Redbook, I would agree with you entirely that, generally, speculative threads are OK and can be fun. Such as "What albums would you like to have with you on a deserted island." No problem for me.
I disagree about "what if" threads being purely benign, or useful, when the basic premise points to a specific person or company, in this case Bryston. As Elizabeth has noted, on the Internet, these kinds of threads, unintentionally, could spread unwarranted rumours. What if Spinner had decided to ask a different question, such as, what if Bryston were to go bankrupt? If picked up as a rumour, that could have serious consequences.
Spinner says that not pursuing this topic is like putting one's head in the sand. Really? This reminds me of the fable where certain farm animals conjured up a reason to be terrified about the sky falling. The problem with "what if the sky falls" threads is that, like the rumour spread by those farm animals is that others ended up being fearful and concerned based on...well, absolutely nothing.
I don't like heavy-handed censorship on forums. Quite the contrary. But there is an obligation for those to post to be as responsible as possible in considering the potential consequences of their threads. I already have admitted that I have been guilty of not sufficiently thinking through the possible untoward directions my thread on manufacturing offshore might take.
But the decision really is up to James. I have concerns, as does Elizabeth, but if James does not share them, then that's it. And I can go take a nap.
Dave
