Letters to the Editor
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Why these hoaxes matter...
Much of the response to these two hoaxes has been that it doesn't matter, big deal, etc.
The problem with Frey's lies is that he was providing a way for recovery from drug and alcohol abuse when he didn't know what he was talking about. He tells people that they don't need AA or NA, because he didn't. And people with valid problems look at him as an example when he's nothing but a spoiled frat boy with a penchant for PBR and a liar.
The LeRoy thing, I think, is equally insidious. I find it much more interesting than the Frey situation, for several reasons. Like the Frey hoax, it brings up our obsession with overcoming adversity and triumphing against the odds. It also makes an interesting commentary on what it takes to get published these days and how much an authors backstory or identity really matters. LeRoy's books were marketed specifically as fiction, but "his" backstory propelled it, made it interesting to people.
For those saying "what's the harm?"... I think there is, in this case. LeRoy made a ton of effort to put that story out there and to interact with fans, and in that s/he provided a role model to people who actually are dealing with AIDS, sexual abuse and poverty. "He" cultivated friendships with authors so that he could get ahead and hurt people in the process. Susie Bright made an interesting post on this subject, that you can read here: http://susiebright.blogs.com/susie_brights_journal_/2006/01/my_name_is_susi.html