[quote name='Number6' timestamp='1397331059' post='2422958']
Out of all the members on this forum is there not a Solicitor that can advise?
(I'm new here and have no intention of reading back through all the threads).
[/quote]
A number were asked, but few responded to the call - it seems it's not quite so easy to ask a mate for professional advice
I think Kiwi and Ped got the advice they could, when making their original decision. A prolonged argument, be it legalistic or simply responding to the inevitable chaff and bluster from John Hall, was deemed not to be conducive to their ambitions for the site.
I have a lot of sympathy for their position, however much it is a shame to lose the ability to trade or discuss certain items. They could fight the demand; they could acquiesce and allow a third party unwarranted access to and influence on the operations of the site; or they could bypass the issue. They chose the latter, and any similiarities with John Hall's desires are coincidental,I would suggest.
The one constant in this is, of course, John Hall. I'm not sure, until he changes, we'll ever see this satisfactorily concluded. As long as we're subject to his personal whims and company policy, the threat of a return to our original situation exists - where Kiwi and Ped would find themselves with the same choices.
Someone talked about him winning - perhaps, perhaps not. It's damaged his brand, to my eyes, which is his chief trading commodity. People are welcome to return to the original threads for my opinions on just how different the markets are for real Rics versus the fakes - and where John might find better value for himself and his company, unless he values the need to be seen to protect his properties over any measure of brand or engagement. I, personally and professionally, think he's called it wrong, and his conduct has been poor - and I'm happy to treat that decision with the disdain I feel it deserves.
Whilst I'm doing so, I will respect the original decision until sufficient changes for Ped and Kiwi to consider it again. It is, after all, their decision