Avaran,
You seem to have mistaken me for a man of principle. Regardless, I believe my choice of words may have led to this misunderstanding.
In the instances you reference, I was pointing to a particular sort of information. Perhaps I should have been more clear, though as it was the sort of information in question it did not occur to me to clarify the point.
That being said, I will readily enlighten you. Under the assumption you actually care to discern the difference.
Information that ought be shared freely (as I suggested many gathers ago) is information that is of importance to the community at whole. Information that may ready us for an attack, prepare us for enigmas to come, or steel us for experiences we have yet to face. Information on which many if not all of our lives balance, fates are risked, and wars rely. Information such as: enemy battle plans, keys to riddles and puzzles we have yet to decipher, strategic information. You know it's like. Withholding this information can and will have large-scale consequences.
Information that might be sold without my taking issue does not benefit the whole, is not necessary to our survival, and may serve no purpose other than as curiosity or perhaps to those directly concerned some degree of business, academic, or personal gain. I am willing to trade in information I have or can acquire if that information serves these ends. Information such as a prominent public figure's eating schedule, a merchant's business practices, the safest route through the marketplace for a traveler with no head for spotting pickpockets, or the etymology of "flour-flusher". Witholding this information has no discernible effect on the whole. It may only influence a single person, perhaps a small group. But in the grand scheme means nothing.
I would hope now that the difference is apparent. In this particular instance I offer for trade information of the second sort. My large-scale information is, and has been freely disseminated amongst those who have an ear for it, and directly to those whom are in the greatest position to make use of or spread it more effectively. I will continue to disseminate such information as I gather it, make no mistake. If you find this claim to be difficult to accept, I suggest you speak with any number of local adventurers who can attest to my having routinely supplied valuable information that has saved lives including the location of captured Wood Elves, enemy battle plans, Legion movements, and enemy commander's locations. If I am not mistaken, such information has successfully allowed us to slay no fewer than two commanding members of the Savage Legion. This information cost those hearing it nothing other than their time.
Now...
Are you willing and or capable of providing the services I seek? It is my understanding that you are one of, if not the most talented Formalist in these lands. If you question my dealings so publicly and vehemently, it might set you better at ease to deal with me directly so as to verify or dispel your opinions.
-Roann Flynt