Tilson is slightly up over the SP500 since the fund's inception--no small feat given the exorbitant fees he charges. Personally, I don't put much credence in any record less than 10 yrs. And even that is probably not long enough for a hedge fund type vehicle that can take focused bets on more exotic instruments. But I don't see reason to blast the guy -- other than he sold me on REXI (though I was influenced more by L Cooperman who I've always respected). Yeah, he's a self promoter. And I don't really care who he gets his ideas from...they're his picks once he buys them. I've never heard of a bank not taking money made from borrowed ideas.