"Why would someone trying to alter their appearance to elude capture contact a reporter and tell them exactly how they have altered it?"

Because the reporter is being played.

The media have landed. Good Morning America just did a live feed story on this. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/john-mcafee-anti-virus-pioneer-hiding-belize-police-17714993

BY JOSHUA DAVIS: John McAfee is still in hiding, but he isn’t idle. The American antivirus pioneer sent me an essay this morning in which he offers his perspective on Belize’s history and politics, and his conflicts with the government — conflicts that have now reached a head.

here's the link:
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/11/mcafee-essay/

Long ABC TV News Story:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/john-mcafee-anti-virus-pioneer-hiding-belize-police-17714993

Doesnt make sense that he would donate a complete artillery to SP police and then be in fear of his life .....something more is probable...

He makes some valid points there.

I would tend to agree that this Government and previous governments have plundered the wealth of Belize for their own means I dont think anyone can say that is not true.

He also has a point on the Police I think we all have to agree with the points of the number of deaths while in Police custody lately.

His previous interviews were a bit whacked out, but this one seems pretty much on point.

Gaz Cooper

Right Simon , maybe calling from another country..he does know a little about phones, and mentioned in that interview that the BDF just raided the house next to where he was staying..and about a birthday in the house...just a guess but sounds a little strange to give leads like that

Lol. You guys do realize that it's not very smart to write negative messages on here about the ol man, right? There's kind of a pretty high likelihood that he is reading, or will read what you have written, at some point in the near future. Whether through murky contacts, or personal motivation and innate brilliance, tracing these posts back to your doorstep would be child's play and probably a hell of a lot of fun for this fella. Cyberspace is where he has buttered his bread. The lice-infested mattress which you're picturing him on probably looks more like a naked Swedish model in the master bed of a multimillion dollar yacht. (And if you're reading this, Johnny, please send me some pictures lol.)

Comparing himself to Arthur Young? Arthur responsible for a dozen or more murders by his own hand or orders, even from behind bars. I know Arthurs family well. John, you are utilizing too many of our already strained police resources. I want the police back on the streets doing their job, not in supporting roles in your bad drama. Be a man and step up and talk to police about anything you may have seen or heard. Do something for your adopted country. Hope you plan to foot the bill to cover the $ this is costing us taxpayers.

From a good San Pedrano:

Eddie is being held.
Possibly the nicest most moral and decent person on earth .....
If John has a shred of compassion left in him, he needs to come in and help clear Eddie.

John, how is Eddie going to support this family while you play Papillion?

Yes. If only the police were back on the streets. It's chaos out there! Those diligent and brave police officers must get back to protecting us. I can't go on without them. Finally, their true value has been recognized! I miss the safety and security they so willingly provided us with. I hope that none of them get hurt in the pursuit of Mr. McAfee. How could they possibly be replaced? It would take hours or days of training and a fairly intelligent baboon!