[quote author="BlackVault CM" date=1235392853][quote author="Shooby" date=1235391517]This may have crossed the line in certain respects, however I can certainly relate to the root causes that inevitably led to his behavior. I respect the fact that there are many knowledgeable and overly intelligent folks that peruse and contribute to this forum, many of which I have learned invaluable information from. I am by no means an expert in real estate, finance, or investment, and I have been fortunate enough to rely on many of you for information that I probably would have to pay for if I go through local professionals. This has helped me along the way of this on-going journey.
With that said, there are also many high egos that settle here, and those that certainly enjoy a "tease" wherever and whenever the situation presents itself. With Panda being such a frequent contributor and seasoned veteran here, there are not many people that would willingly admit their ignorance in key areas, especially out of fear of rejection and laughter.
I myself can say that there have been many questions that I've wanted to ask, but refrain because it may be seen as a "dumb" question. However, I often find myself relieved when another person asks the same question. I don't really think there's harm in Panda trying to protect his ego. He may have been dishonest to a certain degree, but that is what the internet presents as an opportunity. It allows me, you, and everyone else to protect their identity while sitting behind a computer, yet conveniently obtain answers for questions that they seek.
We all have ego's, and we all have insecurities. Just because he made a misstep in trying to protect an insecurity, doesn't mean we as a "community" should look down upon him. We gave him his chance to come clean, which he quickly did. I'm all for learning that no matter how much we may think we know somebody, we all have deep dark secrets and can never really trust someone that you don't know in person.
Let's give the guy a break, we've probably all been there in one extent or another.</blockquote>
Come on Shooby. You can't have it both ways. Either hide behind the computer and lie so you can obtain answers, or be part of a community. There are many individuals that come here ask questions, lie, do whatever and honestly I could care less. However, it is quite different when its done by someone that has made an effort to get to know individuals here to the point of meeting, eating, going to church with them, etc.
So to me what you are saying is somewhat contradictory. If you are ok with someone lying to obtain answers, hiding behind a computer, then you should be ok with people acting the way they did too. After all, he is just someone behind a computer right? I don't know him...you don't know him...who cares?</blockquote>
Basically what I'm saying is, we all may be part of an online "community", however, aside from a few personal friendships that have developed from here, we are all people expressing our opinions and knowledge through the internet and a computer. For Panda, I think for him to reach out to many of us in order to get to know us on a personal level, is a true reflection of his character. However, in this error in judgement, it was honesty and character versus care for reputation, and his reputation obviously won.
We all want to be better people, and I do think that Panda through this entire situation did not mean to hurt or betray any of us. He simply was seeking the information that he needed and wanted to receive a non-biased opinion from the pros. Do you think if he asked those questions through his Panda account that he would have gotten the same answers?
Does this ruin his credibility to an extent? Of course. Again, I'm all for honesty and character, and I really don't think his intention was to betray any friends he has made. Sadly, it just turned out that way.