John, it IS an interesting question, about using a story, whether the story is true or not. My gut reaction to "Does it matter?" is that it's okay if the story means something to the teller. AND if they acknowledge it may be apocryphal, and don't claim it as their own, if it isn't.

I remember distinctly seeing through two "stories" I was told that were intended to make an impact o nme. I felt the teller was "using" the story to manipulate me. It might have had a different impact if it actually impacted the teller. Weird dynamic.

Thanks for raising it up.

See Alan, we need you to provoke our thinking!