This thread has lost it's way a bit, and as Derek says, it's time to move on.
If anyone took the time to check my profile and read previous posts, they would find that I am a CD franchisee in Brisbane, Australia. My trading name is CD Supreme, as can be seen in my email address, also in the profile.
Does the UK have a Franchising Code of Conduct? We have one which has legal backing under the Trade Practices Act. Regarding the specific matter of a franchisee forming an independent forum, the franchisor cannot prevent that here as the code specifically states that " A franchisor can not stop franchisees from forming an association or otherwise getting together."
It may be worthwhile to check out a similar code in your neck of the woods.
I'm afraid we shall have to agree to disagree on anonymity. It's interesting that the anonymous poster "ChemDry" is jumped on for not providing his details, yet "Amberview" is encouraged to continue being anonymous. Double standard?
It should be remembered that this forum, and all the others on the 'net, are places where peers meet to discuss problems, compare work situations, and generally socialise. They are not chat rooms, where nicknames and anonymity abound. If someone is conversing with me in this forum, I treat it as a virtual face-to-face discussion, and if I am willing to introduce myself, common courtesy dictates the other party does the same. In meeting someone physically and proffering your hand and name, how would you react if the other person shuns your handshake and refuses to introduce himself?
To borrow someone else's tagline, "The above posting is my personal view only" :
Jim