  MERRY CHRISTMAS !! :D :aok
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: pipz on December 23, 2006, 07:22:32 AM
Betty
 theres an old saying......
Fool me once shame on you,fool me twice shame on me.......

Ya got fooled once ,happens to everyone,live and learn its all part of it.

Pipz
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: B@tfinkV on December 23, 2006, 07:37:40 AM
i totaly believed the story too betty, and so did alot of other people.  


some of us share the thought that there really is not much real need to lie about things in life, and it is all too easy to assume your morals will apply to the rest of society.

just remember that as a spieces humans are the most savage and selfish minded on the planet, thats why we pwned almost all other animals and took over most of the world and even parts of the moon.


took me a while to work out that trust is not something one gives away, more something that one must earn from another individual, yet still we all get fooled into giving trust away at times.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Laurie on December 23, 2006, 08:49:11 AM
you did the a comendable thing,
nothing better than sticking by a friend and showing support,
it's nothing to do with you that what he said was lies, you were just the innocent bystander in a bank robbery sorta thing, and what if it was true and you hadn't supported him, you might have felt guilty,

ignore what a few crackpots in here might think and dont let it worry you,... most of them you dont know and are just busy body's behind PC montiors eating nacho's lol

<>
Hul367th
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: DYNAMITE on December 23, 2006, 09:02:08 AM
Don't sweat it Betty... we all love ya and know you had the best intentions when you went out of your way to support your friend... :)
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Kanth on December 23, 2006, 09:10:50 AM
Yep, look at the bright side,

You will probably end up a jaded icehole like the rest of us and things will be much easier and yet still fun. :cool:

or you will live a life of embarrassment and social pain and become a cat hoarder.

:aok

Quote
Originally posted by NoBaddy
 Look at the bright side, you could be a jaded, icehole like the rest of us.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: TequilaChaser on December 23, 2006, 09:22:10 AM
HIJACK THREAD ON:

WOW, Kanth, so good to see ya post, hope & wish all is well in your part of the world, miss flying ingame with you!!!

Merry Christmas /HNY- to you and family - be safe ;)

HIJACK THREAD OFF:


betty, you never go wrong if you do what you feel is right in your heart, regardless of the outcome, forgive & forget.............that's what it is all about.....nothing more really.......  Merry Christmas All   ~S~
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Kanth on December 23, 2006, 09:31:41 AM
Hey TC nice to see you too,

Merry Christmas to you and yours and Happy New Year!
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: lazs2 on December 23, 2006, 09:40:35 AM
betty...  I never agree with falconwing but in this case he is right on the money.  listen to what the man says.   Otherwise.. I would like you to help man my "end womens suffrage now" booth at the local walmart for a few weekends.

and..  have to withdraw my offer for comfort.. damn jealous mexican girlfriend isn't going for it...  something about my "eggs" and broke or cut or something... I don't know... just learning spanish..

trust... but verify.

lazs
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Apeking on December 23, 2006, 10:50:08 AM
I believe that John Milius had it partially right when he wrote, in his script for Conan the Barbarian:

"Conan's Father: For no one - no one in this world can you trust. Not men, not women, not beasts. This you can trust. [Points to sword] "

You have to learn at an early age that you are alone in the world, and that you should keep your money safe. But you can't even trust yourself; you might be drunk, or wrong, and in the long run your body will grow old and feeble and will betray you, and eventually it will kill you after making your feeble and senile. You can't trust your own mind.

You should never entrust anything you hold dear to another person, and you should always watch your back. I cannot give you a positive lesson because there aren't any. Things do not happen for a reason; there is no guiding intelligence to the universe; you will never see your dead parents again; creation was not created; and the universe is a big electromagnetic bubble that is gradually winding down.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: DadRabit on December 23, 2006, 11:51:55 AM
S!

Merry Christmas Betty

Your friend Runny Babbit  :D

S!
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: DadRabit on December 23, 2006, 11:53:48 AM
S!

BTW,

No it's not a crime.

S!
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: storch on December 23, 2006, 11:56:00 AM
no betty loyalty to your friends is a hallmark of decency.  I would do the same.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: midnight Target on December 23, 2006, 01:53:53 PM
the philosophy of Conan?

hehe.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: mussie on December 23, 2006, 02:09:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by B@tfinkV
i totaly believed the story too betty, and so did alot of other people.  


some of us share the thought that there really is not much real need to lie about things in life, and it is all too easy to assume your morals will apply to the rest of society.

just remember that as a spieces humans are the most savage and selfish minded on the planet, thats why we pwned almost all other animals and took over most of the world and even parts of the moon.


took me a while to work out that trust is not something one gives away, more something that one must earn from another individual, yet still we all get fooled into giving trust away at times.


Golly-gee it Batty.... Ya took all the words right outta my mouth....



EDIT Falconwing was right on the money too

Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Kermit de frog on December 23, 2006, 04:17:49 PM
Falconwing pretty much sums it well.



Betty, first, try to use punctuation.  It helps others to better understand what exactly your thoughts are.

Also, would it kill you if you at least tried to spell a word or two correctly?:D



Merry Christmas Betty.:)
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Thrawn on December 23, 2006, 04:42:40 PM
There appears to be a correlation between believing Iceman and not using capitals, using punctuation improperly and awful grammar in general.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Kermit de frog on December 23, 2006, 05:01:11 PM
Must be an eskimo thing.



Lots of people seem to be giving advice in this thread.  Here's something I remember as a kid.  A frog once said this:


Here's some simple advice:  Always be yourself.
Never take yourself too seriously.  And beware of
advice from experts, pigs and members of Parliament.

-Kermit


Then again, he also said this:


I have a lot of great memories from the swamp.  I
remember when I was little, we'd all just sit out on
our lily pads for hours and hours, rocking gently on
the water and listening to the soft, sweet sound of
chirping crickets... Then, of course, we'd eat the
crickets...But that's another story.
-Kermit
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Grits on December 23, 2006, 05:42:13 PM
I too agree with Falconwing.

I didnt even get half way through Iceman's story and alarm bells were going off on my BS meter. However, I dont think you should be too hard on yourself about it betty, not everyone is as cynical and suspicious as me.

What you should learn from this is people like Iceman use good hearted people like you, but dont stop being a good hearted person just because of jerks like that. Try to add a tiny dose of sceptisicm to your trusting nature and you will be fine.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: 999000 on December 23, 2006, 08:02:05 PM
Apeking...dang who made you the Black Hole of AH?...WTG.....There are many decent folks here..........I just can't find any right now...........Anyway Life is Good!...you just need to Give!
999000
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: 4XTCH on December 23, 2006, 08:05:34 PM
Betty,

Read your original post, and what you did was sympathetic. Something that a true friend would do for another. Looking at the replies, it seems as if others shared your same concerns.  Because you got caught up in a Bulls#it artists con doesn't make you a bad person.

I'm sure that one thing good will come from this and that he won't EVER gather the respect of the AH community again.

No one likes a liar
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: hubsonfire on December 23, 2006, 08:42:01 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kermit de frog

And beware of
advice from experts, pigs and members of Parliament.

-Kermit

 


:lol

btw froggie, the link in your sig has an errant space.
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: DamnedRen on December 24, 2006, 12:01:26 AM
Betty,

Enjoy the holidays with loved ones!!!

Merry Christmas! :)



opps, almost forgot!

Hi Kanth...welcome back!

Ren
The Damned
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Charon on December 24, 2006, 09:42:16 AM
Your heart was in the right place Betty -- don't sweat it. And have a merry, distraction-free Christmas. Much more important thing in life than worrying about this little nothing.

As for trust... the watchword of the City News Bureau of Chicago (recently deceased) says it best:"If your mother tells you she loves you, check it out." Very applicable to the Internet. At least where the "extraordinary" things are concerned.

Charon
Title: Re: Re: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Shuffler on December 24, 2006, 11:24:39 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Ack-Ack
Betty you did what any friend would have done and someone would be lucky to be able to call you as a friend.

As for Iceman24...I have really nothing to say about him or to him.  As far as I'm concerned he's a non-entity now.  I am embarrased though that a squadron mate is the one that lied to his friends and community.



ack-ack


Naa no Squad would still have him after that fiasco... would make the whole squad look bad
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: lazs2 on December 25, 2006, 11:13:37 AM
you guys do realize that he will be back soon with a new handle?

lazs
Title: so i'm too trusting..is that a crime?
Post by: Krusty on December 25, 2006, 11:52:59 PM
I skimmed through the majority of the replies, and they all seem to reflect what I'd say.

I'd like to add an observation.

I've been using computers for a long time. I learned early on to be skeptical, and I think this is a good thing. I've played many games over various different periods. I dedicated* 2 years of my life to a Tribes team. I've done many online FPS games. I played Counter-Strike since beta 7 and DOD since way back before recoil was installed. I played them all the way until Source was released (then source blows for all net code so I quit). I've played various flight sims, including Star Wars ones.

Let's just say I have had a wide array of experiences with gaming communities and game types.

Aces High is the first one with what I think of as (for lack of a better term) the Voss-Types. I don't know iceman. I don't know if that outlandish story really happened. It sounds fishy, on the surface, but hey life is strange. This game has had a very high concentration of folks that feel the need to spread lies about themselves for whatever mental reasons. I've seen a FEW rare cases of it, scattered over a period of 5+ years, in a SW gaming club. But again, compared to the number of folks involved it was a low %. However in AH you get folks doing it left and right. Not to mention the ones that fake their own death.

The jaded little boy inside of me thinks they're all a small pool of folks just creating endless reincarnations of themselves as a way to bypass massive psychiatric bills and avoiding the many drugs they need to balance themselves. However the gumpy adult in me says "No, there's really that many freaks around here" and just ignores their attempts** to gain notoriety.

Trusting? Yes, you are. Too much trust? Yes it can be a bad thing. Too much trust is why we have millions of folks spreading chain mail e-mails on the internet about fake virus warnings. Too much trust is why royal people in Nigeria need our bank info to save their dead ancestral earnings. Too much trust is why these AH community "attention potatos" (again, for lack of better words) do what they do. The thing is to find a good balance between skepticism and trust. I trust folks, but I don't buy into everything I'm told, just because I'm told it. I suggest you find a good balance of skepticism, Betty. Other than that, no harm on your part. I blame the folks that START it more than the folks that perpetuate it.


* I do not use this word lightly.
** mostly