It's easier to control the spread of an open secret in smaller communities. Like, the time I committed larceny (or maybe it should have been grand theft, I'm not sure of the monetary value) in order to keep a bunch of puppies and kitties from getting roasted. (Don't send murderbots after your siblings, kids.) Everyone knew it was me and I was definitely persona non grata around the owner for a little while because of some insurance mumbo jumbo but whatever.