Gene Steinberg's Financial Shenanigans @ Paracast forums

[Double Nought Spy]

Many years ago, a friend of mine (I'll call her Dee) told me about a co-worker of hers who was always running out of money before payday. Dee helped her out a few times, but soon noticed that none of the "loans" ever got repaid. One day the friend hit her up, and Dee said "I'm sorry but I just have enough to make it to payday myself. I don't have any extra." Without batting an eye, the woman said, "Oh, that's okay, I'll get it from E----. She's stupid. She'll give it to me." Needless to say, this marked the end of Dee having anything to do with her "friend".

 

[Black Angus]

P.S., Sorry, I already wrote too much but - on the pathological angle - that is why I thought Gene's "threat" to go into a nursing home might be a good idea. If he could get into a good facility (not sure it's possible) he might actually get some treatment that could make his life easier. In this thread people have stated he suffers from OCD and the begging certainly appears compulsive; it could explain some of the reckless spending as well.

If nothing else hopefully he would be in a situation where he could not keep digging an even deeper hole for himself.

It could be it is past time for whatever family he has to step up (again?) and try to stabilize his and Barbara's lifestyle. But of course this is just how it appears to me from reading a whole lot of stuff online. The actual situation may be another story.

I encouraged him to go into aged care myself. But again don't know about the setup in the US. Medicare only pays for 100 days, But i think he would qualify for the medicaid program.

Ive looked into this matter over the last few days, and i am shocked at what i have learned.

I became suspicious when i was given a list of paid subscribers as proof you could "make a living" from the business (even though he isn't by his own claims) Most of them never posted on the forum. Not one single post.

No one does that, I think he creates his own sockpuppet accounts to inflate the books.

My guess is its nothing more than a way to create the impression that lots are using the service, therefore it must have some value, and is worth paying for.

Its not, There is nothing of any real value behind the subscription wall, Advert free and some extra chat.

If he is contemplating taking my advice and going into a nursing home, then i think hes making the right decision.

Its time to retire Gene, You got to know when to hold em and know when to fold em.

You know its time. From what ive read this week any thing of positive value you created in this genre is getting destroyed by this behavior.

Salvage what little reputation you have left and let that be your legacy.

It comes down to what you want to be remembered for.

 

[humanoidlord]

you sound very confused are you okay do you need some water?

nah, just me being me

 

[goblin]

I encouraged him to go into aged care myself. But again don't know about the setup in the US. Medicare only pays for 100 days, But i think he would qualify for the medicaid program.

Ive looked into this matter over the last few days, and i am shocked at what i have learned.

I became suspicious when i was given a list of paid subscribers as proof you could "make a living" from the business (even though he isn't by his own claims) Most of them never posted on the forum. Not one single post.

No one does that, I think he creates his own sockpuppet accounts to inflate the books.

My guess is its nothing more than a way to create the impression that lots are using the service, therefore it must have some value, and is worth paying for.

Its not, There is nothing of any real value behind the subscription wall, Advert free and some extra chat.

If he is contemplating taking my advice and going into a nursing home, then i think hes making the right decision.

His latest email heaps scorn on "an acquaintance" for "suggesting [he] might as well give it all up, take Barbara to a nursing home and be done with it". I wonder if that is in reference to what you told him.

The whole letter is one of his "poor, poor me, oh the haters!" masterpieces. He continues to cry about people trying to keep him from working and earning a living when all I have seen is people telling him to stop lying and live within his means. There just isn't a large population out there that can afford their own costs while also subsidizing Gene and his expectations (nice apartment, quality leased car, streaming services... dental work...). And yet he tried to tell you one could make a living from the Paracast alone. So why is he driving for Uber and Lyft and asking for handouts non-stop? Nothing about Gene makes any sense.

Gene seems so reflexively deceptive that while I have absolutely no problem believing your anecdote about his inflating the number of paid subscribers, that story is still stunning to really contemplate. To a large extent you seem to have been trying to do him a favor, and yet he still had to try to con you. How did he imagine that would play out? I suppose the majority of the paid subscribers would just mysteriously fail to renew after their year was up? This is the kind of thing that keeps me from truly feeling sorry for him any longer - falsely representing your business in hopes of inflating the value is criminal behavior. And he pays taxes on all that revenue too, right? Sure.

Gene really does seem to think he is still just fighting a flamewar on Usenet. People didn't like Attack of the Rockoids and how he promoted it back in the day; now people don't like his hyperbolic requests for handouts every few days. Just a bunch of haters. You have to go after them like the bullies they are, he'll tell you, which in his case seems to mean playing the victim and wildly misrepresenting what others are actually doing and saying.

And yet he still manages to get interesting guests for the Paracast at least, and damned if he doesn't put out a show every week. I haven't listened to an episode since Biedny left but, I'm in the minority that just doesn't care for Chris O'Brien. Different strokes. Gene had a show people liked and a thriving online forum in the age of Facebook (which killed plenty of other communities). He knew how to write books and get them published and surely would've been able to craft a book or two from all the Paracast activity (I certainly see other podcast hosts doing this). He could've really had something good but, apparently it wasn't good enough for him. We may never know why.

 

[Dewey]

I have bought and sold many businesses over the years and unless it was a publicly traded company with audited financials, I always requested that the seller produce copies of their tax returns (produced by the IRS as filed not just pieces of paper) before believing any revenue or profit claims. Most times sellers disappeared when I made this request to back up the numbers they were claiming.

I would expect Gene could not back up the numbers he quoted you but it might be interesting for you to make the request.

 

[Wade]

That's an excellent analysis goblin and very much my line of thinking. Inasmuch as I don't really "know" Black Angus I do "know" him well enough from past convos to know he is an extremely thoughtful person and really meant to offer a well meaning proposal to this on-going merry-go-round.

Now from a certain stand point I kinda "get" Gene, (I'm about to get analytical, not a redeeming quality) it's almost he's using it to pysch himself (You can't put Baby in the corner") and to spur himself on and show that he's got fuel in the tank) I do that to myself But the difference is I would keep it between me and the lord...or Buddha, and proceed from there.

What Gene seems to be doing is trying to drum up support (&$) to circle the wagons and there's nothing to circle the wagons about. I guess what I'm saying is it would/should be no body else's concern or business other than Gene and whatever party that ruffled his feathers and yet we're all parties to it, in a sense

 

[The shadow]

Today I learned someone made two outright lies in regards to the situation.
One lie is very provable. I wanted to bow out of the conversation. For my own mental health. This evening I will post in detail my findings. Due to my having to work. Something someone truly needs to do. The two things that made me decide to speak again.
"Seeking the truth no matter where it leads to
And my daughter Kate. She saw me agonizing over this matter. She took my hands and said " remember what I said at the pride rally?"
Then she spoke.
Then she said "if you don't tell them the truth then EVERYTHING you taught us is a lie."
More later. But ask yourself this. If you saw 2 provable lies what would you do?

 

[The shadow]

Still at work but would every one who has FB access please go and look at the ToS about hate speech.
And the definition of hate speech is to FB.
More later this point is important!

 

[Black Angus]

. He continues to cry about people trying to keep him from working and earning a living when all I have seen is people telling him to stop lying and live within his means. There just isn't a large population out there that can afford their own costs while also subsidizing Gene and his expectations (nice apartment, quality leased car, streaming services... dental work...). And yet he tried to tell you one could make a living from the Paracast alone. So why is he driving for Uber and Lyft and asking for handouts non-stop? Nothing about Gene makes any sense.

So here is the situation:

Gene is on Social Security (SS)
He tells me he gets the same amount of income from the podcast revenue as his SS
He drives for Uber and lyft
And he gets donations

(I'll leave out any income his wife may or may not get)

And he still is facing homelessness ....??????

Hes getting, the equivalent of two SS checks a month.(Not including his wife's income)

Plus income from driving And donations

I hope for his sake he has declared the lot to the IRS and SS.

Defrauding your listeners is one thing, but defraud Uncle Sam and watch out.

When i look at the list of begging posts at UFOtrail, It can only be a con.

Thats not someone who fallen down on their luck and needs a hand up. Thats a calculated fraud.

NRS 205.380 defines obtaining money under false pretenses as “A person who knowingly and designedly by any false pretense obtains from any other person any chose in action, money, goods, wares, chattels, effects or other valuable thing, including rent or the labor of another person not his or her employee, with the intent to cheat or defraud the other person…” In simple terms, a person cannot misrepresent himself with the intent to defraud another person.

I think that list crosses the line in terms of the law.

Now i personally wouldn't report Gene to the IRS, but i am seeing a lot of people that would in the various blogs.

Were it me i'd rather have 3 nutritious meals a day and access to a laundry at the nursing home, rather than the county lock up.......

Given his prior convictions for bad checks and defaults, i'd be worried if i was him.

 

[Black Angus]

His latest email heaps scorn on "an acquaintance" for "suggesting [he] might as well give it all up, take Barbara to a nursing home and be done with it". I wonder if that is in reference to what you told him.

Yes thats me, but hes twisted the intent somewhat.

Ive simply pointed out that at 73 the labour market has no use for his skill set.
That as his age increases , his earning potential decreases, and rent and cost of living increase.
There comes a time on everybody's spreadsheet when you cross a line and have to go into a retirement home
(Clearly he crossed that line many years ago)
That it happens to us all eventually and there is no shame in it.
That a retirement home paid for by medicaid is the natural and normal path to take
That being able to put aside the stress of trying to earn rent, combined with the exercise classes, social activitys and stability of such an arrangement would actually extend his life, not cut it short

Poverty Reduces Life Expectancy About 10 Years | HealthCentral

The give it up and be done with it, is his negative filter over what is good advice imo.

For me the glass is half full, he's not living in a third world country where he would get no assistance and either be a burden on his children or die in the gutter. He can add 10 years to his life expectancy by taking a path that leaves his self proclaimed poverty behind.

The transition to an assisted living home is inevitable, and its what he chooses to make of it.
It doesn't have to be the beginning of the end, it could be a new chapter of stress free stability if he makes it so.

The only reason i can think of not to go that makes sense, is that he is telling lies about his situation. That his calls for free money are fraudulent and thus he has no need to go to a home.

He cant have it both ways though. If his situation is as bad as he claims the medicaid funded accommodation is the logical path to take.


A total stranger nailed it, An Uber passenger a total stranger on finding out how old he was said:

"You should be sitting on the porch drinking lemonade"

She wasn't a hater, had no dog in the fight, she just saw to the heart of the matter in an instant.

 

[The shadow]

ok let us start with the relevant portion of Genes email.

Just the other day, someone who once pretended to be a friend posted hate messages on my wife’s and my son’s Facebook timelines. The offender’s account was quickly removed when complaints about hate speech were filed. But it hasn't made it easy for Barbara to recover from her recent surgery.

1st Grayson's FB page has not been touched since 2017. no messages at all have been posted to his page! LIE!
2nd two messages were Posted to Barbra's page.
to protect to posters privacy I will not post a SS or a name here is the post.
Hey Grayson, your know your dad writes about your Mom's condition in detail trying to raise money? He told us all about her prolapsed rectum. You and your mother deserve better than this. He writes multiple emails a day trying to raise money. He's been caught in so many lies it's insane. There are people who have caught on and have documented all of his scams. I know he's your dad but, dude you need to do something before he tarnishes your name more than he already has.
part 2
Seriously man, check this out: http://ufotrail.blogspot.com/.../updates-on-paracast-host...

I used to donate to him until I realized that he keeps in repeating these imminent catastrophes to raise money.
NOW lets go to FB ToS.
Nudity, hate speech, self-harm, dangerous organizations, bullying and harassment, sexual violence and exploitation, criminal activity, violence and graphic content are among the areas covered by the updated guidelines.

Facebook’s definition of hate speech, for example, covers content that directly attacks people based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, sex, gender or gender identity, or serious disabilities or diseases.
Having said this note this statement by gene. The offender’s account was quickly removed when complaints about hate speech were filed.

I will now state that the post are STILL ON Barbra's profile! the posters profile is STILL active! in other words Gene Lied!
NO removal happened! and if he DID complain FB would do little! because the comments are not "hate speech!"
there we go two lies posted by Gene.
and NO Gene I don't hate you And NO Gene I am not a turncoat. And Gene, I honestly wish you well.
SEEKING TRUTH!
My daughter taught her father a new trick. or reminded me why I do what I do. One of Sylvia Browne's handlers told me I was banned from all future shows. Because I want the truth. and today. I saw two lies I can not be silent on this.

 

[Thomas R. Morrison]

I'm sorry, but this whole thread is just so depressing. And the fact that it's so active only makes it worse. I hope that everyone gets tired of talking about Gene Steinberg soon. I wasted a year of my spare time online, chatting at his forums, and dealing with the small but persistent army of wicked and self-aggrandizing aholes over there, and I'm just really eager to talk about more interesting subjects, and forget about the countless hours that I wasted trying to make his awful forums more interesting.

 

[The shadow]

I'm sorry, but this whole thread is just so depressing. And the fact that it's so active only makes it worse. I hope that everyone gets tired of talking about Gene Steinberg soon. I wasted a year of my spare time online, chatting at his forums, and dealing with the small but persistent army of wicked and self-aggrandizing aholes over there, and I'm just really eager to talk about more interesting subjects, and forget about the countless hours that I wasted trying to make his awful forums more interesting.

I fully agree. There are far more interesting things to talk about. I wish to depart the conversation for my own mental health. Sir your post have been well written. You have my respect. Please start a topic or post elsewhere. Unless something happens I doubt I'm talking about gene again..
Bob

 

[goblin]

ok let us start with the relevant portion of Genes email.

Just the other day, someone who once pretended to be a friend posted hate messages on my wife’s and my son’s Facebook timelines. The offender’s account was quickly removed when complaints about hate speech were filed. But it hasn't made it easy for Barbara to recover from her recent surgery.

1st Grayson's FB page has not been touched since 2017. no messages at all have been posted to his page! LIE!
2nd two messages were Posted to Barbra's page.
to protect to posters privacy I will not post a SS or a name here is the post.
Hey Grayson, your know your dad writes about your Mom's condition in detail trying to raise money? He told us all about her prolapsed rectum. You and your mother deserve better than this. He writes multiple emails a day trying to raise money. He's been caught in so many lies it's insane. There are people who have caught on and have documented all of his scams. I know he's your dad but, dude you need to do something before he tarnishes your name more than he already has.
part 2
Seriously man, check this out: http://ufotrail.blogspot.com/.../updates-on-paracast-host...

I used to donate to him until I realized that he keeps in repeating these imminent catastrophes to raise money.
NOW lets go to FB ToS.
Nudity, hate speech, self-harm, dangerous organizations, bullying and harassment, sexual violence and exploitation, criminal activity, violence and graphic content are among the areas covered by the updated guidelines.

Facebook’s definition of hate speech, for example, covers content that directly attacks people based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, sex, gender or gender identity, or serious disabilities or diseases.
Having said this note this statement by gene. The offender’s account was quickly removed when complaints about hate speech were filed.

I will now state that the post are STILL ON Barbra's profile! the posters profile is STILL active! in other words Gene Lied!
NO removal happened! and if he DID complain FB would do little! because the comments are not "hate speech!"
there we go two lies posted by Gene.
and NO Gene I don't hate you And NO Gene I am not a turncoat. And Gene, I honestly wish you well.
SEEKING TRUTH!
My daughter taught her father a new trick. or reminded me why I do what I do. One of Sylvia Browne's handlers told me I was banned from all future shows. Because I want the truth. and today. I saw two lies I can not be silent on this.

Yep, Gene lied. That's what he does in those emails - lies and / or exaggerates wildly to present his situation in a light he imagines to be most persuasive for purpose of his financial appeals.

Lately he also appears to be making some kind of bargain when asking for a handout, e.g., "If you can help me financially, I will do everything I can to find an affordable place to live — and a way to stay there."

As though maybe if people don't give him money he won't try to find somewhere to live? Maybe just wander from town to town like David Banner in The Incredible Hulk?

It's sad to me how you and others here and elsewhere wish Gene well and express concerns for him but because you aren't unquestioningly defending the Steinberg program (which has been demonstrated to lead to homelessness) any longer, you become the enemy.

This is a depressing thread but when something gets under your skin and you can't believe it, sometimes you want a place to vent. I will try harder to get away from the whole thing as I don't see anything changing until Gene is somehow forced to operate differently, and that development, whatever form it takes, will probably be even more depressing to learn of (not that I like the guy but, still, he's a human being).

 

[Wade]

Sir I love your contributions, and that David Banner/Incredible Hulk analogy,

 

[3FEL9]

I'm sorry, but this whole thread is just so depressing. And the fact that it's so active only makes it worse. I hope that everyone gets tired of talking about Gene Steinberg soon. I wasted a year of my spare time online, chatting at his forums, and dealing with the small but persistent army of wicked and self-aggrandizing aholes over there, and I'm just really eager to talk about more interesting subjects, and forget about the countless hours that I wasted trying to make his awful forums more interesting.

Its time to lock this thread. 33 pages of this %#$/&!! is well enough already.

@nivek @mods @Everyone

 

[nivek]

Its time to lock this thread. 33 pages of this %#$/&!! is well enough already.

@nivek @mods @Everyone

That's not how we do things here, although many people may not wish to discuss this topic any longer, myself being one of them, there are still others who may wish to say something now or in the future and they are welcome to do so...

Those who do not want to be involved in this topic do not have to click on this thread, we are not going to impose our wishes upon others and silence this thread because a few don't want to talk about it anymore...This thread will remain open and it will fizzle out naturally just like any other active thread here...

...

 

[3FEL9]

That's not how we do things here, although many people may not wish to discuss this topic any longer, myself being one of them, there are still others who may wish to say something now or in the future and they are welcome to do so...

Those who do not want to be involved in this topic do not have to click on this thread, we are not going to impose our wishes upon others and silence this thread because a few don't want to talk about it anymore...This thread will remain open and it will fizzle out naturally just like any other active thread here...

...

Well,, Thanks I understand you better now.

 

[Dewey]

There is no need to close this thread which many people including myself find of interest. I don't read certain other threads because they are not of interest to me. Please feel free to do the same with this one. If nobody posts anything here as a result of lack of news or of lack interest the thread will die out on its own as most eventually do.

Having reached 33 pages in a relatively short period of time indicates that there is interest in this topic.

 

[The shadow]

I started this topic for one reason.
To give those a chance to voice concern over a situation. At the paracast Gene allows NO discussion.
I wanted to have a place where folks are free to say what they wish without fear of the ban hammer.
Those who have no intrest please scroll by. But I will say this. One person gave Gene advice. He is now the enemy.
But I don't want to be a target for trolls.
I feel if the topic is going to drive me crackers.
Bob