Hi Don:

Good points made.

On may argue that having the place and approximate time but without the magnitude could still be useful especially if others take note and actively seek out possible other signs that the magnitude will be very large.

I agree that off-line / private testing to generate success/failure rates is good. It may also be possible though that others may share in the learning process by posting some of the predictions. It is something to consider.

I know that I have underestimated the effects of synergistic communications/effects with others.
The situation with Jack Cole is a case in point. Once he made his prediction people started paying more attention it seems. This lead to posting about gas detections and postings about relationships to earthquakes. Time will tell if this has allowed people in the gas area to getting a little more prepped than otherwise which is good.

Hopefully, in the not too distant future more information will be shared on the prediction problem.

Just my,
.02
worth