Unfortunately, the SEC and other legal issues 'force' small companies to be secretive.
There has to be a better way from a 'protect the Investor' point of view. I would like to see a 'third party verification' system which had the support of the NASD, FINRA and SEC. Sort of like a Super IBOX that investors could refer to for 'verified' legal, accounting, and marketing information released from small companies.
This would stop much of the marketing from the cons using nothing but rumor, gossip and innuendo to sell shares. These message boards are their 'free' vehicle of choice for the spreading of false info and hype.
I would be willing to pay extra (subscription) to IHUB or any such service for 'trustworthy' info.
JMHO