If you view a targeted con as one extreme of a continuum of interpersonal behaviors designed to "influence" the target (the conner) in some way for the "benefit" of the connee, and establishing oneself as vulnerable in some way is a way to establish trust, then there are probably a variety of situations where such vulnerability could be effective in achieving a desired outcome. The con may just be someone who "consciously" and systematically exploits this mechanism for material, physical, emotional or social gain. We may all use the mechanism in certain situations, even unconsciously, so it doesn't have to be nefarious. But being conscious, mindful, that vulnerability is in play in a situation might enable us to mitigate it's more "automatic" effects. Of course, if you're dealing with a predator, which is how we usually describe a hard core con, being vulnerable to the predator only insures your loss or demise. So we have to recognize when we're dealing with a smart predator / con, who can lull us into unwise actions by appearing vulnerable and engaging our trust. That's where that gut level feeling comes in of "uh oh", this doesn't sound, seem, smell right, or the con detector. I assume we can differ in ability to detect cons, just as cons can differ in their level of sophistication.
Slashdot Mirror
If you view a targeted con as one extreme of a continuum of interpersonal behaviors designed to "influence" the target (the conner) in some way for the "benefit" of the connee, and establishing oneself as vulnerable in some way is a way to establish trust, then there are probably a variety of situations where such vulnerability could be effective in achieving a desired outcome. The con may just be someone who "consciously" and systematically exploits this mechanism for material, physical, emotional or social gain. We may all use the mechanism in certain situations, even unconsciously, so it doesn't have to be nefarious. But being conscious, mindful, that vulnerability is in play in a situation might enable us to mitigate it's more "automatic" effects. Of course, if you're dealing with a predator, which is how we usually describe a hard core con, being vulnerable to the predator only insures your loss or demise. So we have to recognize when we're dealing with a smart predator / con, who can lull us into unwise actions by appearing vulnerable and engaging our trust. That's where that gut level feeling comes in of "uh oh", this doesn't sound, seem, smell right, or the con detector. I assume we can differ in ability to detect cons, just as cons can differ in their level of sophistication.