mtl, while it's probably "paranoid" i always assume that anything i say over the computer/phones/etc is open. the truth is no one really cares what i have to say and if they do, they're welcome to it...if i ever had the occasion to admit some huge personal/business secret that i truly wanted to remain private, i certainly would'nt do it over a medium that is able to be read/heard by others....here's what i posted to hoov on the not board.

"hoov, while the PM accusations are unsettling i dont see where it's any different than sitting in a bar where people are "overhearing" your conversation. it does'nt make you any less credible (it does reflect on the eavesdropper) remember the old EFhutton commercial "when EFHutten talks..people listen" really, is'nt this what the market has always been about? get good info where you can get it...the truth is i've never really said anything in PM's that i would'nt say in public and my advice is not really sought after. if someones advice is valuable and people want it, they're gonna try to get it...i imagine warren buffet has a real problem keeping his "private conversations private". if you move, i'll follow you if invited but i think you'll have the same issues anywhere you go. if you want to keep something private, do it in private."