Comment by dbmikus
2 days ago
VC industry likes to mention that there are bad actors without actually mentioning the bad actors. It's a faux pas to actually name and shame. The industry happens to be small enough and super relationship-driven so, for better or worse, observing the faux pas matters.
I cannot think of a selfish upside to broadcasting who the alleged bad actors are.
But I can think of selfish downside to doing so. Retaliation and discrediting, by someone you already know is underhanded. Also, you don't want to be known as someone who might violate a confidence, or air industry dirty laundry. Also, when someone Web searches your name, you don't want some scandal headline to come up.
I can also think of selfish reason to say that there are bad actors, without naming them: "Of course, we're good ones, just warning you, because we're looking out for you."