A Hard Nut to Crack: Why AIDS Denialism Won't Die Easy

False beliefs persist, even after instant online corrections
By Jeff Grabmeier

AIDS Denier David Crowe

It seems like a great idea: Provide instant corrections to web-surfers when they run across obviously false information on the Internet.  But a new study suggests that this type of tool may not be a panacea for dispelling inaccurate beliefs, particularly among people who already want to believe the falsehood.

“Real-time corrections do have some positive effect, but it is mostly with people who were predisposed to reject the false claim anyway,” said R. Kelly Garrett, lead author of the study and assistant professor of communication at Ohio State University.

The Price of Investing in AIDS Denial Scams

Scam suspect claims he's paying back $200,000

By John Tedesco

San Antonio Express News

Accused of bilking nearly $200,000 from a partly paralyzed doctor, Douglas McClain Sr. said Friday he was no scam artist and intends to pay back Dr. Charles Arnold.

McClain, 61, said he's already paid back $15,800 — which was news to Arnold.

“That would be nice,” said Arnold, a 73-year-old neuropsychiatrist who was paralyzed in a motorcycle wreck several years ago. “But it isn't true.”

The criminal case is the latest legal headache for McClain, who owns a 3,600-square-foot home in Fair Oaks Ranch appraised by the county at nearly $410,000.