[BobC]

Originally Posted by steve B

Them owning both a manufacturer and a sales venue is just asking for bad stuff to be done.

I'd say we need a modern day Emile Autuori*, but even then.... remember the guy who was supposed to hand distribute the McDonalds Monoply prizes?

*Im really hoping someone gets that obscure reference, but doubting that even someone in vegas would take that bet.

Your initial statement is exactly right Steve. Am not, and never was, saying that if such an acquisition of a TPG by Fanatics did occur that there would definitely ever be anything nefarious or unethical occurring as a result. But it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that with no rules, regulations, oversight and such on TPGs that the means, motivation, and ability for such negative things to occur most definitely would exist. And when you're in a profession where your sole task is to act in an independent, unbiased manner, giving out opinions that have definite financial implications for others, you should never be in a situation where conflicts-of-interest, bias and such exist, in both fact AND appearance.

Despite what some may think, discussing such issues in light of the Fanatics acquisition of PWCC is absolutely relevant, as it is most definitely a very real and possible extension of actions that can come, based on what Fanatics has done so far. This thread is about what people think and how they may react to this most recent acquisition. So why is it that discussing where this may lead next, and the possible negative aspects of such projected actions, is somehow not relevant and acceptable to some to be discussed in this thread?

And for those themselves complaining (not you Steve), and putting down others and basically telling them to be quiet for daring to continuously expose and discuss actual and potentially negative things others are doing in the hobby, maybe at least one of the reasons you perceive that nothing ever seems to change as a result is because you, and others like you, keep telling everyone else to shut up and quit their complaining and discussions of such actual and/or potential negative activities. If they're not part of the fight/solution, did it ever occur to those trying to quiet others simply because they don't want to hear the negative stuff anymore, they may actually be part of the continuing problem, and one of the main reasons nothing ever does change as a result?

Once again - “All that is necessary for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing; and most good men nowadays can be relied upon to do precisely that. Where a reputation for intolerance is more feared than a reputation for vice itself, all manner of evil may be expected to flourish.”