Something Amiss?

I have mentioned in the past that I am a subscriber to Strategic Forecasting. They do a pretty good job of analyzing geopolitical events to include military, political, and economic items of interest.

Back around September - October time frame they were providing a pretty fair amount of analysis on the bail out and all things of economic significance around the globe. I was receiving at least a dozen a week. They did a lot of political analysis on the presidential election too.

I have noticed a steep drop off in their reporting of these items. Very little economic analysis both domestic and global and almost no commentary on our current political administration and policies.

These are still major events and are top stories almost anywhere else. I find it somewhat unsettling that they've decided to remain largely quiet with respect to these issues. I cannot help but wonder why? Several months ago it was one story after another, now there's almost nothing.

Very odd. Very odd indeed. Is something amiss?

 

[tsptalk]

Perhaps they were bought out by the NY Times or NBC.

 

[coolhand]

Perhaps they were bought out by the NY Times or NBC.

I'd cancel my subscription! :laugh:

 

[CountryBoy]

Things got quiet startng in the November timeframe? Things that make ya go hmmmmm. Can we say an attack on the first amendment through a little coercion? We know it's going on now.

CB

 

[Guest2]

On the way home, it was reported that the Pakistan Intelligence Community was in the middle of assisting Alkedia in Afganistan. It was also reported that Drone Attacks in Pakistan are about to increase. Maybe we're seeing the calm before the storm. But I found your commentary quite interesting and I wanted to throw this in the mix.

 

[coolhand]

On the way home, it was reported that the Pakistan Intelligence Community was in the middle of assisting Alkedia in Afganistan. It was also reported that Drone Attacks in Pakistan are about to increase. Maybe we're seeing the calm before the storm. But I found your commentary quite interesting and I wanted to throw this in the mix.

It could be a number of things. I'm thinking that their readership may be polarized by certain topics and they don't want to turn away a portion of their subscriber base during tough economic times.

Still, this is a private for-profit intelligence company. Keep the analysis on topic and unbiased and it should minimize any problems.

Whatever it is, I don't like it. But you may have a point given their profession. They have some previously well-placed staff who do their analysis and they are probably seeing some things that are making them uncomfortable. I can certainly see that happening. The silence is deafening. :worried:

 

[Guest2]

I certainly agree with you. All that is needed
is for them to stay on topic and unbiased. If
being swayed through politics or public opinion,
they've taken the unfortunate chance of looking
like every other source in existance and no longer
validating nor justifying the expense one pays for
such things.

 

[Bullitt]

There is just so much BS out there nd good journalism is nearly impossible to find anywhere anymore. I've noticed the same thing you have Coolhand in with The Economist and WSJ having gone downhill in recent months. The best editorials anyone can put out are 'The Fed is Printing Money', 'The Dollar is Toast', and 'Buy Gold'. Absolutely no analytical thought processes put into the articles, just a blabbering of what somebody else said with no expertise beyond web page creation. Nobody wants to stick their neck out, but would rather take solace in running with the herd. Therefore, if they are wrong, they are just as wrong as everyone else, so to them it isn't wrong.

I'm sure a good amount of Stratfor's information is censored but it could be other things. Most people do web browsing at work and most work sites are blocking more and more websites. Rightfully so, I mean, how can anyone complain about these 'bad economic times' while managing to post 50 times a day? Unless they are retired, they are probably posting from work. Firewall everyone, then they can no longer access the site and won't be getting their money's worth. Couple that with people living in their means and you've got less money flowing in to Stratfor after subscriptions get cancelled. Less money going to Stratfor equals cuts in the real analytical work that makes them unique.

 

[Steadygain]

It's mainly been the past month or two I've noticed a striking ABSENSE of what I would have regarded as more 'Tell it like it is'. The Financial Programs I have most kept in touch with remained very objective and accurately described a more Negative Projection of the Economy and Markets in 11/08 and pretty much throughout.

Then ONE DAY it stuck out so much - as speak within these guidelines - and has largely remained that way.

If it is a 'planned event' it's the smartest possible move they could make. Nothing has a stronger influence than the Media. So if the intention is geared towards increasing consumer confidence and 'turning the economy around' there is nothing stronger they could possible do IN CONJUNCTION with a Strong Stimulus Package and Stageing a longer running Rally.

For the General Population this would be the most outstanding plan possible - but for the few that honestly keep up with financials (in its wide variety of sources) - and continue to monitor the underlying factors - what is happening right now is all the more puzzling.

THANKS for posting this ... I hadn't said anything cause I have my own sources I follow and DID NOT realize what I'd noticed has spread across the board.