# John Titor: Brilliant Fraud Or An Ordinary Soldier From 2036? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 5, 2003, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066 "2003-12-05T01:59:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![jimmmy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/73ab20/32.png) [@jimmmy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimmmy)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/41 "2003-12-05T15:53:57Z")
While I appreciate the techno-talk is the heart of **proving** Titor is a fraud, for me the most ridiculous part is his time line. It really is completely unbelievable. ## Here is what he says happens: --------------QUOTE----------------------------------------- [There is a Civil War in America starting in 2005]. That conflict flares up and down for 10 years. In 2015, Russia launches a nuclear strike against the major cities in the United States (which is the “other side” of the civil war from my perspective), China and Europe. The United States counter attacks. The US cities are destroyed along with the AFE (American Federal Empire)…thus we (in the country) won. The European Union and China were also destroyed. Also Australia rebuffs a Chinese military assault and Canada is in turmoil and Africa is “not a nice place to be”. From that starting point, his World has developed Time Travel, Hydrogen fueled cars, viruses that attack cancer cells and “have made big strides cleaning up” the radiation and disease caused by the War within 21 years. If you beleive that is possible lets start the full on Nuclear Exchange NOW because I want to be there! I think 21 years after that scenario the American Survivors would still be living in refugee camps growing mutated feed corn we in 2003 use to feed hogs with and hoping the food aid from Argentina would continue to roll in – I am almost certain they would not bending the fabric of space time and be bopping around timelines. I am positive Russia would not be our “largest trading partner" 🙂 and that we would have “decentralized” banking and healthcare. ---
**Author:** ![wolf\_meister](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf_meister/32/15202_2.png) [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/42 "2003-12-05T16:40:16Z")
The guy is living with his parents in **this** timeline? (or worldline to use his vernacular). So, how _would_ he go about travelling back a few decades, going to his parents’ house and telling them he is the child they _will_ have OR that kid in the crib all grown up? No doubt they would take him right in so they can protect their precious child of the future. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/43 "2003-12-05T16:55:29Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by CheekyMonkey613 \* > \*\*All of you make valid points; most of which are WAY over my head (especially the physics and computer lingo). Give a poor interior decorator a break over here! 😉 \*\* You don’t need to know the science … you just need to develop a sense of healthy skepticism. ---
**Author:** ![SnoopyFan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d07c76/32.png) [@SnoopyFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnoopyFan)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/44 "2003-12-05T17:01:19Z")
F-r-a-u-d. Whoever wrote this must be laughing his ass off at the number of people who believe him. ---
**Author:** ![ekow2kn3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ecc23a/32.png) [@ekow2kn3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekow2kn3)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/45 "2003-12-05T17:07:59Z")
Everyone, I have an important announcement to make, John Titor is a fraud! How do I know? Because I am really from the future. You see, John Titor was my lab assisstant who i neglected over the years. Infuriated for being shadowed by my work, John stole one of my time machines and travelled back in time to kill me before it was too late. I was able to stop him, and we have been going back in time trying to kill each other ever since. The IBM computer he was looking for is to make a translucent vulcanized micro laser which he plans to defibrillate Mars with. Upon catching the solar rays, the internal combustion algorithm will practically develop an epithelial lining strong enough to corroborate the interstellar neutrons that are hidden within the aurora borealis. In short, he is trying to annihilate the planet! Please, to stop him there is only one way… Send a check for $100 to… 😛 ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/46 "2003-12-05T17:27:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ekow2kn3 \* > \*\*Everyone, I have an important announcement to make, John Titor is a fraud! How do I know? Because I am really from the future. You see, John Titor was my lab assisstant who i neglected over the years. Infuriated for being shadowed by my work, John stole one of my time machines and travelled back in time to kill me before it was too late. I was able to stop him, and we have been going back in time trying to kill each other ever since. The IBM computer he was looking for is to make a translucent vulcanized micro laser which he plans to defibrillate Mars with. Upon catching the solar rays, the internal combustion algorithm will practically develop an epithelial lining strong enough to corroborate the interstellar neutrons that are hidden within the aurora borealis. In short, he is trying to annihilate the planet! Please, to stop him there is only one way… Send a check for $100 to… 😛 \*\* Now _this_ story I believe… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/47 "2003-12-05T17:55:57Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by CheekyMonkey613 \* > \*\*…All of you make valid points; most of which are WAY over my head (especially the physics and computer lingo). Give a poor interior decorator a break over here! ;)… > \*\* I apologize about the computer lingo. God knows I know nothing about interior decorating (If you could see my home…). There’s no easy way to provide a cite or to explain the problems with what he’s saying to someone who has little or no understanding of computers. FWIW, I have a bachelors in computer science and I’ve worked in the field since the late '70s. I know that this is the General Questions forum and I know that saying “take my word for it” isn’t really acceptable here (and may even get me pitted) but - take my word for it, to anyone with enough experience in the field the stuff about using the 5100 to translate between languages is nonsense. ---
**Author:** ![tramp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4491bb/32.png) [@tramp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tramp)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/48 "2003-12-05T17:59:53Z")
Here comes the science… ---
**Author:** ![panamajack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/47e85d/32.png) [@panamajack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panamajack)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/49 "2003-12-05T18:13:27Z")
**CheekyMonkey613** , you might be interested in the short story “The Toynbee Convector” by Ray Bradbury (found in the book of the same name). It’s a story of time travel, and may provide some insight into this person’s motivation (it seems likely that JT has read it). ---
**Author:** ![Duke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e8c25b/32.png) [@Duke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/50 "2003-12-05T18:17:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by jimmmy \* > **Here is what he says happens: > --------------QUOTE----------------------------------------- > [There is a Civil War in America starting in 2005]. That conflict flares up and down for 10 years. In 2015, Russia launches a nuclear strike against the major cities in the United States (which is the “other side” of the civil war from my perspective), China and Europe. The United States counter attacks. The US cities are destroyed along with the AFE (American Federal Empire)…thus we (in the country) won. The European Union and China were also destroyed.** Hmmm…give or take a few details, this sounds _just like_ a main plot line from _Terminator 2_. You’ll recall that in the movie SkyNet attacked Russia so they would launch a counterstrike against the US. Ah-nold says that the ensuing conflict killed…wait for it…three billion people. John Titor knows his Terminator flicks! ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/51 "2003-12-05T19:09:39Z")
Another minor pick at a loose thread in the fabric of this story. Check the revision dates on the manual. > [@](#): > > July 30 2034 How many technical manuals get updated on a Sunday? ---
**Author:** ![ekow2kn3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ecc23a/32.png) [@ekow2kn3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekow2kn3)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/52 "2003-12-05T19:15:31Z")
like the Sum of all Fears …whats with the russians anyway? ---
**Author:** ![Tradnor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cab0a1/32.png) [@Tradnor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tradnor)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/53 "2003-12-05T20:28:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by r\_k \* > \*\*How many technical manuals get updated on a Sunday? \*\* Remember that in the future, the Sabbath has been restored to its rightful day of Saturday. ---
**Author:** ![raygirvan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@raygirvan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raygirvan)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/54 "2003-12-05T20:30:43Z")
_How many technical manuals get updated on a Sunday?_ I’m sorry to say that JT has you on this one. :rolleyes: According to the John’s World section at [johntitor.com](http://www.johntitor.com/), in his time Saturday has become the day of worship… ---
**Author:** ![A\_Curious\_Writer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed8c4c/32.png) [@A\_Curious\_Writer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Curious_Writer)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/55 "2003-12-05T22:52:43Z")
Care for a lookinside the mind of John Titor, to see who he really might be? Check out this short fanfic I wrote a few years back about a certain little boy and his tiger and his tiger and what 8they\* pull on the Internet world… [http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=2944](http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=2944) You _won’t_ be disappointed ---
**Author:** ![Morbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morbo/32/389_2.png) [@Morbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morbo)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/56 "2003-12-05T23:38:55Z")
ATTENTION EVERYONE!! My name is John Smallberries, and I am from the FUTURE!! I have been sent back in time from the year 2899 to obtain a 1974 [AMC Matador](http://www.1motormart.com/gallery/74amc01.jpg). Regrettably I cannot divulge the reasons for my quest at the risk of Global Security, but for the future of us all it must contain these vital elements: [ul] [li] A/C[/li][li] Cruise Control[/li][li] Whitewalls[/li][li] Vinyl Top[/li][li] 8-Track[/li][li] Low mileage a plus[/li][/ul] Woe be unto us all shall I fail in my mission!! Operation Matador cannot fail; nay, WILL NOT FAIL!!! ---
**Author:** ![Seven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Seven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seven)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/57 "2003-12-06T01:06:52Z")
John Smallberries, I am John Bigbooty. You are not allowed to speak of such things in public. Please report back to the Eighth Dimension for your verbal lashing and then later, tea and cake. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/58 "2003-12-06T07:58:12Z")
Wow, we must have run out of toner or something, because those tech manuals from 2036 look just like those old typewritten manuals from the 1950’s. ---
**Author:** ![emekthian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ecae2f/32.png) [@emekthian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emekthian)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/59 "2004-01-17T03:59:31Z")
I am Charles O’Conner, from 2033. I have been sent back in time to tell America’s supermodals that in order to save the future, they must all impregnate emekthian. The science of this era isn’t sufficently advanced to explain why all the top supermodals must impregnate him, but I stress that this is very necessary to save the future. For the sake of humanity’s future, start impregnating! ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066/60 "2004-01-17T07:07:37Z")
> [@emekthian](#): > > I am Charles O’Conner, from 2033. I have been sent back in time to tell America’s supermodals that in order to save the future, they must all impregnate emekthian. The science of this era isn’t sufficently advanced to explain why all the top supermodals must impregnate him, but I stress that this is very necessary to save the future. For the sake of humanity’s future, start impregnating! Not only isn’t it advanced enough to explain why, it’s also not advanced enough to explain how! Either that, or **emekthian** ’s understanding of the birds and bees isn’t advanced enough to understand what impregnate means and which of the sexes does the impregnating. 😃 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-titor-brilliant-fraud-or-an-ordinary-soldier-from-2036/217066.md?page=4)