Beware of hidden stock promoters on message boards. Even thou paid stock promoters are required by the sec to disclose their compensation, they violate the law and fail to disclose on message boards. IHUB has recently given them the chance to disclose their status by signing up as IRP's and it revealed that many posters among us are paid promoters. But my guess is that even IHUBs move uncovered much less promoters than there really are.
Maybe with the recent scandals (like Madoff) and the new President, there is a chance for regulators to step in and enforce the rules. Losses to unsuspecting investors probably run in the billions if not trillions of dollars. Everyone that has put money into OTCBB or pinksheet stocks due to what they read on message boards or e-mails knows how quickly you can lose your money. IMO the only way for authorities to enforce violations would be by stiff penalties and holding responsible all involved parties. That includes not only the promoters but the companies/debtors that contribute monies and/or shares to the promotion, as well as the message boards and news agencies that disseminate the promotions.
Message boards these days are willingly or unwillingly aiding those law breaking promoters. But even if it is unwillingly, I content that ignorance is not an excuse under the law. Message boards should also be warned by their own lack of success, which in my opinion is a direct consequence of their failure to protect those that are critical of promotional posts and the associated companies.
Dilution knows no bottom, greed knows no top.
-Crashman
