The problem I see in this is that it only addresses how to deal with false rumors and barely addresses those which are true. If I have a foolproof system for disproving all false rumors, I still have a problem in that any true rumors will immediately be confirmed by me because I do not disprove them.
1) IF it is False THEN I will deny it.
2) I did not deny it.
C) THEREFORE, it is not False.
A No Comment policy, or similar, allows you to treat all rumors identically, or at least allow scope for addressing the most blatantly false while ignoring most (true and false) so as not to tacitly confirm those which are true.
Perhaps the policy depends on an individual's character. If there are no truths I fear, disproving all rumors will work in my favor. If I have a lot of truths to hide, disproving all false rumors but only false rumors will set me up for disaster.
1) IF it is False THEN I will deny it. 2) I did not deny it. C) THEREFORE, it is not False.
A No Comment policy, or similar, allows you to treat all rumors identically, or at least allow scope for addressing the most blatantly false while ignoring most (true and false) so as not to tacitly confirm those which are true.
Perhaps the policy depends on an individual's character. If there are no truths I fear, disproving all rumors will work in my favor. If I have a lot of truths to hide, disproving all false rumors but only false rumors will set me up for disaster.