[pvn]

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Most businesses will decline to do business with people that ignore reputable judgements.

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This is one of the most ridiculous assertions I have ever seen. I'm quite sure that at least 100 times I've done business with people who thought I was either a mafioso or a serial killer and there was never even a hint that this affected (negatively) their willingness to do business with me. If anything it made them more motivated to satisfy my wishes.

I really think you are completely clueless about human nature.

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Ostracism has a proven track record.

Yes, you will probably be able to buy a pack of gum (if you can get to the store). You will have a very hard time, however, doing things like getting a loan, selling your labor, buying land.

As for your particular anecdote, "thinking" you are a mafioso or serial killer is a lot different than knowing it. Selling a pack of gum to a serial killer is a lot different than hiring one.

On a seperate, unrelated note, the mafia is less criminal than the government. The mafia actually gives people stuff they want, while the government kills a lot more people than the mafia ever dreamed of.