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Post by pairesta on Feb 10, 2017 17:25:42 GMT -5
I don't even know what to think. When I found out he died, I was with my family on vacation and I had to go into another room to cry about it. Someone I didn't even know, but for their online persona. And it was such a nice, thoughtful gesture that they posted it on AVClub out of respect for the community.
And now none of that is real. And they've just been posting away on Twitter. No one's called them on it?
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Post by ComradePig on Feb 10, 2017 17:32:49 GMT -5
Reality is like, so fluid ya'll  |
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Post by Bedroom Pastrami on Feb 10, 2017 17:36:39 GMT -5
I don't even know what to think. When I found out he died, I was with my family on vacation and I had to go into another room to cry about it. Someone I didn't even know, but for their online persona. And it was such a nice, thoughtful gesture that they posted it on AVClub out of respect for the community. And now none of that is real. And they've just been posting away on Twitter. No one's called them on it? TBH that was a totally different account than the one all of us followed / interacted with. |
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Post by Dr Livingstone on Feb 10, 2017 17:38:47 GMT -5
I don't even know what to think. When I found out he died, I was with my family on vacation and I had to go into another room to cry about it. Someone I didn't even know, but for their online persona. And it was such a nice, thoughtful gesture that they posted it on AVClub out of respect for the community. And now none of that is real. And they've just been posting away on Twitter. No one's called them on it? Well, they didn't exist. But it was still a thoughtful gesture, and your reaction was still genuine (as it would have been for something more traditionally fictional). I realize this is cold comfort, but it is important. |
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ayatollahcm
TI Pariah 
The Bringer of Peacatollah
Posts: 1,689
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Post by ayatollahcm on Feb 10, 2017 17:38:53 GMT -5
So if I can be supremely hypothetical and tie this to another famous AV-verse case.
Obviously catfishing and trolling is more common than we know, but with E.Buzz/OperaPunk's connection to so many of the mainstays here over the years, and because of similar folks' run-in with a notorious troll, does anyone possibly think this individual might also be Fatman?
Since the doc seems rooted in the notion that this individual isn't doing this for hypothetical "lulz" and it is a serious psychological manifestation, I would wonder if E.Buzz/OperaPunk could possibly be the Jekyll to Fatman's Hyde. And, like noted above, the "hijacking" of E.Buzz at times, which could simply be the person forgetting to change accounts. This is heavy speculation, though. I'd have to toss it to those with more of a history with both accounts.
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Post by MyNameIsNoneOfYourGoddamnBusin on Feb 10, 2017 17:41:49 GMT -5
As far as I can tell from reading this, he's a real guy who posted some lies and had a fake wife. I'm guessing plenty of the personal problems were legit and this was an outlet and a way to deal with it, as were some of the lies that got uncovered. The shifts in tone indicate there was probably some real issue at the heart of it. He probably grew tired and pulled an Elvis. Whoever he is, I hope he's doing well.
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Post by Pedantic Editor Type on Feb 10, 2017 17:47:42 GMT -5
I've been aware of this for a few months now and am close with some of the investigators. I've let AVC know it was coming, though we'll see if anything happens in terms of a retraction. Months?! Geez. |
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Post by Powerthirteen on Feb 10, 2017 17:48:11 GMT -5
So if I can be supremely hypothetical and tie this to another famous AV-verse case. Obviously catfishing and trolling is more common than we know, but with E.Buzz/OperaPunk's connection to so many of the mainstays here over the years, and because of similar folks' run-in with a notorious troll, does anyone possibly think this individual might also be Fatman? Since the doc seems rooted in the notion that this individual isn't doing this for hypothetical "lulz" and it is a serious psychological manifestation, I would wonder if E.Buzz/OperaPunk could possibly be the Jekyll to Fatman's Hyde. And, like noted above, the "hijacking" of E.Buzz at times, which could simply be the person forgetting to change accounts. This is heavy speculation, though. I'd have to toss it to those with more of a history with both accounts. That was my first thought as well, especial viz. Buzz's hijackings. How the hell does anyone have that much spare time? |
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Trurl
Shoutbox Elitist 
Posts: 7,697
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Post by Trurl on Feb 10, 2017 18:01:45 GMT -5
I just realized that no one here has ever met me in real life, and almost all pictures that even I have of me are available by typing "Edmonton mosquito" into Google image search. I want to assure you all that I am real, and that if I were to make up an internet persona, I certainly hope I would make up one more interesting than me. I'm in the same boat and it's not likely that I'm ever going to meet anyone here in real life either since I don't travel. I mean, this *is* the internet, nobody is required to tell the truth - I know I try and fudge details when they could be personally identifiable, though I'm sure anyone here could track me down if they really wanted. And when they do, I'll be waiting *sits in rocking chair, lays shotgun across lap*. |
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Post by Tea Rex on Feb 10, 2017 18:01:58 GMT -5
Hunh. I have typed and deleted and typed again, and I can't quite get things right, given that I feel many things, some dissonant, about this decade old (at least!) Charlatan account.
So, lemme just say how proud I am of people taking this with shock rather than a shrug and "It's the internet." Internet denizens of great age in webtime have been burned by fakery a lot, and it can lead to cynicism about the people you meet online being genuine. However, given that the connections made online can be strong, to be genuine is, I think, the rule, and the charlatans the outliers.
Call it guileless, but trusting an online friend to be who they say they are (unless they're doing something blatantly fishy like asking for money) is what makes an Internet community strong. And I'm pleased to be with so many people who wear their hearts on their sleeve. And that there was an outpouring of grief and support with this catfishery.
Remember, guys, you aren't fools for believing he was real and befriending and then mourning him, or reaching out to her. You're the good people in this situation. It's he and his need to lie his way into friendships who is to be pitied.
Hugs to all of you guys.
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Post by pairesta on Feb 10, 2017 18:06:33 GMT -5
I don't even know what to think. When I found out he died, I was with my family on vacation and I had to go into another room to cry about it. Someone I didn't even know, but for their online persona. And it was such a nice, thoughtful gesture that they posted it on AVClub out of respect for the community. And now none of that is real. And they've just been posting away on Twitter. No one's called them on it? TBH that was a totally different account than the one all of us followed / interacted with. I didn't know that, although wasn't there a tweet sent from his former account after he died that someone here caught? Didn't mean to sound like I was giving people who did follow him grief for not saying something. Apologies, possibly real people. |
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Post by Dr. Rumak on Feb 10, 2017 18:11:41 GMT -5
When was the so-called suicide? I want to look back on something. June 11th/12th of last year. |
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Post by rimjobflashmob on Feb 10, 2017 18:25:12 GMT -5
NOPE.  |
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Scruff
Grandfathered In 
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Post by Scruff on Feb 10, 2017 18:26:28 GMT -5
I hope no one gave money for funeral expenses or anything.
But I am still curious about whether anyone actually met these "two."
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Post by swagonion on Feb 10, 2017 18:28:17 GMT -5
I've been aware of this for a few months now and am close with some of the investigators. I've let AVC know it was coming, though we'll see if anything happens in terms of a retraction. Months?! Geez. There was a lot of preparation on the part of those who did the digging to make sure they didn't cause undue distress for those who were deeply affected by the "death." And the catfish-within-a-catfish theory I've seen isn't true, because one of the investigators was my wife, and I have met her and can assure you she's real. |
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Post by Ben Grimm on Feb 10, 2017 18:33:17 GMT -5
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Post by Jon Pertwees Shameless Gurning on Feb 10, 2017 18:39:15 GMT -5
This is highly irregular, indeed. I've always been more active here (aside from a longish period of complete inactivity, of course) than AVC anyway (Disqus ate my account and password and I can't be arsed to do anything about it), but since I accidentally outed my real identity in the selfie thread a couple months back, please feel free to verify.
I know this isn't the meetup thread, but this somehow really makes me want to meet some of y'all, esp those in the Chi. Need more time/dollars/capacity, but just lemme know if/when there are opportunities.
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Post by MrsLangdonAlger on Feb 10, 2017 18:47:50 GMT -5
This is highly irregular, indeed. I've always been more active here (aside from a longish period of complete inactivity, of course) than AVC anyway (Disqus ate my account and password and I can't be arsed to do anything about it), but since I accidentally outed my real identity in the selfie thread a couple months back, please feel free to verify. I know this isn't the meetup thread, but this somehow really makes me want to meet some of y'all, esp those in the Chi. Need more time/dollars/capacity, but just lemme know if/when there are opportunities. I was going to start planning a big Chicago meetup soon! April or May. |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2017 18:48:34 GMT -5
This is mind-blowing. I could have sworn people met Buzz. Also didn't someone here go to his funeral? The only thing about Buzz that ever raised a flag for me was all the instances of him supposedly being "hacked" and having his account hijacked. Repeatedly. I just don't understand what the endgame to all this was. Someone created a false persona, to go on pop culture sites, comment at length knowledgeably about the subject, be generally friendly with people (so much so he got a goddamned award for it one year!)? He was on there for years. Then out of the blue he fakes his own death? Why do all that? And then this person created a whole other persona that was his "wife" too? Yeah, I thought people met up with them. We have insiders! It's coming from inside the TI! *Just a joke* 1. I don't trust any of you. 2. The taye diggs cameo was ridiculous 3. We should turn this into a documentary, but first we must act like we still believe this person and slowly recreate the horror of suspecting they are real before a surprise twist ending. 4. I really really don't trust Todd. His sopranos writeups had too much fluff about his so called "life experiences". |
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Post by Bedroom Pastrami on Feb 10, 2017 18:50:36 GMT -5
TBH that was a totally different account than the one all of us followed / interacted with. I didn't know that, although wasn't there a tweet sent from his former account after he died that someone here caught? Didn't mean to sound like I was giving people who did follow him grief for not saying something. Apologies, possibly real people. I think so, but I hadn't seen it. Couple of others on twitter referenced it today, though. And no worries! I didn't read it that way at all. I don't think anyone knew of that other account somehow, which does make it a bit surprising. |
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Post by Lord Lucan on Feb 10, 2017 19:02:25 GMT -5
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Post by Lt. Broccoli on Feb 10, 2017 19:12:48 GMT -5
I aspire to be this impressive at Internet stalking. (Using these powers for good, of course.)
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Post by nowimnothing on Feb 10, 2017 19:15:19 GMT -5
The internet is fuckin' crazy. I had this friend from another online community who was going through cancer treatment and we all banded together to buy her a Kindle and have it hand-delivered to her apartment in Seoul (For real! One of us had a military husband stationed there!) annnnnnd you know the end of this story. Same kind of thing - someone got a weird feeling, did some difficult detective work, and there we were. In the end I enjoyed chatting with the persona she created, so in a way who cares, right? But we're still not sure who we handed a Kindle to. The internet is fuckin' crazy. Munchausen-by-Internet is endlessly fascinating to me. My preferred avenue for goofing off on the internet, after this place of course, is reading longform journalism, and nothing delights me more than a juicy story about how a Munchausen-by-Internet person got exposed. Obviously, I feel terrible for people who get scammed, and also feel terrible for the people who commit this stuff, since clearly there are serious issues they're struggling with. But man, this stuff is SO incredible. The brazenness of the lies! The lengths the liar will go to in order to build their story! The way suspicions get tamped by social pressures and niceties! The eventual "OMG, it was so obvious, how did anyone ever believe this???"! Just utterly, utterly fascinating. |
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Post by Floyd Diabolical Barber on Feb 10, 2017 19:19:29 GMT -5
There was a lot of preparation on the part of those who did the digging to make sure they didn't cause undue distress for those who were deeply affected by the "death." And the catfish-within-a-catfish theory I've seen isn't true, because one of the investigators was my wife, and I have met her and can assure you she's real. So...Good Job Internet? |
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Post by Hugs and Hisses on Feb 10, 2017 19:19:31 GMT -5
(And if anyone doubts that I was on to this, I told AVC's LJo all about it when we met in person -- BECAUSE I AM A REAL PERSON, AND SO IS HUGS, I SWEAR IT WE ARE NOT THE SAME PERSON DREAMED UP BY A MIDDLE-AGED DUDE IN A CINDERBLOCK BASEMENT SOMEWHERE -- what was it, four years ago?) I have met Liz and am prepared to confirm .... she is duplicitous and a liar. Don't trust anything she says. Hugs is awesome. Damn straight! Save |
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Post by Douay-Rheims-Challoner on Feb 10, 2017 19:21:41 GMT -5
You know for a long time I felt an arguable degree of responsibility - the last thing E Buzz Miller did on this site was post a selfie saying it'd be his last because he was gonna kill himself, we had it taken down because of the content, and within twenty four hours I heard he was dead. It'd be absurd to reduce someone else's choices to a degree of social media frivolity, but all the same, for months I felt uneasy recalling that. I could have done something different. I should have done something different. I've never said this out loud because back when I thought it was real it would seem a self-absorbed thing to say (and it probably still is), but there's a weight off my back now.
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Trurl
Shoutbox Elitist
Posts: 7,697
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Post by Trurl on Feb 10, 2017 19:22:17 GMT -5
I find I can't feel too upset about this (though I appreciate how others can), because this doesn't seem to be someone just fooling around (since they put so much effort into it) or a scam (I've not heard of anyone losing money to it), so what that really leaves is mental illness. This is the product of someone who needs a lot of help or a job as a Le Carre character.
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Post by Dr. Rumak on Feb 10, 2017 19:22:51 GMT -5
Prior to today, I thought of E.Buzz as a person with some problems that led to his death. Now I think of him as a person with problems, but still alive. Despite the inappropriateness of him to using someone else's image that way, I am oddly relieved. And just as before, I hope he is able to get the help he needs.
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Post by Celebith on Feb 10, 2017 19:28:41 GMT -5
This is highly irregular, indeed. I've always been more active here (aside from a longish period of complete inactivity, of course) than AVC anyway (Disqus ate my account and password and I can't be arsed to do anything about it), but since I accidentally outed my real identity in the selfie thread a couple months back, please feel free to verify. I know this isn't the meetup thread, but this somehow really makes me want to meet some of y'all, esp those in the Chi. Need more time/dollars/capacity, but just lemme know if/when there are opportunities. I posted in meetup, but work is almost definitely sending me to Chicago for the first week in April, and I plan to burn some Hilton points to stay a few extra days. |
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Post by Celebith on Feb 10, 2017 19:29:43 GMT -5
This is highly irregular, indeed. I've always been more active here (aside from a longish period of complete inactivity, of course) than AVC anyway (Disqus ate my account and password and I can't be arsed to do anything about it), but since I accidentally outed my real identity in the selfie thread a couple months back, please feel free to verify. I know this isn't the meetup thread, but this somehow really makes me want to meet some of y'all, esp those in the Chi. Need more time/dollars/capacity, but just lemme know if/when there are opportunities. I was going to start planning a big Chicago meetup soon! April or May. I vote for sometime in the 1st week of April, near ... whatever Hilton I'm going to. |
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