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Interesting Question. You've asked a very good question, Dennis. The APMA passed a resolution setting up a watchdog group to monitor the internet for negative information about podiatry. This was undoubtedly done in an effort to exercise a chilling effect upon the dissemination of information exposing the many very serious--and in many cases extremely destructive--flaws, travesties, and gross inequities that afflict this profession. That may explain part of the sudden decrease in posts. They have no right to interfere with the dissemination of factual information, however, no matter how negative it may be. They have no right to interfere with individuals sharing their personal experiences and opinions about podiatry, no matter how negative those may be. They are legally powerless to actually stop anybody from expressing themselves. So assuming this is a major contributor to the decrease, look for things to pick up soon.
People are busy with school and residency right now, and may not have as much time to spend writing posts and
participating on forums such as this one. That is another possible contributor, although I suspect it is a distant
second to the APMA watchdog group.
The biggest problem, however, would appear to be that this forum is no longer welcoming anonymous posts.
That is a good development, as many of the posts in the past were from individuals who were, let us say, less
than accurate in regard to their claims about themselves, their achievements, or their contributions to this
profession. Their inaccuracies were encouraged by the ability to remain anonymous, and thus be shielded from
verification of their claims. Most anonymous posters, however, hid behind pseudonyms out of fear that they would be subject to retribution by the administration of their schools, their residency directors, or the APMA and/or various of its lap-dog affiliates. Many made it quite clear that they didn't want to end up being the next Brian Gale. Given the history of those organizations and institutions, such fears are not entirely unfounded, and not to be dismissed lightly. While one cannot blame them for harboring such fears, it remains that only by standing up together and opposing the bottom-feeding scum that has for too long controlled and manipulated this profession can they be overthrown, and mistreatment of podiatrists by podiatrists such as Dr. Gale has been forced to endure for eight long years at last ended. This is a tough problem. As for what other forum people may be posting to, you'll find some posts on this page or the previous that will guide you. It remains to be seen if other podiatry forums are any busier right now than this one.
John L. Trench III, DPM |