are ccc threads subject to manipulation?

G'day fellow coal buffs & onlookers,

I have just been having a discussion with WC8 on the HC "General" threads on the topic of stock manipulation, in response to an article he/she posted. WC8 suggested that CCC threads on HC were/are a "prime example" of the practices outlined in the article. (Link to article here - pls note that this is a copy of the article/essay linked by WC8, but includes additional commentary by the author, George Chelekis)

I'm curious to know if anyone here, new or old to HC, agrees with this suggestion. Do you feel as though you have been manipulated by reading the stuff that is posted here? Please be careful not to defame anyone - I would like this to be a civil discussion (if there is indeed any discussion to be had).

All the best,

M.