Hmmmm... I'm always amused at how people are so quick to judge petty criminals to have few, if any redeeming values, and are destined to forever remain petty criminals. They were dishonest once; therefore, they will never be worthy of trust again - no matter what the earlier circumstances or the present situation.

How quick society is to look down it's collective nose at the 'naughty" ones. Yet, how many banksters were prosecuted for knowingly defrauding a good percentage of the investing population pre-2008, or the Dot.com times, or in governments or in military matters, or or or... Hell, a teenager taking a car on a joyride gets a couple of years in prison and a record and Really Big Criminal Bastards - those who ruin many lives - are never brought to justice and frequently simply move to another venue to do the same vile crap again and again?

As one who investigated persons as part of due diligence pre-contract/hiring, I can assure all that few people are totally squeaky-clean; I used to tell clients, "Hell, I wouldn't even hire me and I'm not sure I'd hire you." Hell, look at the "good" priests happily diddling little boys and girls with the tacit approval of Mother Church and the States!

Anyway, to the point of Steve Nico Williams... if Populous is a crap idea with little chance of success - argue that case on its merits. Put your money elsewhere. If the issue lacks merit and if Steve has deliberately misled people for fraudulent purposes, then let him be so judged.

In the meantime, let's evaluate Populous on its merits and gauge whether Steve is capable of delivering on this project at this time. Otherwise, well... you can figure it out.

I know people who have invested in Populous and I wish them success with their faith in that proposition - irrespective of Steve Nico.

Good Fortune to All of Us