I agree with both of you. Unfortunately many of the people I meet with are unwilling to take any risk what-so-ever, many of these are employees who though they're frustrated with their job will gladly stay employed because there is less risk.

My view on avoiding to risk your reputation is this, you need to gather more product info including any scam review before you share it with your friends. In the case with WA, you can stay safe from scams just by posting your question or doubt within the community.

Hi Angeline, welcome to WA, firstly. Yes, there are risks in every field you enter. Whether you're a simple employee or in business. The more you invest your money on business, the greater the risk. The more you're employed in a company, the greater the risk of you being involved in an ugly relationship with the staff or customers, then you get sacked or your resign. The beauty in investing in business is once you're in good hands, you'll thrown all the needed tools to succeed, and then all other factors are up to you - determination, perseverance, resilience, being goal-oriented, being ethical, etc. all these will be coming from you. Then money will flow back to you.