Gloss of AuthorityPersonally, I don't understand why anyone would consult BB posts and use them as their investment strategy bible. I guess its strong influence on people demonstrates how unprepared they are to come to formulate independent investment decisions.
This forum should be used to spark debate. It may reveal arguments that others haven't considered. Used properly, posts provide a more vulgar 'truth' as opposed to a predigested form of 'published' information that is sugar coated with a gloss of authority. The beauty of this medium is that people can express any opinion be it intelligent or not. While it is unfortunate that some choose to lie and to slander others, it's up to us individuals to come to our own conclusions.
We are supposed to be adults. If we ignore them the 'bullies' will go home. I don't think that censorship or more legislation will help the situation. This medium is the worlds bathroom wall -read between the lines.
As to our faithful CEO's reaction, obviously he is pissed. I would be too. In the end his decision to ignore the bullies was the correct one. At the same time, bringing this issue to the publics attention was also the correct decision. The general public is now aware of what happens in here. They will be able to integrate the market effects of these message boards into the their overall decision making process. It is a warning to posters that they should use this information with caution and it is also a warning that if posters do not respect others, the law may step in and we may loose this powerful medium of expression to excessive censorship.
If approached with an intelligent concern of substance, the company as others have suggested, would address it appropriately as they did in the globe and mail article. Thank god Cliff didn't exacerbated the situation by fueling the fire of the bullies with a comment directed at them!!! That's exactly what those types want -attention.
The posters with extreme views on either end of the spectrum stand out like a sore thumb - Read, THINK, act (i.e. IGNORE)
Thanks