I am loathe to admit I was a fan (though not really a boy about it) in the early days of Tesla and SpaceX. I don't even necessarily think I was wrong at the time, mind you — whether or not he deserved the credit for their achievements, his companies were pushing electric cars and rocketry in the right direction IMO — it's just sad to see that once the curtain was pulled back, there was nothing but a narcissistic and delusional huckster behind it all.

[–] Ducks@ducks.dev 14 points 1 year ago (3 children)

I would say that a lot of people (myself included) fall into this boat. We were fooled a decade+ ago, but the truth is clear now

[–] KluEvo@wirebase.org 7 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I didnt fan over him, but I definitely respected some of "his" earlier ventures, especially SpaceX. Now I just laugh when I hear his name

[–] Ducks@ducks.dev 8 points 1 year ago

I have the same sentiment, it wasn't necessarily the man I was a fan of, but I was happy to see someone using their wealth to build companies that can push humanity forward. Tesla turned out to be a dud in my opinion and SpaceX prospers seemingly despite Musk.

[–] LukeMedia@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

Yeah I certified used to admire the progress his companies made, and admired him by relation. Wasn't a fanboy though. Sad to see what the real picture was.

[–] joelthelion@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

He could also have changed in the meantime.

[–] Ducks@ducks.dev 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Based on what I've read about his time at PayPal, he's always been like this. Probably worse now, but never who I thought he was.

[–] LeZero@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Hey, I'm not really blaming them (although his blue check dogs are something else), people are not immune to propaganda and advertising, and billionaires have PR agents for a reason

[–] Kyle@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 year ago

Well said. I'm sad to say I was in the same boat. I'm amazed he not only has people that like him, but superfans as well. Yikes!