That's a real shame hearing about the FB page, and this is precisely the reason I rarely participate on manufacturer forums (Ric seems especially over-the-top in terms of zealotry and censorship). I enjoy the candid discussions about ALL brands at this place, and it would be great if those Ric FB folks brought the party here. 
The "Censorship" thing is a double edged sword. I began cruising posts back when FORUMS were a dream in Al Gore's eye.
Posts have ALWAYS been an interesting way to learn and also a FABULOUS way to be conned, tricked, lied to and swindled. I've always lived by a single rule: "Never Ruin Someones Dream". By that I mean, if you're "in the business" and KNOW that the folks who run ANY company are actually creeps in "Real Life", it's best to keep it to yourself. IMHO, the LESS we know about manufacturers, the better off our music-making dreams will be.
Also high on the list of Awareness is knowing that if someone is really bashing the crap out of a product--ANY product--chances are pretty good that they work for a competitor in some capacity--they have an axe to grind--they're just brain dead....or they have no life and simply enjoy reading what they write. While at Fender, I CONSTANTLY saw posts from folks who bashed everything that Fender (and everyone else) made and, as always, the guy with the biggest mouth most often turns out to be the one to watch out for. Manufacturers KNOW that, so as the internet developed SOME of the companies began to get VERY protective about what was said by "Folks with No Name".
Lastly: We humanoids tend to believe what we read. I've read numerous posts about instruments that I, personally, gave birth to....but as the "song" moved around the room, things changed. I'd follow posts from "experts" who would talk to other "experts" and soon MANY of the "facts" about the instrument were down-right WRONG. But, people will buy almost anything if they read it often enough so after awhile I simply stopped trying to make corrections and left the Forums altogether. I, personally, ADORE Ric basses and I've owned quite a few. I also understand that Ric has been around for decades and there's a reason for that.....they run a VERY tight ship.....they build a great product....and they have no Shareholders to answer to. Sweet Dreams.
Bass-ically Yours,
Rich
PS: NOWHERE have I said that Rickenbacker has ANY creepy people in its employ or management.
