I’ve been duped a number of times in the past and posted articles or excerpts from them generally because they fitted in with my personal prejudices - no doubt I will be duped again in the future.

The internet contains more and more misinformation passing itself of as news and fact when, in reality, so-called news is more often little more than opinion, speculation, political or economic commentary than actually being real news.

As a less than perfect example, I have had a quick look at some of the articles that I have posted from “Bloomberg”, a number of them are not “Bloomberg” reporting per se, they are actually the personal opinion of the writer and should not be regarded as having a stamp of approval from Bloomberg.

I have not knowingly posted anything that is not factual (except when trying to be humorous) - to be found out to have posted misinformation is embarrassing, annoying and can raise a question mark on my personal integrity (even when if it is done in good faith).

I’m wondering what the correct treatment on the forum should be when misinformation does get posted.

Additionally, If posting an article which is an opinion should one annotate it with an appropriate health warning that it is an opinion which may or may not be factual.

Any thoughts or ideas folks?

I work on the basis that all postings are the thoughts, interpretations or the prejudices of the poster unless attributed to a recognised source.Does this mean I shouldn't have moved out of dollars then? Wheres my lawyer?

I think, Jimbo, as long as a link is posted to the original article then it is up to the reader to beware .
If something is interesting then it is worth posting. If it, subsequently, turns out to be incorrect then so be it, at least many eyes have looked at it & someone has spotted the flaw.
On a personal note the internet is probably the best source of information yet available to mankind, but, to some, that will always been seen as an opportunity to mislead & misinform - just because that is the way that they are!!!

I too would agree with Bob and Trubrit. I take the view that all information posted on the Forum comes down to views and opinions. I don't take it as gospel. As another member posted a while back, often news items are only the opinions or views of the writer/journalist or his sources, or the results of a survey, projections from an NGO etc.

As long as the source is quoted, it is really for the reader to form his own opinions on the validity of the information.

There is an extremely wide variety of material on the Internet, ranging in its accuracy, reliability, and value. Unlike most traditional information media (books, magazines, organizational documents), no one has to approve the content before it is made public. It's your job as a searcher, reader, critic, forumite to evaluate what you locate, in order to determine whether it suits your needs.

Information is everywhere on the Internet, existing in large quantities and continuously being created and revised. This information exists in a large variety of kinds (facts, opinions, stories, interpretations, statistics) and is created for many purposes (to inform, to persuade, to sell, to present a viewpoint, and to create or change an attitude or belief).

For each of these various kinds and purposes, information exists on many levels of quality or reliability. It ranges from very good to very bad and includes every shade in between, or is it just a bit of fun to amuse, bemuse and pass the time of day. Personally, I've garnered some great information from the forum, on the other hand I've laughed, thought somethings to be utter bullsh*t and I generally enjoy it or I wouldn't post. But ultimately it provides me with a sense of community particularly when I'm in the back-of-beyond and for that small thing I am grateful.

I’m wondering what the correct treatment on the forum should be when misinformation does get posted.

A Cold bath AND Early to bed with NO tea........!

Wouldn't worry about it Jimbo.

I absolutely agree with all the above!I don't think your integrity is challenged in the least!

The only one seeking legal counsel is Trubrit so no worries!!!!

I want to say, by even posting what you did shows that you are honorable and have respect for others. Your defiantly one up on a lot of folks!!

Jimbo I have not seen any post from you that I would question, it was simply thought. when we are talking economics today it's all opinnions.

Congradulations to anyone who really understands Politics.

I think we all understand that.

I truly enjoy your thought process and appreciate you sharing.

If i needed to know something regarding a financial matter, Jimbo would be the first person on here i would ask, and always know i would receive an informative knowledgeable reply ..(.jing jing.)

Now how about lending me £5000...long term of course, at the current BOE base rate per annum.
Thanks.

beer monkey wrote:............ Now how about lending me £5000...long term of course, at the current BOE base rate per annum.
Thanks.

Unfortunately I don’t have a banking licence so, much as I would like to, I am unable to lend any money.

However, being the kind of helpful person that I am, you could try BCCI – they must be really good as they were recommended to me by the corporate finance arm of one of the big five accounting firms in 1990