If I decide to expand on a forum post and create a hub, but not copy it, would that be ok?

Expanding on a a post that you made in the forum to create a hub is certainly ok. I've done that before and I'll no doubt do it again. Although it's not required to delete my forum post that gave me the idea, I still do it anyway.

After all, I want searchers going to my hub, not the forum. :-).

I think that's the benefit of reading other postings and articles. Doing so inspires us and gives birth to new thoughts and concepts. There wouldn't be a thing wrong with using a new thought that comes about from reading and turning it into something your own.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.