I honestly can't say, DMR. I would like to jump up and say "Sure. Absolutely." But I don't know that for certain. Obviously this is a sensitive issue, and to publicize it would have had to serve some benefit, other than to satisfy the morbid curiosity of a few thrill-seekers. But once it was resolved, I don't think anyone would have had any reason to hide it either.
The South Carolina folks were the victims of a crime. They are not to blame any more than a person whose house is burgled. Nobody likes to admit they were conned, and we're no different. But we understand the position of trust we're in, and we know the damage suspicion can wreak. I'd like to think that that recognition alone would impel us to fully disclose the results of this investigation to interested parties.
By the way, I should emphasize that I don't speak for the South Carolina chapter, nor in any official capacity as a representative of the Free Republic Network. The sentiments expressed above are mine alone.
Of course there is benefit, Jack...you would earn the trust of your fellow freepers. You can't underestimate the power of trust, since you depend on drawing more members into the activist roles.
For example, the innagural ball loss I mentioned above. If you guys (and gals) came out right away and said..."hey, we screwed up, we undercharged the ball by X amount,' there may have been some greif about it...but I think more freepers would have donated the following freepathon to help with the difference. Heck, I would bet you more freepers would "get involved' to make sure that this type of stuff didn't "ruin' the forum in the future.
You would be building a solid active base, based on the cause and the honesty for which it is carried out.
Instead, you have opuses...folks getting banned for asking too many questions and a whole bunch of people scratching their heads wondering if there is some shady business going on.