including that there must be a further back story here that is skimmed over by statement of 3 criteria for holding a brand forum. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail, especially with so many eloquent comments of concern regarding this action.
As others have said it seems a slap in the face to all of us loyal PuristS that a forum we so frequently visit has been so abruptly removed. Frankly I don't care what FPJ thinks of the forum or whether he supports it or not, or whether he offends some by his comments. I enjoy the passion and exchance of information from fellow enthusiasts, and this is what draws me back so often--all of which seems independent of whatever tiff has ensued between FPJ and PuristS management.
Also as others have alluded, think of the wealth of horological information that has vanished by an angry keystroke, with years of past posts deleted!
On a broader and concerning note, are we to understand that criteria #3 with mention of "sponsorship" means that the brands are paying for the privilege of a forum? Far be it for me to question a business model, but that does add a new background light to my reading of any forum on this site if this interpretation is correct.
Above all thanks to Brad and the rest of the PuristS team for a wonderful forum that has contributed to my own horological knowledge and passion and purchases, though caused me many extra hours of eye strain over my computer at night........
And congrats to Brad on the new black label CS--that is a stunner.