I'm not sure if George really wrote that. If he did, then I'd recommend he listen to and follow his lawyers' advice.
Having said that, I'll make the following observation. If what George purports to say is indeed true, then, IMO, he has a good likelihood of not being convicted of the charges made by the OSC.
Per George's statement, the little bit of posting by authorized Agoracom reps comes to 0.25% of all postings, and they were simply done to encourage shy potential-posters to go ahead and post. In other words, the posts were neither 'pumping' nor disparaging a company, but simply seeking to invite newbies to go ahead and join in with posting.
Whether such activity on the part of George is 'wise' or 'well-considered' or 'decent', etc., is one question that the OSC and the courts will not consider. All they will consider is if such activity was legal or illegal.
If the alleged postings by members of Agoracom, and the alleged explanation by George are legitimate, then there can, IMO, be no conviction of criminal wrongdoing on the part of George and Agoracom, and he will be able to continue his business.
Having made that observation, I think one other observation might be in order. What motivated the OSC to come after Agoracom and its CEO, George Tsiolis? Why didn't they go after Stockhouse? (Any of you who have read posts on Stockhouse will be aware of all the crazy postings allowed to go up on that forum, with almost no control whatsoever.)
Are there major mining or exploration companies that are 'miffed' at the kind of attention some of the junior explorers get on the Agoracom forums, and have been complaining loudly to the OSC to do something? In fact, could it be that some of the people on the OSC have close relations with the bigger, more powerful, companies that don't like these forums?
I don't know the answer, but in a court of law, in America or Canada, you are innocent until PROVEN guilty. Also, anonymous accusations are unacceptable in both countries. You've got to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your allegations are legitimate. Anyone can file a suit for any frivolous reason, because that is their constitutional right. That still does not make it legitimate.
So, let's not rush to judgment until some reliable witnesses and reliable evidence is marshalled and the case can be properly adjudicated.
P.S. - Some of the "big boys" would probably love to have Agoracom crippled and small retail investors be more "in the dark". Motivating the OSC to try and accomplish that would fit in perfectly with their agenda.
P.P.S. - I don't know if George and Agoracom are guilty or innocent. I'm just saying to not rush to judgment.
