It never succeeded to able to fail :) . Last I remember was an artice a few years ago describing how this scheme worked - basically it was a pyramid (incoming dictionary warriors in 3...2...1...), when earlier believers were inviting new people in the sect, to operate these orbs for pittance, and a fraction of funds from newcomers was given to early members. Where the money came in the first place I don't remember, but I won't be surprised if it was from a VC injections.