MovieChat Forums > Shattered Glass (2003) Discussion > How did the others not see that what he ...

How did the others not see that what he was saying was BS?

posted 11 years ago by Evolution-X
11 replies | jump to latest

When he was pitching his "Hack Heaven" story, how did the other reporters not see that it was all crap coming out of his mouth. I have actually read it and there is no way that someone could think that it was believable in any way.

The idea of a big company hiring a criminal is absurd. Same with a hacker being rewarded a monster truck. Was Stephen just that charismatic that the other reporters believed anything he said? It was just too damn absurd in my opinion.

All I need is one mic...

[–] para_owl 11 years ago

Companies do hire hackers, they just call them consultants or "blue hats", but I do agree that it wouldn't be done this way because the company would just have him arrested for extortion. Although, this wasn't as common in the late 90's as far as I recall.

--Will.

[–] 11 years ago

[deleted]

[–] StevenSmithNYC 9 years ago

In actual journalism professionals have an expectation that others around them are telling the truth. And over the years they all hear about these underground situations going on that none of them have a connection with.

[–] Balboasaurus 9 years ago

They mention in the commentary that Glass was very charismatic and convincing. Nevertheless, I wondered how the editor and and higher ups at the magazine woudl let their judgement slip so much. Hackers have conventions?

It was, and is, a well respected publication, so I think dishonest reporting was unfathomable.

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If you can read this, you don't need glasses.

[–] ncdwbmk6 9 years ago

At the time, few people knew anything about computers or the internet. Chuck didn't even know that it was easy to create a fake web site.

Why couldn't there be a Hackers' convention? There are conventions for all sorts of fringe groups.

And the articles were probably boosting the magazine's circulation.

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You got your mind right, Luke?

[–] Balboasaurus 9 years ago

You're right, cinventions are quite common, but he made it sound very popular and exciting. The editors let their own fascination with the material, along with Glass charisma, cloud and impede their judgement for good journalism. Also, the fact that it was an editorial/opinion meant that probably didn't feel compelled to really check their facts, and sources He must have been a good writer.

Conspiracy was popular at the time because of Hillary's comments about the Right trying to destroy Clinton's career. That gave validity to his young conservatives story.

[–] ksf-2 8 years ago

evolution wrote:

>>The idea of a big company hiring a criminal is absurd.

the FBI hired Abagnale as a fraud consultant after he was released from jail, as shown in "Catch me if you Can" -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Abagnale

[–] I_Created_U 7 years ago

Amen.

People who don't like their beliefs being laughed at shouldn't have such funny beliefs

[–] philoj 8 years ago

The idea of a big company hiring a criminal is absurd.

No, it's not: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Abagnale

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Philo's Law: To learn from your mistakes, you have to realize you're making mistakes.

[–] ksf-2 8 years ago

copy cat.

[–] I_Created_U 7 years ago

LOL this dude. He probably worked at the New Republic in the 90's.

People who don't like their beliefs being laughed at shouldn't have such funny beliefs