Seriously, I think something evil this way comes. I think the main thrust is over control of forums and new ways to find customers.
For example, one of the forums I used to haunt just had a fight by two owners over control of the corporate entity.
When I posted my NC membership in KnifeForums, I got a PM from a mod that "we should wait" until the head guys check out a conflict of interest among their advertisers.
Frankly, the groups should be looking for each other. Chefs need knife guys for products and service. A serious cutler or sharpener should welcome a forum of potential clients with both hands.
All KF members and NC members should join each others' forums.
Why should I stock a nakiri inventory if the foodies want santukos? And when the folks here buy a decent knife, where do they go for service? You don't find tinkers in every book of Yellow Pages.
Along with the legitimate trade, you get Spam and Pop-Ups. Too bad. There's always the risk that good people are going to assume that the troublesome ads are from those other folks.
If I do but one thing here at NC, it's introduce individuals to each others forums. Frankly, I'm glad sattie is leading the way on this.