I think that no matter where you are, you have to use discretion and realize that some people lie. Or spread gossip without looking into it, or knowing/researching its validity. We are each responsible to check for ourselves the validity of something.
Plus what do we expect when many of us here at JWD came from the organization that runs on gossip? I mean, that's no excuse, but some may not deliberately misinform us. It's just what they know, from how they were raised/taught.
Others do deliberately misinform. They will get theirs when Armageddon comes.
Haha, just kidding. Saw that on Moomin's thread about the YouTube thing and what supposed JW's responded, and I couldn't help myself.
But seriously, some just lie. They are not very good people. We have to watch out for ourselves and not be so naive. This is coming from one who has been the queen of naive. I think of it as wanting to trust and see the good in people. But in this world, you can't always do that.
P.S. Like Undercover brought out (regarding his location) some of us misinform as a means to protect ourselves/our identity. But I don't think that's what min meant. I mean, he's not really a red m'n'm, right? At least I don't think he is...