In my time here on the RMBS thread, I've observed what seems to be a pattern among the RMBS bashers. It's almost like there are 4 distinct phases that they go through. I've seen this progression (digression?) by several such posters. Maybe there's a playbook or something. Here's what it might look like, if it did exist. NOTE: IMHO,we're clearly on step 4. They're trying to run off the RMBS bulls!!!!
The (Pro/Di)gression of a RMBS Basher on SI
1. Balanced Bear
Express dissenting views. Try to seem reasonable and balanced. Seek to appear as a legitimate RMBS contrarian through exhortation and persuasion. When this fails, go to the next step.
2. Righteous Indignation
Become more vocal in your RMBS opposition. It's okay if you don't seem quite so objective anymore. After all, you're righteously angered now. You're just after the truth. To appear as unbiased as possible, tell the thread that you have no actual position in RMBS. And you sure as hell aren't getting paid to bash RMBS. Shudder the thought! Post actual news releases occasionally and spin them as hard as you can against RMBS. When this fails, go to the next step.
3. Gloves Come Off
If everything has failed up to this point, you gotta take drastic measures. Resort to name calling if you need to. Make it personal. Get under their skin. Take away the other side's desire to spread the RMBS gospel. Everything from the other "side" must be challenged. Every view must be anti-RMBS, no matter what the truth. Adopt a negative interpretation of everything RMBS. RMBS must be defeated at all costs. When this fails, go to the next step.
4. Scorched Thread
Okay, if you're here, then nothing has worked. The RMBS bulls have taken our best shots and are still here. So there is only one thing left to do. Reduce the thread into squabbling, personal attacks and such. Make it so bad that all who are sincerely interested in the truth no longer want to participate. Destroy the thread. If we can't beat em, then just destroy the thread! Make them want to go away.
NOTE #2: This is not directed toward those RMBS bears who sincerely advance their point of view (only those with an axe to grind). Healthy debate is necessary for a good thread. |
