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Blogfest 2005 - Jun 17, 2006 - Printable Version
- “The Anatomy of a Rumor” or “I’ll Take the Kool-aid”
by Mark Faulk
ru·mor P Pronunciation Key (rmr) n. A piece of unverified information of uncertain origin usually spread by word of mouth.
Unverified information received from another; hearsay.
tr.v. ru·mored, ru·mor·ing, ru·mors
To spread or tell by rumor.
rumor
n. gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth [syn: rumour, hearsay]
Yesterday I did my weekly radio show on www.cfrn.net (that show is available for replay at StreetIQ.com). We discussed the usual stock market shenanigans, the latest events on Wall Street, and of course, since I’m writing a book about CMKX, we discussed that topic as well. We took a couple of phone calls from viewers, both of whom made very valid points about CMKX, including what type of damages might be due CMKX shareholders based on company asset valuations and legal liabilities from any naked short position that might be proven.
I addressed a few of the rumors floating around a couple of the message boards about a supposed buyout or settlement of CMKX shareholders’ stock at valuations ranging at least as high as $1.47 per share that was supposed to just show up one morning in shareholders accounts, saying that those rumors were farfetched, and that no one, including myself, is qualified to speculate on an exact dollar amount that shareholders deserve for what they’ve had to endure. These are the closing statements from that show, in a dialogue between myself and DeWayne of CFRN:
Mark:
There are valuations here, first of what the company assets are, and that’s a very, very real situation in this, you have to say “this is not a company that is worthless, this is a company that has some value.” Now, have we determined that value? There are so many gray areas here that no, in this particular case it hasn’t necessarily been determined. Secondly, you have a liability issue, which means that if we robbed you of a dollar, but we just robbed you, there’s possibility that the pain and the suffering and the emotional trauma that we’ve caused these people, and let’s face it, the CMKX shareholders have been through hell, they’ve been through hell.
The truth is, what makes this company different, and I’ve had people ask me, people who have been involved with it, people on all different levels, officials who worked for the company, say “what happened with this company? Why is this the company that the shareholders became so passionate and so involved and so loyal and so…almost rabid, when many times these scams happen, and everybody just walks away and goes, man that sucked, but learn a lesson and move on.
DeWayne:
There’s something different here. The CMKX shareholder is a rare breed, they have banded together, and held together, and stuck together like nothing I have ever seen before.
Mark:
I totally agree with that. And I think that the CMKX shareholders deserve anything that they can get. They have been through a tough situation, and I think that if they band together and keep doing some proactive things, stay after the state of Nevada, stay after the SEC, demand to be heard.
DeWayne:
Had we not held together as a group we would not be where we are now, and they would have gotten away with all of our money, but yes, there’s still a chance for something, a very good chance, but we have to remain a united front.
Mark:
Exactly, that’s very well put.
All in all, it seemed to be a rather low key show, probably more subdued than my shows with Debi Kionte, who wasn’t with us yesterday, usually are. In fact, I was certain that the most controversial thing I did was a tongue-in-cheek segment where I wrote "BULL" in big letters across a picture of CNBC's Jim Cramer and threw it on the floor. Boy was I wrong.
Within minutes, the emails began to come in, my phone began to ring, and the accusations began to fly. I was accused of “taking cheap shots at shareholders of CMKX, putting them down and regarding them as uneducated and not understanding of what is going on,” and of not knowing the difference between illegal naked short selling and legitimate short selling.
I spent a little time thinking back on what I said during the show, in the hopes of remembering specific remarks that might have perceived as insulting to CMKX shareholders, something I have been careful not to do from day one. I did say that some of the rumors were far-fetched, and I did say that brokers weren’t likely to voluntarily pay out a huge settlement without considerable public pressure (I’m paraphrasing here, so please….PLEASE…don’t print this as a direct quote from the show).
Then, someone emailed me a two-hour section of after the show discussion from one of the chat rooms. While a couple of people defended me in the room, others were…how should I put this? Not so kind. I was accused of calling the CMKX shareholders “kool-aid drinkers,” saying that they were “stupid,” referring to them as “sheep,” and being generally condescending. One poster offered to send me a year’s supply of kool-aid, and then added “Jonestown grape….That's poisonous, isn’t it?” Another one called me a “faulking jerk” (yeah, haven’t heard THAT one before), and yet another said “well mark probably snorts his refreshment” (okay, that one’s kind of funny…not true, but funny). Even someone who emailed me describing herself as “the owner of the room that has 500 people revolving in it an any time” got into the act, and in fact seemed to delight in stirring things up even further. And then there was the stupid guy who said "I WOULD ROTHER READ THE CAT IN THE HAT THE HIS STUPID BOOK!!!" And yes, I called that idiot stupid, and you quote me on that.
But the one that hurt the most? Someone really took the low road, and trashed me using the “Name Game Song”: “MARK MARK FO FARK BANNANA NANA DOE DARK.” Ouch.
Okay, let’s be clear about this: the vast, vast, vast majority of the 50,000 plus CMKX shareholders are intelligent, kind, caring people who just want to do the right thing. I have spoken with many of them, and believe that they are wonderful people. However, it’s obvious that an isolated few among them have an agenda, and that agenda is to try to destroy the credibility of the shareholders as a whole by spreading unfounded rumors and distorting the truth so that the focus will be diverted from the real issue here, which is the wholesale fleecing of innocent shareholders by a corrupt financial system.
Begrudgingly, I forced myself to listen to the show again this morning, just in case I really had slipped into an unconscious trance at some point and began unknowingly spewing expletives like Linda Blair in The Exorcist. Well guess what? Not only did I not say the things that I was accused of in the way that was implied, I DIDN’T SAY THEM AT ALL. The word “stupid” is nowhere in the hour and a half show, nor is the word “sheep.” “Kool-aid” was never mentioned, and as far as I know, no one on the show was even drinking kool-aid. (Disclaimer: This is in no way intended to be a negative commentary about kool-aid. Growing up in a family of eight trying to subsist on a teacher's salary, kool-aid was the only luxury we could afford. I love kool-aid.)
By the way, in reply to the moderator of the paltalk board where this spirited exchange took place, I offered to let the person who has been spreading the information about the $1.47 a share settlement come on our show next week. Here is that portion of my reply to her: "This is what I would like to do: I would love to have the person who has direct knowledge of the Belgium bank payout come on to the CFRN show next week and present his evidence. If I could see anything substantial that corroborates his claims, I will become his biggest fan."
So what intelligent response can I end with, just to show that I’m taking the high road here? Hmmmm….how about this: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” (It was either that or a Yo Momma joke, and Lord knows I don’t need every mother in the world on my case.)
I’ll just pull a few of the better quotes from that chat, leaving off the names to protect the innocent, and so the offenders won’t be offended….again.
Enjoy.
(2:02 PM) Paltalk: This is a G rated voice room intended for a General Audience including minors. Offensive language is not permitted. To speak, hold the ctrl key down.
(2:02 PM) Poster 1: forget about this guy book. we can tell how his attitude is toward CMKX. This guy is a poor loser. IMO
(2:02 PM) Poster 2: I HATE KOOL AID I DRINK COUNTRY TIME LEMONADE
(2:03 PM) Poster 3: MARK AGAIN, KNOWS WERE LISTENING, HE MAY KNOW MORE THAN WHAT HE IS SAYINGM HE MAY ALREADY HAVE THE END TO THE BOOK, AND I HONESTLY AM NOT OFFENDED BY THE KOOL-AID COMMENT I DO DRINK KOOL-AID AND ALWAYS WILL, ROTFLMAO
(2:03 PM) Poster 4: I'll drink Limonade flavored Koolade. Lol
(2:04 PM) Poster 5: SO THIS GUY BETTER PAY ATTENTION TO HOW HE REFERST TO US.
(2:05 PM) Poster 5: IF IT IS STAGED,, FOR SURE NOBODY CALLED HIM AND TOLD HIM TO CALL US STUPID, OR COOLAID DRINKERS FOR BELIEVING IN VALUE
(2:05 PM) Poster 5: THAT WAS HIS PERSONAL CHOICE TO PUT US DOWN
(2:06 PM) Poster 5: THERE IS NO PLACE IN THE STING TO CALL US STUPID.. FOR BELIEVING IN ANY VALUE..
(2:08 PM) Poster 5: YOU WANT TO CALL US STUPID,, ? WELL KIND OF MAKES ME FEEL YOU DONT NEED MY MONEY
(2:08 PM) Poster 11: I must have listened to someone else this morning. I don't remember him saying any of this, at least not enough to upset me.
(2:09 PM) Poster 6: You are right. What is Kool Aid anyway?
(2:09 PM) Poster 7: I do like Tang, do they sell Tang?
(2:10 PM) Poster 3: AGAIN I ASKED WHAT DID MARK SAY BESIDES THE KOOLAID COMMENT AND NO1 ANSWERED
(2:11 PM) Poster 3: MARK SAID WERE STUPID INES?
(2:11 PM) Poster 8: When did he call anyone stupid? I didn't hear that?
(2:11 PM) Poster 9: Did he call us stupid?
(2:11 PM) Poster 3: MARK SAID WERE STUPID INES?
(2:11 PM) Poster 8: When did he call anyone stupid? I didn't hear that?
(2:11 PM) Poster 10: he didn't say that
(2:11 PM) Poster 12: WHO CALLED AHO STUPID?
(2:11 PM) Poster 9: Did he call us stupid?
(2:11 PM) Poster 13: Mark needs to come in here and prepare to answer questions for his remarks
(2:12 PM) Poster 14: I hear people calling others koolaid drinkers all the time on this board, but it hurts when someone else does it. Lmao
(2:12 PM) Poster 15: CONDESCENDING?
(2:13 PM) Poster 13: perhaps he could have used different words to describe the investors who have been damaged
(2:13 PM) Poster 13: koolaid drinkers was definitely unkind
(2:14 PM) Poster 5: ITS NOT UP TO HIM TO BE CONDESCENDING TO US
(2:14 PM) Poster 16: koolaid drinker is a title that came OUTof the ROOMS
(2:14 PM) Poster 16: sheep is another word that came out of the ROMS
(2:13 PM) Poster 13: perhaps he could have used different words to describe the investors who have been damaged
(2:14 PM) Poster 17: those people can if you bought cmkx..you drank their hool aid>that label is SO OVERUSED and MEANINGLESS...
(2:14 PM) Poster 13: ah okay, was that the reference in context only?
(2:15 PM) Poster 16: right we know that
(2:15 PM) Poster 17: sheep...kool aid...bla bla bla...
(2:15 PM) Poster 17: whatever..
(2:15 PM) Poster 18: Book sellers and writers couldn't care less about whether their info offends, exhorts or is indifferent. The want the money. I agree with genxer (believe i did last time she mentioned her opinion a while back). I think he planned on getting some controversy going and therefore get his name out a bit more. It seems to be backfiring
(2:15 PM) Poster 19: then don't say it comes from a chat room
(2:15 PM) Poster 13: not what I meant, how did he reference it in the interview today?
(2:15 PM) Poster 18: as referenced by the 'new' screen names defending him in here and asking when he called anyone stupid
(2:16 PM) Poster 3: AND GEN (NOT TO ATTACK YOU) I'VE HEARD YOU THREATEN PEOPLE ON HERE IF THEY PICKETT OR WRITE LETTERS THAT WAS MORE OFFENDIDNG TO ME THAN WHAT MARK SAID, BUT I DONT CARE!! BECAUSE I UNDERSTAND HOW PEOPLE CAN GET FRUSTRATED OR SAY THINGS AND MAY NOT HAVE MALICE IN THIER HEARTS
(2:16 PM) Poster 20: I have listened to the interview twice. I think everything is being taken out of context
(2:19 PM) Poster 21: TELL HIM WHERE GOING TO BUY COOL AID WHEN THIS IS OVER WITH!!!!!
(2:20 PM) Poster 6: I say we all chip in and buy Mark Faulk a years supply of Kool Aid when CMKX money does materialize.
(2:20 PM) Poster 6: What's the worst flavor of Kool Aid?
(2:20 PM) Poster 21: IM GOING TO OWN COOL AID COMPANY SOON
(2:25 PM) Poster 6: Jonestown grape....that's poisonous isn't it?
(2:29 PM) Poster 14: nobody works for free. He has done alot to fight nss and we should be grateful
(2:32 PM) Poster 22: WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON? WHY IS EVERYONE UPSET? WHAT HAS HAPPENED????????????????????? UPDATE?????
(2:42 PM) Poster 23: Mr. Faulk: I am a cmkx shareholder and I HATE koolaide. Actually you have offended many of us who have previously pre-ordered The Faulking Truth book. I and many other shareholders have acquired much due diligence of this co. and many others associated with it.
(2:43 PM) Poster 23: The participants also. I really don't feel I have to write you a book of the last 2 1/2 years I have experienced with other dedicated shareholders of cmkx.
(2:43 PM) Poster 23: If you really cared about us, you would come to our Paltalk room and clear the air with over 500 cmkx shareholders. If you don't know how to get in, ask CFRN. The password is capital letters PAYDAY. Signed A. H/
(2:47 PM) Poster 3: EXACTLY, THATS WHY I ASKED THE QUESTION, I WANTED TO BE CLEAR THATS WHAT HE SAID
(2:52 PM) Poster 3: I WOULD LOVE FOR HIM TO COME IN HERE ALSO TO CLEAR THE AIR..I DONT THINK HE MEANT THINGS THE WAY THEY WERE TAKEN, BUT HE PROPBABLY ALREADY COMES IN HERE IF I WREER WRITTING A BOOK I WOULD
(2:54 PM) Poster 12: MARK MARK FO FARK BANNANA NANA DOE DARK
(3:02 PM) Poster 8: Mark Faulk and Bud Burrell are the 2 biggest pioneers in the naked shorting battle. In December you were all mad at Burrell when he had to present BOTH sides of the issue in the radio interview. That is a requirement for them IMO.
(3:04 PM) Poster 21: THE PR IS THAT MR. FAULK IS A FAULKING JERK!!!
(3:05 PM) Poster 24:...pls...the pioneers are J.Cline, and Dave Patch, they've done more for our cause than u can imagine....
(3:06 PM) Poster 24: bud burrell called me 4 yrs ago for info....pls, burrell & faulk mean nothing to our cause
(3:10 PM) Poster 21: I WOULD ROTHER READ THE CAT IN THE HAT THE HIS STUPID BOOK!!!
(4:39 PM) Poster 19: well here is the recap of today
(4:39 PM) Poster 19: mark faulk called us kool aid drinkers
(4:39 PM) Poster 25: what????????????
(4:39 PM) Poster 25: wow
(4:39 PM) Poster 25: mark did?
(4:39 PM) Poster 19: that was worth 3 hours of discussion. Was most enteraninment we had in weeks.
(4:39 PM) poster 27: lol... he must come in this room
(4:40 PM) Poster 25: well mark probably snorts his refreshment
(4:40 PM) Poster 19: thank you happy
(4:40 PM) Poster 25: I'll take the koolaid
Mark Faulk is the Editor of The Faulking Truth, and the author of the upcoming book about the CMKX saga entitled "The Naked Truth: Counterfeiting the American Dream." Because of the massive amounts of research required to complete this project, and so that the events of the next few weeks can be included in the book as well, it has been rescheduled for release at the end of July or early August. For more information on the book and on the stock market scandal, go to http://www.faulkingtruth.com , and to pre-order your copy, go to http://www.theownersgroupinc.com/cart/
The CFRN.net radio show that airs every Friday at 9:30 AM EST with Mark Faulk and Debi Kionte can be accessed live at http://www.cfrn.net/ and is available for download at http://www.streetiq.com/dir/CFRN.shtml
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