Manufacturers pushing their products and agenda in the forums.

     My take is that this entire thread is a bit ridiculous and has been going on far longer than the topic merits.  I believe the OP, viridian, likely intention was just to stir the pot since I doubt anyone would have such delicate sensibilities, and such a lack of confidence in their own abilities to discern between shilling and informing, that they'd plead for some sort of censorship and protection.

     What are you so worried about, viridian? What's the worst thing that could happen?  My suggestion is you either get a backbone or rent one, call your mommy, get some counseling or buy a pacifier.


Love,
Tim
XOX

It’s a brave new world. 

I agree generally with the OP, but feel that any banning would need to be done on a case by case basis. At this point, I know of just one poster/retailer here who blatantly hawks the products he sells on various threads, and trashes those he doesn’t sell; all of it under the guise of providing useful, albeit unsolicited information. Then, he gets into arguments with other members when he is called out for it and criticized publicly.

viridian,

     I'm just interested about what motivated you to start a thread, which in my opinion is much ado about nothing, in the first place.  Why exactly do you think this is a big issue and why do you have such difficulty discerning between legitimate and shilling posts?  
     I'm not itching for a fight, I consider myself a well adjusted and reasonable individual with a distinct lack of psychological issues and peculiarities. However, I do admit I am the curious and analytical sort, which explains my interest in your reasons for posting on this subject.
     " Please feel free to abstain and let those interested continue."  Actually, my interest in your post is waning precipitously and I've contemplated abstention but I also enjoy slow-motion car wrecks, like this thread, in which no one is seriously injured.
      I don't believe I've stooped to personal attacks upon you or belittled you, at least not in any manner that would cause any durable harm, so I therefore don't think an apology is merited.
      I agree that we all have our viewpoints and that is what makes these forums both interesting and challenging. I suggest this thread should proceed and develop unfettered by any unwarranted moderation and with my sincere commitment to continuous consideration of abstention.

Tim