Truth

[Steven Edwards]

But still - if you weren't good, caring people, it wouldn't have been possible to dupe you in that way.

You might wanna rephrase that.

Source:

Members who admit to feigning their conditions often respond by implicating the gullibility of forum members, suggesting it is their own fault for being deceived. (Source)

[wtf]

You might wanna rephrase that.

Source:

Members who admit to feigning their conditions often respond by implicating the gullibility of forum members, suggesting it is their own fault for being deceived. (Source)

What are you trying to say Steven?

[Steven Edwards]

What are you trying to say Steven?

Nothing really. I just found it kinda humorous because earlier today I saw a book of euphemisms called "How NOT To Say What You Mean".

[wtf]

Nothing really. I just found it kinda humorous because earlier today I saw a book of euphemisms called "How NOT To Say What You Mean".

Interesting. Oh yeah and don't temp me with your offer to comfort me cuz you know I'll take you up on it

[TAM63]

OK, I'm tired tonite, long day - maybe I'm being slow (strong possibility). Did I say it backwards or something?

I mean - it's only possible for the fakers to fool and get attention from the good, kind, and caring people - because the rest won't bother with them.

I mean to express admiration for the good qualities of those who cared for "Mark" - even if they were fooled.

[chick]

I always found something a bit strange about "Markpals", so I never really engaged him, but with the additional family members, unlikely coincidences, and the increasing dramatics, not to mention the similar writing styles and posting patterns, I alerted Steven about my concerns that something was "off" about "Mark and his associates".

I generally ignored "Andes", even tho I found her a bit odd and suspicious as well, but when "Brian Brat" appeared, that was too much and I wanted to see what Steven's thoughts were.

[SCIfor55+yrs.]

Thanks to all who have done detective work. I guess the concern is that we might get sucked in by someone who is intending to do real mischief. I know I have been increasingly hesitant to respond to those who do not fill out a profile. My only regret is that I have possibly wasted time that I could have been spent dealing with people who have real needs.

[Steven Edwards]

I mean to express admiration for the good qualities of those who cared for "Mark" - even if they were fooled.

I understood what you meant. I posted that as a joke, given the current situation.

[TAM63]

Oh right, thank you. Apparently my joke detector is too tired tonight as well

Perhaps a glass of wine and bed now... before I get my foot stuck really firmly in my mouth or something lol

[Scorpion]

My only regret is that I have possibly wasted time that I could have been spent dealing with people who have real needs.

That's another big problem with scams like this, taking compassionate energy away from where it should be directed.

[Scaper1]

This is incredibly bizarre. I think of sci as the club no one wants to join. Joke's on me.

[MSWIFE1]

This is the first group that I have actually enjoyed "talking" with since David got MS. I lurked around for the longest time thinking I didn't belong since David has MS not sci. I have learned alot from alot of people on here but still yet don't feel comfortable enough to provide too much personal information. This only strenghtens my fear of not wanting to get to involved.

[jody]

Me too, me too... I feel dirty and used.

yep, we have been praying for mark everyday at noon. my heart feels deflated.

[Eileen]

Ok, I need some real help here. I have just read this entire thread, and I am feeling pretty sick and confused. It was me who talked about being in tears when I thought Mark might die, and for several months now have been sending him a postcard/card on the average of once a week. I got a thank you by email from Andes for sending her brother cards, which, btw, were sent to Butte. I know they got the cards because there was a specific mention of the picture on one of the cards that they could not have known unless it had been received. I am also gotten thank you's from Mark himself, by email. Are you telling me that none of this is real? That I have been totally duped? That I layed awake one night wondering if Mark was going to die, and it was all a lie? Please help me here. I think that is what is being said, but my brain can't or dosen't want to believe it......

[Eileen]

If someone could respond quickly it would be good, especially Steven, as I am feeling new tears and for an entirely different reason if this is all a hoax......