They are all around , but will not be a factor much longer. Once fact trumps fear, the B game is over.The primary objective of the B is to obfuscate and slow down the dissemination of facts and objective anaysis. The first tactic (my previous post) is "layering" or the burying of valuable posts behind piles of garbage. A primary tactic is the creation of multiple and/or fictitious posters who then construct a dialogue. The dialogue is given credibility by appearing to be that of people close to the company but who neither ask nor respond to highly legitimate posts. The technique may be called  "clubbing" and is aimed at intimidating legitimate posters. A person corporation or organisation that creates false persona or  dialogue to destroy a forum or mislead others is commiting fraud. Civil or criminal  liability attaches to direct or indirect damage resulting. An employee or agent of a (SEC) Registrant has an obligation to report such a practise to the Board or counsel. Sarbanes Oxley legislation imposes major sanctions on Registrants to encourage Whisteblowing.