[protomyth]

You would think that wouldn't you. Unfortunately anyone who followed the Tea Party or Occupy can tell you that the follow-up truth has a low chance of getting reported. Some of the most amazing "true" stories about both were proven false but not as widely reported. If it isn't the first tweet or video on youtube, then it doesn't really matter.

For an interesting example, follow the case of the waitress who claimed to have not been tipped and hateful message left. The initial claim was widely reported, the follow-up about it being a lie doesn't quite seem to have reached the same major outlets with the same coverage time.

"this wasn't an employee you bet your ass the local protestors will lose credibility"

I doubt they will. Its all about the noise and creditability isn't tracked very well. Too, many groups (or new names replacing the old) and not enough knowledge about the membership connections.