I have tried to follow the Chip discussion but I don't get on as much so I undoubtedly miss some things.
I was curious if there is anyway a person can verify or validate what someone posts here on freely on the Internet. I am not asking can anyone verify Chip's depression claims but I am amazed at how some people believe most or everything they read on the Internet. Even if I personally know someone very well and not just online but in person, I don't know everything going on - even a close relative. A person may be using tragic events in order to gain in some way, whether be financially or to sway opinions one way or another.
I have never purchased or sold to Chip and do hope if he is ill in way or under hardship, he receives, accepts, and benefits from any assistance he can find. To me, the mistrust of the GoFundMe effort and the benefit thread here were very offensive regardless of whether an illness exists. Was the GoFundMe the implement of a scammer or a diagnosed, mentally-ill person, or maybe he is both.
I don't know the answer. I am doubtful any us, including members here who are close to him can honestly answer. I do think a scammer would tell others of their intent to defraud. For me the illness (if it does exist) is not being punished, but rather the offenses which have been verified to have occurred are the issues to be considered.
As many here have said, they have either suffered from or cared for someone with major depression. I myself have been affected by both and my experience is you can be truly cured of the depression but can learn to deal with it more effectively and not let it besiege your life and/or others close to you.
Again, I wish Chip and his loved ones all the best regardless but if he is severely ill, the utmost priority should be to take every measure possible to focus solely on healing.