The True Cost of Leaking: A Fired @evleaks Source

At best, phone leaks are a fun and informative distraction, a peek into the future of a product and industry you enjoy and follow intently.

At worst, phone leaks cost some misguided employees their jobs, their ability to sustain themselves and their families, because of an impetuous decision that turned out to have extremely severe consequences.

In the course of reporting on the Galaxy S21 launch, I was able to provide some of the best of phone leaking, and very unfortunately, watch helplessly as a source fell victim to the worst part of this activity, too.

Normally when someone gets fired, I offer them support, a reference if they want one, and a few hundred bucks out of my own pocket - whatever I can spare at the time. But this time was different, and I'd like to do more for this particular source if I can, with the help of those of you who regularly benefit from the leak process... but rarely see the downsides.

I'm not going to name this now-former-retail-employee here, for fear of affecting his imminent job hunt, but rest assured that I'll pass on the entirety of the funds raised directly to him, to help support him at a time when he was already behind on his bills, and faces a most uncertain future.

Thanks for your time, your attention and, hopefully, your contribution.