<<What are we suggesting here? Do you think he was pressured to stop his work?>>
Picture the scenario: 2 months to go untill Presidential elections. Moto's site becoming more and more prominently mentioned in chat rooms, BB's, and even quoted by some mainstream economists. Moto's at home at night, alone, working on the next post....
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK (very insistant pounding)...
Moto: Who's there?
Shadowy unknown figure: PPT. We need to talk....NOW!
Moto opens the door, standing there are 3 figures...one an accountant-type, balding, reedy. One a trench coat wearing guy, medium build, with a briefcase and a laptop. The 3rd is an enormous goon, about 6'6", 300lbs, with a suspicious bulge (no, not there...on his HIP, you g*ddamn perverts!)
Moto: Do you guys have any identification?
Goon, pushing past him into the room: We don't NEED no stinking badges, Mo-To!
(The others follow the goon in. The accountant heads to Motosan's desktop, the Notebook-guy opens his laptop and sits down.)
Notebook Guy: Motosan, we represent some very POWERFUL interests, and they are, shall we say, less than happy with the current contents of your little website...
Moto: But, but, all of the information on it is contained elsewhere in government websites....
Notebook guy: Never mind that. You see, we have an election to think or, and nothing can be allowed to interfere with the ongoing prosperity this wonderful country now enjoys...
Moto: What the f*ck are you talking about.? This is the worst, most dangerous bubble since Japan imploded in '90.
Notebook guy: Perhaps. And it is vital to U.S. security and your own well-being that no one understand that....
(In the background, accountant is feverishly typing, we see seb pages turning and dialog boxes popping up and being clicked)
Moto: Well what do you expect of me. I ain't about to shut down the site, it's just starting to take off....
(Goon has now pulled out brass knuckles, put them on and is pounding one fist into the other palm repeatedly)
Notebook guy: Well, I was afraid you'd say that. Check this out (opens notebook, clicks to a page saying "IRS records 1995-1999...M.Moto). Have you ever undergone one of the IRS's "super audits" Mr. Moto....most....UNPLEASANT!
Moto looks at the computer screen. He is genuinely baffled. Sure his site's doing well, but nothing extraordinary.
Moto: So what? My finances are impeccable, my taxes are clean...
Accountant: The IRS HAS been known to lose payments and even entire records Mr. Moto. We'd HATE to see that happen to a nice fellow like yourself.....
Moto: GFY!!
(Goon steps out, begins pummeling the hapless Moto. Accountant finishes his keystrokes, with sound of punches, breaking glass, and screams of pain in background. Accountant moves toward the door. Notebook guy and Goon follow...)
Moto: But, but...Fleckenstein and the PrudentBear guys are much more popular. WHY ME?
Notebook Guy, walking out the door: Fear not, MISTER Moto. They're next.
(Pan to Moto's screen, now reading "I regret to inform my readers, this site will be shut down. The E-Mail link will stay open untill September 7th if anyone needs to contact me. Camera zooms out, Moto lying on the floor moaning, the open door swinging in the breeze. Fade to black).... |
