RE:RE:Russian TroolsDestinator, we are on the same page - so I am mainly teasing you - but don't Russian Trolls have Freedom Of Speech (I say no, but I'm wondering what you feel?)....
I do share your general thoughts on Democratic Rights etc ....
The reports of Russian manipulations and how many areas of society, business, culture that they try to create rifts in to slow down competing Nations is a MASSIVE revalation.
I think it is great that this information is coming out and the scope of it.
My biggest issue with the Freedom of Speech arguement is the lack of accountability. When those principals were created (similar to the right to bear arms - and NO I am not trying to create that debate here) the complications of technological progress were unimaginable. So, now someone can say something with anonymity whereas more often in past, if you had the freedom to speak and say something, there would be more transparency and responsibility.
IMHO a person that can lie and manipulate without repercussion is not really what the principal of Freedom of Speech means to me. And I think the EFFECT of trolls and bashers IS UNDERESTIMATED - otherwise I don't think nations would spend Millions of dollars and make efforts to manipulate elections and cultural beliefs, etc. With respect to FCU in the macro sense, I am not sure the degree of effect, with respect to an individual investor - YES - I think some people have been encouraged or discouraged about their investment because of certain discussions here and in other forums, and that very well could have resulted in buying or selling shares. Are they inevitably the controller/responsible person for their decision, sure. If they made a choice influenced by an unethical poster with an agenda - well, that is a negative, and I'd prefer platforms like this cull those with an obvious agenda - of which there are obviously very many. This is not a city council meeting place where you can stand up and be heard/recorded and where people could check into your reputation, background, experience, education, integrity.
So, on a forum platform (and this is important) where investors (which is why I think there should be separate pages for "shorters", "traders", and "long-term" investors) then I think the moderator/owner/creator SHOULD be able to ban/allow whomever they want. And if that is me, that is fine - I shall find somewhere else to discuss. It is their platform. BUT, a smart business person would eliminate those that destroy credibility of the overall site and those that cause strife/problems.
I go here and other spots to read tidbits of useful info - not to watch some jerk with an agenda or psychological issues (feels Dev personally peed in his cornflakes) muddy the waters and spread disinformation.
All that being said, you are a fellow long and we are on the same page - so please don't feel I am ragging on you! I just hate the thought that some dude that wants to confuse me and others or make money at our expense has the same "rights and freedoms" to pursue that agenda without repurcussion. I hope we all gain some fabulous wealth via INVESTING in this company.