Firstly, some history. "LifeMirage" was promoted to this forum in a "feature interview" by Bruce Klein and given advisor status. This looked for all the world like LM's bona fides were recognised by ImmInst leadership and that Bruce was adding a personal endorsement. It was notable that LM's was the one profile that hid behind a non-de-plume and avatar on the leadership page, but this desire for anonymity didn't seem suspicious because it was easy to assume that he was known to other respected leaders. I'm not suggesting this was ever stated, just that it appeared that way. Some mirages can be very convincing.
Now, I want to be clear on a couple things. I have the utmost respect for ImmInst leadership's integrity and I don't condone the actions of whatever combination of Edward-Lee-Sherwyns-Steve-Unique has exploited the LM persona for their own purposes. (The exact details of this operation remain murky, but there is overwhelming evidence for the basic deception.) Having said that, I think it's time we put things in perspective. I don't expect the same standards from supplements merchants that I do from ImmInst leadership. Salespeople in all industries are as likely to be paragons of truthhood as politicians. Sure, this can be more worrisome with some products than others; some political lies are more serious than others too. It's the way of the world and we have to navigate through it as best we can.
In the scheme of things the crimes by those behind the LM ruse have been blown out of proportion. In all of LM's posts to this forum, there were only a handful of references that directly promoted Unique Nutrition or Sherwyns. In many posts, LM did acknowledge working as a consultant for various nootropics manufacturers. Not the whole truth and nothing but the truth, but at least there were declarations of affiliations. There were only a handful of references that suggested LM was an MD, and I don't believe LM ever claimed outright to being a practising doctor. Certainly there were exaggerations, but the catalogue of LifeMirage postings was hardly as egregious as the current vitriol would have us believe.
Leadership's (honest) mistake in appointing LM as an advisor, and seemingly stamping their imprimatur on LM's credentials, provided the platform for LM to attain guru status on this forum. I doubt LM would ever have dominated proceedings to such a degree without this leverage. Leadership do deserve respect for their diligence in pursuing the matter, giving LM plenty of time for self-defence before going public with the issue, and then immediately stripping LM of advisor status when the truth began to unfold. (LM's subsequent suspension/ban is a separate issue, and seemingly warranted due to LM's postings and behaviour after the intial action.)
But there are a number of reasons for believing that LM's general advice -- while obviously tainted by ulterior motives -- wasn't as irresponsible as it might have been. For instance, given that the purpose seems to have been to promote nootropics sales, it's interesting that LM always advocated keeping things simple. LM stuck to the mantra of introducing new substances to a regimen very slowly, and never really encouraged people to aspire to a complex regimen, despite the one presented as LM's own. If LM is indeed a combination of Edward-Lee-Sherwyns-Steve-Unique, then we are dealing with people who are indeed very experienced with nootropics, albeit hardly objective or bolstered with any serious neuro-science clout. Basically, it would have been nice to have had their advice in the right context, and if LM had never been appointed an advisor then LM's posts could have been viewed in terms of having industry affiliations and everyone could have taken from it what they would.
I think all the frothing at the mouth in the desire to bring down Steve and Unique Nutrition shows a lack of perspective. I bought my first ever nootropics from Unique a couple of months ago, and I'm very happy with the service and prices. Although I read a lot of LM's posts, I would never have based my decision to experiment with nootropics on them alone. LM was obviously a nootropics advocate, and any sensible person should always seek a range of opinions. The internet is a mine of misinformation and partisan information in just about every field. The one thing I did rely on LM for was the recommendation of Unique (among others) in terms of product purity. This wasn't a matter of opinion regarding the efficacy and safety of nootropics, it was a simple fact that only requried trustworthiness (which I granted LM on account of being part of ImmInst leadership). Whatever their marketing misdemeanours, I'll be happy to purchase from Unique again if I can find some third party assurance of quality -- over to you on that one Steve!
Some members of leadership have rapidly become obsessed with pursuing the LM issue across the internet. Now, while that's all very noble, wouldn't it be a good idea to get one's own house in order before embarking upon a crusade? Leadership hasn't even posted the promised definitive statement on the whole issue yet. I trust that when it does emerge, it will include an acknowledgement of leadership's error in appointing LM as an advisor. I appreciate that the whole thing got out of hand because most of leadership don't take much interest in the noot's forum. It's understandable how it happened, but the mistake should still be acknowledged and bitterness at being duped should not distract from the focus of making this forum a better place. Seeking out a new advisor with a genuine neuro-science background would be a great start. If the nootropics advocates are encouraged to keep posting and we can generate some commentary on their opinions from a knowledgable scientific perspective then we'll really have a forum that can help people make informed decisions. Those who are concerned about misinforamtion being peddled elsewhere can then simply invite people over to ImmInst for the most balanced and informed discussions on the internet.
Good health to all,
Ergosum