Hi -

The responses from some people on this thread sound a lot like Stockholm
Syndrome.

Remember, what you read or rip or don't read or rip is your business. So is
your opinion. Besides that, no one is suggesting not reading CFM nor is
anyone recommending, endorsing CFM. If CFM creates legal and other grief or
problems for himself, that is his business.

We all agree a 'rising tide lifts all boats' and independent blogs can make
some contribution. However, at the same time, no one needs to endorse and
endure unfair insults, ad hominem argument and crude attacks.

Remember, there is no attempt to reduce or elevate anything. Fact: CFM is
often callow, lurid and vulgar. Period. That doesn't reduce or elevate, it
just is what it is. Some fanboys have an appetite for it and think it is
real cute and nifty; other people may not have the same opinion. That's all.
No biggie.

Finally, allow me to describe exactly the dynamic in play, since it has been
seen before many times in the technology adoption lifecycle (TALC).
Prediction markets are in the throes of sharp growth and mutation. Because
of this success, the small coffee shop stage enjoyed by the early
evangelists and opinion leaders like CFM has turned into a gigantic coliseum
with thousands of simultaneous voices. There are dozens of other PM/CI blogs
and hundreds of mentions every week. Even venerable IBM is taking steps
towards a PM practice...

This diffusion, growth and technology pull-thru unnerves the early advocates
since their voice simply gets drowned out. Because these early exponents can
be craven and clinically narcissistic as we have seen, their motor response
is to lash out uncontrollably. Growth and success simply means they do not
have the megaphone anymore. Their once closely held specialty and curious
backwater is now fully mainstream. It is always ironic, counterintuitive and
sometimes pathetic, since often it's the hope for growth and diffusion that
motivates them in the first place!

Specifically, for the PM networks and community, the support for growth and
industry development has been very good. Recall, diffusion of innovation
occurs when four key constituencies are hitting on all cylinders,
collaborating in earnest - scholars, enterprise, investors and
entrepreneurs. Annoying and inconsequential fan-blogs and sideline
commentary are not really part of the equation. Rather, it is the hard work
of triangulating these constituencies and advancing the conversation that is
really the driver of diffusion, adoption and prosperity for prediction
markets and stakeholders.    

Eventually, in the fullness of time, early, vociferous advocates find a new
niche, embrace and engage the expanding industry constellation, achieve an
authentic contribution to the greater good or, often, simply fade away.

-j