Is Mitt Romney Buying Twitter Followers?

Sure looks like it
Politics • Views: 75,172

Today we learn that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is apparently buying Twitter followers to inflate his popularity in social media. The graph from 140elect.com looks like a hockey stick:

For comparison, a graph of Barack Obama’s new followers in the same time period (via Twitter Counter) shows steady growth with no spikes:

Here’s Romney’s profile page: Mitt Romney (MittRomney) on Twitter.

Check the number of followers, then watch as it increases by a hundred or so every time you reload the page. If you look at all these followers, they seem to have major trouble with spelling simple English words, have names that sometimes seem to be random assortments of syllables, and have no (or very few) followers themselves.

At the current rate, he’s adding about 10,000 followers every hour.

Yes, you can buy Twitter followers; in fact, it’s become a thriving business.

Why might the Romney campaign think it’s a good idea to shell out Rmoney to artificially pump up their numbers? Well, I’m no mind-reader, but I suspect this comparison could have something to do with it:

By the way, in the few minutes it took me to grab the screenshot of Romney’s profile and post this article, his follower count rose by more than a thousand. He’s got a long way to go to catch up with Obama, but plenty of cash to spend.

UPDATE at 7/21/12 12:36:20 pm

The Romney campaign denies it:

Jump to bottom

389 comments
1 PhillyPretzel  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:22:13am

It looks like it to me.

2 nines09  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:24:56am

JOBS!!!!

3 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:25:36am

Is that not how everyone acquires these follower things?

4 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:26:39am

Wow, Romney is the Former Governor of Massachusetts?
His campaign should talk that up.

5 nines09  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:26:51am

Mitt is so fake you can almost see the wires.

6 dragonfire1981  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:28:07am

He's currently over 755 000...and this is a pretty fresh posting.

7 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:28:45am

Only tweets he follows that stand out: Carls Jr., Jeff Foxworthy & Jenny Sanford (ex-wife of the Appalachian Trail)

8 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:29:21am

Fake followers are people, my friend.

9 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:30:31am
10 Gus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:30:52am

775,143
775,151
775,163

11 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:31:05am

It's so obvious, but I don't understand how this is supposed to help anything but his ego.
Then again, that doesn't make sense either.

12 Gus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:31:06am

It's like an odometer.

13 PhillyPretzel  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:32:18am

re: #9 jaunte

Americans understand what Mitt is. Chinese probably don't.

14 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:32:45am
15 Gus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:32:58am

Hilarious. Here's one of his latest followers.

16 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:33:05am

re: #10 Gus

775,200

17 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:33:20am
18 austin_blue  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:33:59am

Mittens is most definitely a Surrealist.

Or at least he runs his campaign that way.

19 Gus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:34:17am

re: #16 jaunte

775,200

[Link: twitter.com...]

20 Varek Raith  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:34:27am

4 or 5 new followers a second.

21 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:34:31am

re: #13 PhillyPretzel

The Chinese know he's a job creator.

22 Varek Raith  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:35:22am

775,270

23 Gus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:35:37am

re: #20 Varek Raith

4 or 5 new followers a second.

He's getting spammer followers. People with barely any followers themselves.

24 nines09  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:36:16am
25 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:36:25am

High quality merchandise:
Image: Screen-Shot-2012-07-21-at-1.34.jpg

26 Varek Raith  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:37:04am

re: #23 Gus

He's getting spammer followers. People with barely any followers themselves.

Amusing.

27 dragonfire1981  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:37:15am

A friend asked me the other day why I dislike Mitt Romney. My response was simple:

Because I cannot trust a single thing the man does or says.

Seriously, there is not a SINGLE issue I trust Mitt on, not a single word that could come out his mouth that I would believe without suspicion. I know politics aren't exactly known for honesty, but Mitt takes that stereotype to a whole new level.

28 PhillyPretzel  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:37:31am

re: #23 Gus

He will get a lot of mail to his account. //

29 Varek Raith  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:38:02am

He better hopes 4chan doesn't get wind of this.
/

30 Lidane  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:40:20am

re: #29 Varek Raith

He better hopes 4chan doesn't get wind of this.
/

Or Reddit. In both cases, it will be hilarious. XD

31 dragonfire1981  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:40:40am

I really don't think anyone ever has say or ever will say: "You know, I think I'll vote for that guy in the election because he has 1 million Twitter followers!"

Is Mitt trying to delude himself into thinking more people like him than actually do?

32 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:41:22am

re: #31 dragonfire1981

"You people don't need to know how many real people like me"

33 dragonfire1981  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:41:24am

I am soo tempted to register an account as "SeamusTheDog" and start making joke tweets at Romney...

34 dragonfire1981  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:41:54am

re: #32 jaunte

"You people don't need to know how many real people like me"

Ann Romney, is that you?

35 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:41:58am

re: #25 jaunte

High quality merchandise:
Image: Screen-Shot-2012-07-21-at-1.34.jpg

"Asbey" seems to be a popular fake name for some reason: [Link: twitter.com...]

36 aagcobb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:42:40am

Outsourcing Twitter followers? At least he's acting consistently with his business practices at Bain.

37 Gus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:43:18am
38 PhillyPretzel  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:43:44am

re: #37 Gus

lol

39 austin_blue  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:44:15am

62 in 30 seconds!

40 dragonfire1981  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:44:18am

That's it, he's reaching out to others in the bot community!

It's so obvious.

41 Lidane  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:45:04am

re: #31 dragonfire1981

I really don't think anyone ever has say or ever will say: "You know, I think I'll vote for that guy in the election because he has 1 million Twitter followers!"

If we voted for people with the most Twitter followers, Lady GaGa would be POTUS, and her Cabinet would include Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Britney Spears, since all of them have more followers than Barack Obama.

Is Mitt trying to delude himself into thinking more people like him than actually do?

That's been the theme of his entire campaign so far.

Does anyone honestly believe that anyone in the GOP actually likes Mitt Romney? He's this election cycle's John Kerry -- a rich Masshole that no one really wants for the nominee, but who was the best of a shitty field of candidates.

42 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:45:08am
43 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:46:57am

This seems unlikely.

44 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:47:11am

re: #40 dragonfire1981

Identity politics strikes again.
Shameful.//

45 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:49:56am
46 Varek Raith  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:50:02am

re: #43 Charles Johnson

[Embedded content]

This seems unlikely.

Can you even do that?

47 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:50:11am

One of the few that is being followed by Mitt is a campaign services company, which dispenses valuable, if obvious, advice like this:

48 PhillyPretzel  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:51:45am

re: #47 wrenchwench

That is one possible explanation.

49 allegro  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:53:53am

I can see Stewart and Colbert being brutal with this.

50 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:55:21am

re: #49 allegro

Romney/Pornbot 2012!

51 Lidane  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:57:15am

re: #49 allegro

I can see Stewart and Colbert being brutal with this.

I just want to see the South Park guys take this and run with it. Heh.

52 Gus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:57:44am

OT

NI would be News International.

53 PhillyPretzel  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:58:52am

re: #52 Gus

Now all he has to do is return The Wall Street Journal to the Bancroft and Ottaway families.

54 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 11:59:54am

re: #50 jaunte

At least that would get him the basement dwelling, libertarian vote.

55 Archangelus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:00:03pm

LOL 100 new mitt twitter followers in literally under 2 minutes when refreshing...

56 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:00:05pm

The graph of Romney's new followers in the last two days ... it's a hockey stick!

Image: ZZ43C67C3C.jpg

57 Gus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:01:25pm

re: #56 Charles Johnson

The graph of Romney's new followers in the last two days ... it's a hockey stick!

Image: ZZ43C67C3C.jpg

You should Tweet that.

58 Archangelus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:01:45pm

I'm dyin' to hear an official Twitter response on this... no way this is legit....

59 nines09  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:02:42pm

re: #56 Charles Johnson

The graph of Romney's new followers in the last two days ... it's a hockey stick!

Image: ZZ43C67C3C.jpg

Looks perfectly legit to me. Yep./

60 efuseakay  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:03:22pm

I don't think he's buying followers. I do think that this is a big practical joke by someone though. It's pretty darn funny too.

61 erik_t  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:03:43pm

re: #56 Charles Johnson

The graph of Romney's new followers in the last two days ... it's a hockey stick!

Image: ZZ43C67C3C.jpg

TEACH THE CONTROVERSY

62 dragonfire1981  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:03:48pm

re: #56 Charles Johnson

The graph of Romney's new followers in the last two days ... it's a hockey stick!

Image: ZZ43C67C3C.jpg

THE STICK IS A LIE!!

63 Archangelus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:04:09pm

776,342 to 776,460 in under a minute... cmon, just how dumb does Romneybot think people are?

64 dragonfire1981  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:04:21pm

re: #61 erik_t

TEACH THE CONTROVERSY

Beat me by FIVE seconds. :P

65 blueraven  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:04:26pm

re: #60 efuseakay

I don't think he's buying followers. I do think that this is a big practical joke by someone though. It's pretty darn funny too.

How would that happen exactly?

66 nines09  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:04:45pm

re: #63 Archangelus

776,342 to 776,460 in under a minute... cmon, just how dumb does Romneybot think people are?

Lots.

67 Archangelus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:05:31pm

re: #63 Archangelus

776,342 to 776,460 in under a minute... cmon, just how dumb does Romneybot think people are?

Nevermind folks... "ask a stupid question"... :)

68 Varek Raith  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:08:21pm

re: #56 Charles Johnson

The graph of Romney's new followers in the last two days ... it's a hockey stick!

Image: ZZ43C67C3C.jpg

Subtle.

69 PhillyPretzel  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:08:51pm

re: #68 Varek Raith

Like a one ton weight.//

70 Archangelus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:08:54pm

Actually, I get the feeling that this might not have been as it was originally planned... had such an increase occurred over the course of a few weeks, it'd seem natural enough, and would be possible to portray as a natural "flocking of the supporters to his cause". Instead, incremental rise becomes giganormous and unlikely spike over the course of a few hours...

71 erik_t  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:10:04pm

re: #70 Archangelus

Romney campaign plan falters and flops, ultimately doing more harm than good?

Sacrébleu!

72 efuseakay  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:10:09pm

re: #65 blueraven

How would that happen exactly?

Retroactive Twitter accounts!

//

73 Archangelus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:10:49pm

776,460 to 776,770 in 5 minutes... hell, 30 new ones appeared just refreshing the window over 2 seconds...

74 Gus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:11:42pm

re: #73 Archangelus

776,460 to 776,770 in 5 minutes... hell, 30 new ones appeared just refreshing the window over 2 seconds...

75 Gus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:12:22pm

re: #74 Gus

That Tweet vanished! It was deleted.

76 Archangelus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:13:01pm

Which tweet?

77 Gus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:13:15pm

777,163 Followers

78 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:13:24pm
79 Gus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:13:28pm

re: #76 Archangelus

Which tweet?

I posted a Tweet here.

80 Archangelus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:14:48pm

Damnit, wish FRAPS were working on my comp... I hit refresh every second, and it jumps by either a handful or a dozen a second later... someone needs to literally record this...

81 Randall Gross  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:19:39pm

re: #56 Charles Johnson

The graph of Romney's new followers in the last two days ... it's a hockey stick!

Image: ZZ43C67C3C.jpg

Post it with the article

82 PhillyPretzel  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:20:31pm

re: #81 Randall Gross

That sounds like a good idea.

83 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:21:53pm

How much does buying this number of followers cost?
It seems expensive for a prank, but I've never been in the market to buy followers, so I haven't priced it.

84 allegro  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:22:31pm

This has got to be a scam/hoax/joke. I don't give Romney's team a lot of credit for the campaign they've run so far, but this is too much, too obvious, and too destructive.

85 erik_t  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:23:07pm

re: #84 allegro

This has got to be a scam/hoax/joke. I don't give Romney's team a lot of credit for the campaign they've run so far, but this is too much, too obvious, and too destructive.

Destructive? Let's be honest, the electorate as a whole gives not one fuck about twitter.

86 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:23:19pm

Mr. Obama says if you have a successful Twitter account, you didn't build it yourself. Well, I built mine with my own hands.

87 Randall Gross  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:23:29pm

re: #83 jaunte

How much does buying this number of followers cost?
It seems expensive for a prank, but I've never been in the market to buy followers, so I haven't priced it.

I would bet they cost less than a nickle a piece.

88 efuseakay  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:24:09pm

re: #83 jaunte

How much does buying this number of followers cost?
It seems expensive for a prank, but I've never been in the market to buy followers, so I haven't priced it.

Ask the Koch brothers.

89 Archangelus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:25:24pm

From 777,607 to 777,778 in a single refresh....

90 Varek Raith  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:25:27pm

re: #83 jaunte

How much does buying this number of followers cost?
It seems expensive for a prank, but I've never been in the market to buy followers, so I haven't priced it.

[Link: intertwitter.com...]

91 Lidane  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:26:26pm

re: #83 jaunte

How much does buying this number of followers cost?
It seems expensive for a prank, but I've never been in the market to buy followers, so I haven't priced it.

Depends on the company and on the number of followers. For example:

[Link: intertwitter.com...]

A few grand for a million followers would be chump change for Romney HQ. The only issue here would be one of shitty timing on the company's fault for delivering all their "followers" on the same day in a noticeable spike.

92 Archangelus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:26:48pm

re: #83 jaunte

How much does buying this number of followers cost?
It seems expensive for a prank, but I've never been in the market to buy followers, so I haven't priced it.

i'd say $4K based on what we're seeing so far...

93 allegro  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:28:00pm

re: #85 erik_t

Destructive? Let's be honest, the electorate as a whole gives not one fuck about twitter.

You don't need the whole electorate. All you need is Stewert, Colbert, and Saturday Night Live. Social media has become a powerful and far reaching communication arm.

94 PhillyPretzel  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:28:08pm

re: #90 Varek Raith

$400 for 80000 followers. Wow. You can actually buy "people." //

95 Archangelus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:28:27pm

re: #91 Lidane

A few grand for a million followers would be chump change for Romney HQ. The only issue here would be one of shitty timing on the company's fault for delivering all their "followers" on the same day in a noticeable spike.

Yup, just what i was thinking. This needs to make headlines, if only on account of the fact that it's coming from the head of the party that's on a self-proclaimed warpath against voter fraud...

96 Gus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:28:33pm

What's he getting about 5,000/hour?

97 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:28:37pm

re: #91 Lidane

I can imagine the people with the campaign who control the money wouldn't know how to advise buying followers so that it looks 'real.'

98 Lidane  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:29:56pm

re: #97 jaunte

I can imagine the people with the campaign who control the money wouldn't know how to advise buying followers so that it looks 'real.'

That's because the people controlling the money in his campaign are old.

If he'd had a few social media folks under 40 on his staff to tell Romney HQ this was a stupid idea then things might be different.

99 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:30:09pm

re: #90 Varek Raith

[Link: intertwitter.com...]

Less than a penny a piece at the volume he's getting. But the quality leaves something to be desired. Which means the 'one year retention warranty' isn't necessarily a good thing....

100 Varek Raith  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:31:17pm

Either way no one at Romney HQ is minding the account.

101 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:31:27pm
102 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:33:59pm
103 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:36:46pm

The denial:

104 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:37:39pm

I wonder how long before someone accuses me of planting all these fake followers?

105 efuseakay  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:38:49pm

Mitt is creating jobs!

106 erik_t  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:39:10pm

re: #103 Charles Johnson

The denial:

[Embedded content]

Wait. Romney's campaign is lying about something!?

Jeeves, fetch my smelling salts.

107 Iwouldprefernotto  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:39:34pm

My hope is that Romney "wins" the Twitter war and loses the election. If I wasn't scared of an Obama lose, I would make it a prediction.

108 Archangelus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:39:52pm

re: #105 efuseakay

Mitt is creating jobs!

No, he's following his old Baine habits of outsourcing them at the expense of hard-working US twitter account sellers... ;)

109 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:40:30pm

I'll be honest: I'm pretty sure that Obama wins the demographic category of People Who Have Twitter Accounts, and by a smaller margin, People Who Know There Is Such a Thing as Twitter.

You did know there are people who don't know what Twitter is. Many of these people could identify a WWII ration stamp or a rotary phone, though.

(I still really love the picture of an "old" phone with some newbie commenting that the phone was "plugged into itself.")

110 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:40:39pm

The Twitter Rules
- Selling user names: You may not buy or sell Twitter usernames.

111 Archangelus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:42:00pm

re: #110 jaunte

The Twitter Rules
- Selling user names: You may not buy or sell Twitter usernames.

Imagine Twitter being reported this, them looking into it and suspending Romney's account...

A man can dream, can't he?

112 erik_t  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:43:20pm

re: #111 Archangelus

Imagine Twitter being reported this, them looking into it and suspending Romney's account...

A man can dream, can't he?

WHY IS LIBRUL-MEDIA CONGLOMERATE 'TWITTER' CENSORING MITT ROMNEY'S FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH!?

113 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:44:58pm

re: #103 Charles Johnson

The denial:

[Embedded content]

They were a campaign contribution?

114 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:45:30pm
115 Gus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:45:30pm

re: #112 erik_t

Off to Twitter Gulag for Mittens!!11ty

116 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:47:10pm
117 erik_t  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:49:42pm

re: #116 Charles Johnson

Far too linear. Clearly a conspiracy.

118 Targetpractice  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:50:39pm

re: #117 erik_t

Far too linear. Clearly a conspiracy.

$20 says that will be the wingnut response to these accusations: "So what, Obama just did the right way as not to get caught!"

119 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:53:11pm
Zac Moffatt, the Romney campaign's digital director, rejected accusations that the campaign was "buying" followers for Romney, who trails Barack Obama's account by more than 16 million followers.

"We have reached out to Twitter to find out additional information regarding the rapid growth," he told BuzzFeed.

[Link: www.buzzfeed.com...]

120 Tiny Alien Kitties are Watching You  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 12:58:50pm
Romney campaign:We didnt buy any Twitter followers. bit.ly/OgvPNC

We did not buy any followers, don't you know that actually buying people is illegal in America? Shame on you for equating our "reimbursement" of Mr. Romneys followers legitimate internet expenses associated with making tweets and other postings to social media sites with Slavery in this country!

You should be ashamed for directly accusing Mr. Romney of owning slaves, and we will make sure that Fox news hears about this and reports on it as well!

/// (Swoosh+Denial)

121 erik_t  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:01:08pm

re: #118 Targetpractice

$20 says that will be the wingnut response to these accusations: "So what, Obama just did the right way as not to get caught!"

$10,000 says you're right.

(Another 'disastrous' gaffe that nobody outside us navel-gazers even remembers)

122 MittDoesNotCompute  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:11:28pm

re: #41 Lidane

If we voted for people with the most Twitter followers, Lady GaGa would be POTUS, and her Cabinet would include Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Britney Spears, since all of them have more followers than Barack Obama.

That's been the theme of his entire campaign so far.

Does anyone honestly believe that anyone in the GOP actually likes Mitt Romney? He's this election cycle's John Kerry -- a rich Masshole that no one really wants for the nominee, but who was the best of a shitty field of candidates.

Best is definitely subjective here; let's face it, the only reason Mitt is the presumptive GOP nominee is because it's "his turn". Mitt may have been seen by the GOP establishment as more electable, but I think that's even changed, as much as Mitt's been windmilling his positions.

At least Newt, T-Paw, Cain and the others were more honest about how fucked up they are.

123 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:12:56pm

re: #7 Stanley Sea

Only tweets he follows that stand out: Carls Jr., Jeff Foxworthy & Jenny Sanford (ex-wife of the Appalachian Trail)

Well, I'm a Foxworthy fan, so we do have that in common.

124 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:13:08pm
125 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:16:51pm

re: #31 dragonfire1981

I really don't think anyone ever has say or ever will say: "You know, I think I'll vote for that guy in the election because he has 1 million Twitter followers!"

Is Mitt trying to delude himself into thinking more people like him than actually do?

Yeah, I don't quite understand the utility of this. I guess it's about showing popularity.

126 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:18:59pm

re: #70 Archangelus

Actually, I get the feeling that this might not have been as it was originally planned... had such an increase occurred over the course of a few weeks, it'd seem natural enough, and would be possible to portray as a natural "flocking of the supporters to his cause". Instead, incremental rise becomes giganormous and unlikely spike over the course of a few hours...

I suspect some twenty-year-old intern said, "No, people totally buy Twitter followers. It's a thing," and was put in charge of finding some to buy.

127 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:21:37pm

re: #109 Mostly sane, most of the time.

I'll be honest: I'm pretty sure that Obama wins the demographic category of People Who Have Twitter Accounts, and by a smaller margin, People Who Know There Is Such a Thing as Twitter.

You did know there are people who don't know what Twitter is. Many of these people could identify a WWII ration stamp or a rotary phone, though.

(I still really love the picture of an "old" phone with some newbie commenting that the phone was "plugged into itself.")

I still have a rotary phone. It lives in the living room, and is kept for earthquakes, because if the power goes out, but phone service is still on, I can call out.

128 MittDoesNotCompute  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:22:18pm

re: #125 SanFranciscoZionist

Yeah, I don't quite understand the utility of this. I guess it's about showing popularity.

It's all about the raw numbers, nothing more. Stats that Fox News and the wingnutosphere can use as "proof" of His Mittness' surging popular support ahead of the convention...or something like that.

Meanwhile, in the real world, it's painfully transparent what's going on.

129 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:22:36pm

re: #127 SanFranciscoZionist

Girl Scout!
/

130 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:23:55pm

If Romney's not buying these followers, it must be some kind of epic spam attack - more than 100,000 of these fake followers so far.

131 erik_t  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:24:33pm

re: #127 SanFranciscoZionist

I still have a rotary phone. It lives in the living room, and is kept for earthquakes, because if the power goes out, but phone service is still on, I can call out.

Also, they ring like crazy, and if you need to assault a zombie I can think of no better indestructible instrument than Ma Bell.

132 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:24:57pm

re: #130 Charles Johnson

If Romney's not buying these followers, it must be some kind of epic spam attack - more than 100,000 of these fake followers so far.

Is it wrong that I'm sort of tempted to follow him now? Just to join in?

133 God of Binders with Women  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:25:33pm

re: #132 SanFranciscoZionist

Is it wrong that I'm sort of tempted to follow him now? Just to join in?

Not at all. I was thinking about doing the same thing out of pity.

134 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:25:50pm

re: #130 Charles Johnson

At 14 bucks a thousand, he's into it for $140 so far.

It might be the work of a supporter.

135 God of Binders with Women  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:26:19pm

I wonder if Romney can retroactively add ten million Twitter followers.

136 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:27:11pm

re: #135 Summer Lovin' Torture Party

LOL

137 Daniel Ballard  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:27:59pm

re: #134 researchok

This just feels so pathetic and desperate.

"look at me, look at me!"

Loser.

138 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:28:31pm

re: #126 SanFranciscoZionist

I suspect some twenty-year-old intern said, "No, people totally buy Twitter followers. It's a thing," and was put in charge of finding some to buy.

I hear you're looking for some of these.
[Opens up inside of trench coat to reveal a bunch of twitter followers.] I got the best in town, minty fresh, just fell off the back of a truck.

139 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:29:45pm

re: #137 Daniel Ballard

I agree.

It isn't as if followers always translate into voters.

Reminds me of the DC protest attendee count.

Pointless.

140 compound_Idaho  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:29:47pm

This is a dirty trick by the Obama campaign.... or a false flag operation.... or an inside job .... Sincerely Alex Jones.

141 God of Binders with Women  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:30:21pm

re: #140 compound_Idaho

This is a dirty trick by the Obama campaign... or a false flag operation... or an inside job ... Sincerely Alex Jones.

And the evidence is clear!
//

142 God of Binders with Women  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:31:19pm

"Romney buying Twitter followers is as rare as shark bites." -A. Jones

I'm still laughing at that idiotic video from last night.

143 Kragar  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:35:45pm

Game aborted. Drove over to play an afternoon of 40k, the store was having an event for the entire day. Waste of a trip and no game.

144 Interesting Times  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:36:27pm
145 Kragar  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:37:44pm

So Romney felt the need to offshore his twitter followers?

146 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:38:02pm

Send in the clones
[Link: twitter.com...]

147 Mattand  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:39:00pm

re: #122 TedStriker

Best is definitely subjective here; let's face it, the only reason Mitt is the presumptive GOP nominee is because it's "his turn". Mitt may have been seen by the GOP establishment as more electable, but I think that's even changed, as much as Mitt's been windmilling his positions.

At least Newt, T-Paw, Cain and the others were more honest about how fucked up they are.

In addition, I'd say to the mythical independent voter Romney initially comes off as sane, unlike the clown car cadre he ran against.

148 Mattand  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:39:58pm

re: #132 SanFranciscoZionist

Is it wrong that I'm sort of tempted to follow him now? Just to join in?

I think they're giving away free dressage tickets if you join by Monday.

149 Interesting Times  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:41:05pm

Lulz:

150 Achilles Tang  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:47:08pm

Does Twitter not have any policy on fake followers?

151 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:49:21pm

It looks like the fake followers have now stopped pouring in.

152 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:50:43pm

re: #151 Charles Johnson

It looks like the fake followers have now stopped pouring in.

Sunlight will do that

153 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:51:05pm

If I want to follow Mitt, do I have top un-follow Satan666?

154 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:51:18pm

re: #130 Charles Johnson

If Romney's not buying these followers, it must be some kind of epic spam attack - more than 100,000 of these fake followers so far.

3000 years from now some historian will spend her days trying to figure out what it meant to have 100,000 "fake followers" in a land called a "twitter" and conclude, like the story of millions of Israelites leaving Egypt to invade Canaan, that it was all some sort of inflated number by a budding religion to establish the backstory for a kingdom.

155 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:51:37pm

re: #150 Achilles Tang

No. Check your mailbox.

156 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:53:09pm

re: #155 researchok

I get at least 20 new twitter followers a day.

157 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:53:17pm

And Willard, son of Romney, took his 100,000 up on a high hill overlooking the kingdom of Twitter and spake unto them ' cast down every high idol of the Obama, smite them until they are no more'.

158 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:54:41pm

re: #156 researchok

I get at lest 20 new twitter followers a day.

Got no twitter-peeps, yet my mana feels undiminished.

159 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:54:44pm

Senatus Populusque Romneus

160 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:58:22pm

re: #158 Decatur Deb

I have mortgage guys, New Age chakra people, payday loans, commies, religious freaks, right wing lunatics, left wing we need a revolution now types, home cleaning tip experts, home beer brewers, off the grid types, make huge sums of money types, buy an apartment in Hong Kong types....shall I go on?.

161 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 1:59:55pm

re: #159 jaunte

Senatus Populusque Romneus

Praefectus Villardic ?

162 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:00:48pm

Noah's Ark scale model --->

163 dragonath  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:01:02pm

Hey, it's Mitt Romney. He has expertise in pushing around large, imaginary numbers.

164 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:01:59pm

re: #148 Mattand

I think they're giving away free dressage tickets if you join by Monday.

If you get free dressage tickets, do you actually have to attend? Because if so, I'll wait until Tuesday.

165 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:02:50pm

re: #154 freetoken

3000 years from now some historian will spend her days trying to figure out what it meant to have 100,000 "fake followers" in a land called a "twitter" and conclude, like the story of millions of Israelites leaving Egypt to invade Canaan, that it was all some sort of inflated number by a budding religion to establish the backstory for a kingdom.

It was only 600,000 Israelites. Which is still six times more Israelites than Mitt Romney followers! We win!

166 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:03:13pm

re: #162 jaunte

Speaking of which, I'm sketching out a short prolegomena to the whole Myth thing (i.e., Jesus, David, whoever), thinking I might put it up. However, I expect that if I do that certain folk might object.

167 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:03:49pm

re: #165 SanFranciscoZionist

It was only 600,000 Israelites. Which is still six times more Israelites than Mitt Romney followers! We win!

At least in English translations the 600,000 refer to men-folk. Add in wives and children....

168 Achilles Tang  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:04:33pm

re: #155 researchok

No. Check your mailbox.

I have a mailbox?

169 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:04:38pm

re: #167 freetoken

At least in English translations the 600,000 refer to men-folk. Add in wives and children...

Ah, true.

Still kicking Romney's ass. Retroactively speaking.

170 SpaceJesus  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:04:41pm

bain probably shut down a steel factory in ohio in order to setup a giant warehouse in sizhuan where people sit around registering twitter accounts all day

171 Daniel Ballard  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:06:27pm

Sanity break anyone? Sunshine is one of my all time favorite movies, with an epic soundtrack. That very same soundtrack used with the ISS in orbit just made my eyes tear and my neck hair stand up because of the beauty. Kudos to the IO9 site.

172 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:06:58pm

Has anyone noticed Obama's twittter account is doing the same thing?
[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

173 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:09:06pm

re: #172 Killgore Trout

Has anyone noticed Obama's twittter account is doing the same thing?
[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

No.

174 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:09:28pm

re: #172 Killgore Trout

Must be the Iranians.

175 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:10:31pm

re: #168 Achilles Tang

No. I meant to say of you have a Twitter account you are probably getting new follower notices everyday.

Sorry for the confusion.

176 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:10:55pm

re: #172 Killgore Trout

Has anyone noticed Obama's twittter account is doing the same thing?
[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

It's not, I don't think. If you keep clicking, you'll see it's constantly shifting, but not climbing steadily. Sometimes he loses people. He hasn't totalled another hundred in the twelve times I've clicked.

177 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:11:13pm

re: #172 Killgore Trout

Is there an accompanying, similar graph?

178 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:11:15pm

re: #173 goddamnedfrank

No.

Looks like he added 25,000 followers yesterday
[Link: twittercounter.com...]

Maybe just some new spambot program somebody's running. What's the point of spam bots on twitter anyways? Is there a general purpose?

179 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:11:29pm

re: #175 researchok

I'm holding steady at 35. Sometimes it goes up to 36 but then it goes back down.

I supposed if I actually posted tweets it might change.

180 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:11:58pm

re: #176 SanFranciscoZionist

Well, I never lose anyone.
//

181 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:12:03pm

re: #178 Killgore Trout

Looks like he added 25,000 followers yesterday
[Link: twittercounter.com...]

Maybe just some new spambot program somebody's running. What's the point of spam bots on twitter anyways? Is there a general purpose?

182 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:12:44pm

re: #177 researchok

Is there an accompanying, similar graph?

MAybe, see the link at #178. Weekly graph shows nothing unusual. Hourly graph requires a premium account to view.

183 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:12:46pm

re: #179 freetoken

Yes, there just may be a connection.

184 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:13:05pm

re: #178 Killgore Trout

Looks like he added 25,000 followers yesterday
[Link: twittercounter.com...]

Maybe just some new spambot program somebody's running. What's the point of spam bots on twitter anyways? Is there a general purpose?

Look down the chart. That's a bit below average for what he's been doing the past week or so.

185 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:13:13pm

re: #183 researchok

I need to buy, say, 10,000 followers or so.

186 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:13:17pm

re: #181 Decatur Deb

Agreed.

187 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:13:45pm

Nearly half of all Twitter followers are bots, which would be cool if they meant C-3PO and terminators and the like, but no.

188 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:13:52pm

Fake followers are pouring in to Mitt Romney's account again.

The names are a hoot - "Cranston Devise," "Simmer Breathtaking," etc.

189 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:14:47pm

re: #187 Temporarily Embarrassed Millionaire

@IKEA's followers are bøts.

190 jaunte  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:15:37pm

Simmah Downs!

191 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:15:43pm

re: #188 Charles Johnson

Fake followers are pouring in to Mitt Romney's account again.

The names are a hoot - "Cranston Devise," "Simmer Breathtaking," etc.

It's like the "Nine Billion Names of God". At some number the twitterverse will begin to black out.

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

192 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:16:14pm

re: #184 SanFranciscoZionist

Look down the chart. That's a bit below average for what he's been doing the past week or so.

See the link at 172, click on the names. I clicked about 10 or so. All spam bots. I didn't find a single real account that appeared to be human.

193 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:16:34pm

re: #185 freetoken

LOL

I'm telling you, post the AM music links.

I'll retweet them.

And you ought to repost those links later on in the AM for the godless heathens who aren't up in the predawn hours.

194 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:17:00pm

re: #184 SanFranciscoZionist

Look down the chart. That's a bit below average for what he's been doing the past week or so.

Compare the same chart to Mitt's. Obama's been steadily building with 25,000 to 30,000 a day.

Mitt's suddenly spiked with 111,000 new followers in 24 hours after a very, very low rate of increase before that. It gets slightly bigger (4,000 instead of 1,000) for a few days, and then just explodes.

They don't look remotely alike.

195 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:17:30pm

re: #188 Charles Johnson

"Simmer Breathtaking"??

LOL

196 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:17:44pm

re: #178 Killgore Trout

Looks like he added 25,000 followers yesterday
[Link: twittercounter.com...]

Maybe just some new spambot program somebody's running. What's the point of spam bots on twitter anyways? Is there a general purpose?

One thing a jillion bots can do is artificially create "trending" topics, like electronic astroturfing.

197 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:18:51pm

re: #192 Killgore Trout

See the link at 172, click on the names. I clicked about 10 or so. All spam bots. I didn't find a single real account that appeared to be human.

Many spambots out there. I've been courted by a lot of them. Plenty of Obama's followers are bots. But his Twitter build doesn't look like Mitt's.

198 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:20:01pm

Speaking of astroturfing, Big Daddy looks like he is withdrawing:

Rupert Murdoch resigns from News Corp. subsidiary boards

A News International spokeswoman is confirming that Rupert Murdoch has resigned from a number of News Corp. subsidiary boards in Britain and the United States.

Daisy Dunlop confirmed a report Saturday in Britain's Telegraph newspaper, which said that Murdoch had stepped down as a director of NI Group, Times Newspaper Holdings and News Corp. Investments in the U.K.

The report did not specify which of News Corp.'s U.S. boards Murdoch had left.

I wonder why.

199 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:21:42pm

re: #197 SanFranciscoZionist

Many spambots out there. I've been courted by a lot of them. Plenty of Obama's followers are bots. But his Twitter build doesn't look like Mitt's.

Maybe because Mitt's newer on the public radar than Obama who's been internationally known for years. Maybe the bump is because mitt recently become news worthy.

200 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:22:02pm

re: #196 Temporarily Embarrassed Millionaire

One thing a jillion bots can do is artificially create "trending" topics, like electronic astroturfing.

ah, that makes sense.

201 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:22:20pm

re: #192 Killgore Trout

See the link at 172, click on the names. I clicked about 10 or so. All spam bots. I didn't find a single real account that appeared to be human.

And I've found several.

202 bubba zanetti  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:22:43pm

Maybe all these bots are piling in to stage a mass unfollow on a strategic date?

203 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:22:57pm

I still have yet to find a real new follower on Obama's account. Must have clicked 20-30 names by now. All bots.

204 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:23:05pm

re: #178 Killgore Trout

Looks like he added 25,000 followers yesterday
[Link: twittercounter.com...]

Maybe just some new spambot program somebody's running. What's the point of spam bots on twitter anyways? Is there a general purpose?

Your first page was just some followers and randomly generates each time it's loaded. Doesn't mean anything

The 25K followers is an increase of 0.14% for Obama, that's actually below his (very consistent) daily average of 30K for the last month according to his Twitter Counter graph. You've got to learn how to analyze and put things in context instead of just grabbing a raw number and being impressed by it.

205 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:23:06pm

re: #199 Killgore Trout

Maybe because Mitt's newer on the public radar than Obama who's been internationally known for years. Maybe the bump is because mitt recently become news worthy.

In the last two days, Mitt suddenly became newsworthy to the tune of 111,000 people in twenty-four hours? How long has he been the nominee?

206 erik_t  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:23:51pm

re: #205 SanFranciscoZionist

In the last two days, Mitt suddenly became newsworthy to the tune of 111,000 people in twenty-four hours? How long has he been the nominee?

Since December 2008.

207 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:23:56pm

re: #203 Killgore Trout

I still have yet to find a real new follower on Obama's account. Must have clicked 20-30 names by now. All bots.

[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

208 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:24:11pm

re: #203 Killgore Trout

I still have yet to find a real new follower on Obama's account. Must have clicked 20-30 names by now. All bots.

[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

209 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:24:26pm

re: #203 Killgore Trout

I still have yet to find a real new follower on Obama's account. Must have clicked 20-30 names by now. All bots.

[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

210 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:24:48pm

re: #205 SanFranciscoZionist

In the last two days, Mitt suddenly became newsworthy to the tune of 111,000 people in twenty-four hours? How long has he been the nominee?

He's still not the nominee!!1! Sarah!!!

211 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:24:49pm

re: #203 Killgore Trout

Disney World, Wally World, Web World...

Not as good as Simmer Breathtaking.

212 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:25:02pm

re: #209 SanFranciscoZionist

[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

I'm not a Twitter expert, but these people look pretty real. I pulled them off the top of the list.

213 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:25:10pm

Many of the bots are repeating the exact same message...

GET MORE FOLLOWERS MY BEST FRIENDS? I WILL FOLLOW YOU BACK IF YOU FOLLOW ME -

I redacted the URL to a link, probably a spam/virus site

214 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:25:35pm

re: #208 SanFranciscoZionist

And she is in Rio

215 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:26:24pm

re: #192 Killgore Trout

See the link at 172, click on the names. I clicked about 10 or so. All spam bots. I didn't find a single real account that appeared to be human.

Which names should we click on? How are you determining that they're spam bots? Anybody can assert bullshit without evidence, and you clearly don't understand how statistical significance works so forgive me if I don't simply take your word on the matter as gospel.

216 bubba zanetti  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:26:29pm

re: #213 Killgore Trout

Many of the bots are repeating the exact same message...

I redacted the URL to a link, probably a spam/virus site

If you're going to go phishing, you go where the phish will bite at anything.

217 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:26:43pm

Mitt isn't spiking at the moment, either.

I do wonder what the hell they're doing over there.

218 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:26:43pm

re: #210 Decatur Deb

He's still not the nominee!!1! Sarah!!! RON PAULLLL!!!1!

219 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:27:05pm

re: #205 SanFranciscoZionist

In the last two days, Mitt suddenly became newsworthy to the tune of 111,000 people in twenty-four hours? How long has he been the nominee?

My guess is these spambots are not American. Who knows what kind of international backwater they're coming from.

220 blueraven  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:27:16pm

MBF strikes again.

221 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:27:44pm

re: #214 researchok

And she is in Rio

Somebody misunderstood Mitt when he said he wanted brazillions of Twitter followers.

222 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:27:45pm

re: #219 Killgore Trout

My guess is these spambots are not American. Who knows what kind of international backwater they're coming from.

#hive,#scum,#villany

(OOPS. Looks like 'hive' is a real entity.)

223 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:27:51pm

re: #215 goddamnedfrank

Which names should we click on? How are you determining that they're spam bots? Anybody can assert bullshit without evidence, and you clearly don't understand how statistical significance works so forgive me if I don't simply take your word on the matter as gospel.

Just refresh and click on random new joiners. I haven't found a single human yet.

224 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:27:55pm

re: #215 goddamnedfrank

Which names should we click on? How are you determining that they're spam bots? Anybody can assert bullshit without evidence, and you clearly don't understand how statistical significance works so forgive me if I don't simply take your word on the matter as gospel.

I'm assuming that if I see tweets sent out, followers, and posts about random stuff they're real, or real-ish.

225 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:28:57pm

re: #223 Killgore Trout

Just refresh and click on random new joiners. I haven't found a single human yet.

Do my nominations count?

226 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:29:01pm

re: #212 SanFranciscoZionist

I'm not a Twitter expert, but these people look pretty real. I pulled them off the top of the list.

Ah, yeah. That one looks real.

227 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:29:25pm

re: #221 wrenchwench

Somebody misunderstood Mitt when he said he wanted brazillions of Twitter followers.

LOLOL

228 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:29:50pm

re: #225 SanFranciscoZionist

Do my nominations count?

Sorry, getting behind in the thread. Looks like you found a real one.

229 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:29:51pm

re: #223 Killgore Trout

Just refresh and click on random new joiners. I haven't found a single human yet.

I have, and I'm not clear how you're running your little Turing Test. Most of them seem completely legit to me. < - See how easy raw assertion is? Put up or I'm calling bullshit.

230 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:31:13pm

I am seeing this GET NEW FOLLOWERS thing quite a bit. Is it just going around? What is that?

231 bubba zanetti  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:31:18pm

Now would be a great time to open a Nigerian Paypal account and run a campaign to save the 2nd Amendment. Just sayin'.

232 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:31:56pm

re: #228 Killgore Trout

Sorry, getting behind in the thread. Looks like you found a real one.

There's a lot of them, also empty accounts that I assume are bots.

[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

I'm not having trouble finding real ones.

Not for Mitt, either.

233 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:32:52pm

I am, however, pretty sure that "Certitude Napkin" is not a real person.

[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

234 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:33:31pm

This one cannot spell, but seems legit enough.

[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

235 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:33:41pm

re: #232 SanFranciscoZionist

There's a lot of them, also empty accounts that I assume are bots.

Why assume that an empty account is a bot? My account @goddamnedfrank is empty, I just registered to keep the stalkers from taking it. I have another account under that's also empty, because I don't tweet, just follow.

236 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:33:42pm

re: #233 SanFranciscoZionist

I am, however, pretty sure that "Certitude Napkin" is not a real person.

[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

Certitude is one of Mitt's.

237 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:33:59pm

re: #233 SanFranciscoZionist

I am, however, pretty sure that "Certitude Napkin" is not a real person.

[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

One of the Quaker Napkins, cousin of Inspector Endeavour Morse.

238 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:34:15pm

re: #233 SanFranciscoZionist

I'm still stuck on Simmer Breathtaking.

239 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:34:15pm

re: #235 goddamnedfrank

Why assume that an empty account is a bot? My account @goddamnedfrank is empty, I just registered to keep the stalkers from taking it. I have another account under that's also empty, because I don't tweet, just follow.

That could be as well. But there are plenty of people who are obviously actual Twitter users.

240 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:35:47pm

re: #222 Decatur Deb

#hive,#scum,#villany

(OOPS. Looks like 'hive' is a real entity.)

Anything you type with a hashtag will end up as a link to a Twitter search. The other two didn't work because the commas are too close.

241 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:36:20pm

re: #239 SanFranciscoZionist

That could be as well. But there are plenty of people who are obviously actual Twitter users.

Exactly, which is why we're still waiting on anything specific from Killgore. I'm fairly certain that his raw assertion of what is and is not clearly a bot relies almost entirely on subjective opinion.

242 dragonfire1981  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:38:02pm

re: #240 wrenchwench

Anything you type with a hashtag will end up as a link to a Twitter search. The other two didn't work because the commas are too close.

Also, "Villainy" is missing an I.

/nitpick

243 dragonath  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:38:09pm

Trying to say that almost all of Obama's followers aren't real isn't going to compensate for the fact that Romney's still a very confused biomimetic robot.

244 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:44:13pm

re: #239 SanFranciscoZionist

That could be as well. But there are plenty of people who are obviously actual Twitter users.

Looks to me that most of the new follows for both Obama and Mitt are bots, I started to find some real ones too. It seems to be the same with celebrities as well. I check Jenifer Lopez's new followers, most appear to be bots. The bigger the account, the higher the bot ratio seems to be.

245 bubba zanetti  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:44:38pm

ROMNEYBOT 3000 EXTENDS GREETINGS TO BOTS OF THE WORLD

246 blueraven  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:47:03pm

re: #244 Killgore Trout

Looks to me that most of the new follows for both Obama and Mitt are bots, I started to find some real ones too. It seems to be the same with celebrities as well. I check Jenifer Lopez's new followers, most appear to be bots. The bigger the account, the higher the bot ratio seems to be.

I suspect a lot of twitter accounts of famous people attract spam bots.
The point is; Obama's new follower count is consistent.

Something strange is going on with Romney's account.

247 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:47:23pm

just followed Obama: [Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

with the same "GET MORE FOLLOWERS MY BEST FRIENDS? I WILL FOLLOW YOU BACK IF YOU FOLLOW ME " message.
Bots everywhere!

248 darthstar  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:47:47pm

Buzzfeed Andrew can be a bit of a tard at times...not sure what his game is.

249 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:48:53pm

re: #246 blueraven

I suspect a lot of twitter accounts of famous people attract spam bots.
The point is; Obama's new follower count is consistent.

Something strange is going on with Romney's account.

My guess is he's newly recognized as an international celebrity. Nigerian princes and Russian Mafia types probably just added him to their list.

250 darthstar  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:49:09pm

re: #245 bubba zanetti

ROMNEYBOT 3000 EXTENDS GREETINGS TO BOTS OF THE WORLD

And would they please make a donation. I'd love to see the Romney campaign get schooled by a Nigerian bank fraudster...that would be hilarious.

251 darthstar  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:49:53pm

re: #246 blueraven

Something strange is going on with Romney's account.

Romney's just fucking strange.

252 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:50:29pm

re: #248 darthstar

Buzzfeed Andrew can be a bit of a tard at times...not sure what his game is.

[Embedded content]

I'm not saying this is a cause/effect thing, but he is a Republican.

253 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:50:58pm

Just followed Obama
[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]
Looks like the same bot, over and over again.

254 blueraven  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:51:46pm

re: #249 Killgore Trout

My guess is he's newly recognized as an international celebrity. Nigerian princes and Russian Mafia types probably just added him to their list.

Really...just now?

255 darthstar  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:53:26pm

re: #252 wrenchwench

I'm not saying this is a cause/effect thing, but he is a Republican.

I figured as much. I need to take him off my list...he annoys the fuck out of me with his magical balance fairy crap.

256 darthstar  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:55:44pm
257 bubba zanetti  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:56:50pm

Dear Sir,

Good day and compliments. This letter will definitely come to you as a huge surprise, but I implore you to take the time to go through it carefully as the decision you make will go off a long way to determine the future and continued existence of the American way of life.

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Mrs. Sunshine Caraway, the wife of the late head of state and commander in chief of the armed forces of the State Militia of Alabama who died on the 8th of June 1998.

My ordeal started immediately after my husband's death on the morning of 8th June 1998, and the subsequent take over of the militia by the federal government. The present administration is determined to portray all the good work of my late husband in a bad light and have gone as far as confiscating all my late husband's assets, properties, freezing our accounts both within and outside Alabama. As I am writing this letter to you, my son Colton Coonrod-Caraway is undergoing questioning with the government. All these measures taken by the present government is just to gain UN support.

I and the entire members of my family have been held incommunicado since the death of my husband, hence I seek your indulgence to assist us in securing these funds. We are not allowed to see or discuss with anybody. Few occasions I have tried traveling out of state through alternative means all failed.

It is in view of this I have mandated Mr. Carson Coalpocket, who has been assisting the family to run around on so many issues to act on behalf of the family concerning the substance of this letter. He has the full power of attorney to execute this transaction with you.

My late husband has Eighty Million Dollars ($80,000,000.00) in gold coins specially preserved and well packed in trunk boxes of which only my husband and I knew about. It is packed in such a way to forestall just anybody having access to it. It is this sum that I seek your assistance to get out of Alabama as soon as possible before the government finds out about it and confiscate it just like they have done to all our assets.

I implore you to please give consideration to my predicament and help a widow in need.

May God show you mercy as you do so?

Your faithfully,

Mrs. Sunshine Caraway

N/B: Please contact Dr Carson Coalpocket on this e-mail address for further briefing and modalities

258 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:56:53pm

re: #254 blueraven

Really...just now?

Yes, it might shock you to learn that most of the world pays no attention to our second rate politicians. The only exception was Obama. Most Europeans and Brits were really excited and followed the last election but I think that's a rarity. Most of the time they pay no attention. Do you know who the lead challenger in the UK is? How about Italy? Russia? China?

259 Steve  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:57:29pm

Is Mitt's hockey stick like the globel warming hockey stick?

260 erik_t  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 2:58:37pm

re: #258 Killgore Trout

Yes, it might shock you to learn that most of the world pays no attention to our second rate politicians. The only exception was Obama. Most Europeans and Brits were really excited and followed the last election but I think that's a rarity. Most of the time they pay no attention. Do you know who the lead challenger in the UK is? How about Italy? Russia? China?

What, precisely, do you propose changed things? What campaign news has driven foreign news cycles in the last week?

261 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:01:24pm

re: #257 bubba zanetti

That's very good work, but we deal only in Confederate bonds, here.

262 bubba zanetti  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:04:12pm

re: #261 Decatur Deb

That's very good work, but we deal only in Confederate bonds, here.

Arggh, that really would have been a good detail.

263 blueraven  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:04:38pm

re: #258 Killgore Trout

Yes, it might shock you to learn that most of the world pays no attention to our second rate politicians. The only exception was Obama. Most Europeans and Brits were really excited and followed the last election but I think that's a rarity. Most of the time they pay no attention. Do you know who the lead challenger in the UK is? How about Italy? Russia? China?

I am skeptical that they all discovered Mitt at the same time.

264 andres  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:11:08pm

re: #43 Charles Johnson

[Embedded content]

This seems unlikely.

I was going to say that it's impossibility made it possible, but after seeing the prices of buying Twitter followers, holy ****, you'd have to be really stupid to waste that much money on a prank so stupid.

265 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:16:46pm

When all is said and done, it appears that twitter bots are the new normal for political social media.

Lots of real followers, lots more bots.

So much for the credibility of social media and Twitter revolutions.

266 Aye Pod  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:17:27pm

re: #249 Killgore Trout

My guess is he's newly recognized as an international celebrity. Nigerian princes and Russian Mafia types probably just added him to their list.

Yeah and what about those space aliens? I see no why they shouldn't opt for Romney, should large numbers of them happen to float by just yesterday and today.

It is typical of the new LGF that people should cavalierly dismiss such possibilities./

267 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:17:34pm

re: #260 erik_t

What, precisely, do you propose changed things? What campaign news has driven foreign news cycles in the last week?

Now that I think about it...We are talking bots here. Human recognition of his celebrity status by some bot programer in Korea probably isn't a factor. My guess is that in the past few days Mitt's twitter passed some milestone in followers (or whatever) that triggered an automated response from the bots. I have no idea how this stuff works, just my guess.

268 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:18:53pm

Much ado 'bot nothing.

269 dragonath  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:18:57pm

Mitt just got followed by "Eager Young Conservatives" and "James Holmes".

Oh god what's wrong with this world

270 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:20:49pm

This reminds of me of the payola radio schemes.

Play for pay.

271 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:21:02pm

re: #258 Killgore Trout

Do you know who the lead challenger in the UK is? How about Italy? Russia? China?

Well, in the UK I read recently where the UKIP is willing to team up with Tories as needed, and the Labor party is still struggling to get its act together.

In Italy, politics is a matter of which month it is.

China - We have not read anything that would imply that the oligarchy that runs the central government has made any significant changes of late.

Russia - Putin is now ceremonially back in power, to match his previous de facto power.

Those were easy.

The hard question - who really is running Burkina Faso?

272 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:21:27pm

re: #268 Decatur Deb

Much ado 'bot nothing.

lol
/bot laugh

273 blueraven  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:22:45pm

re: #267 Killgore Trout

Now that I think about it...We are talking bots here. Human recognition of his celebrity status by some bot programer in Korea probably isn't a factor. My guess is that in the past few days Mitt's twitter passed some milestone in followers (or whatever) that triggered an automated response from the bots. I have no idea how this stuff works, just my guess.

Possibly so KT, but your penchant for MBF seems to skew your thinking at times.

I have no idea whats going on. Maybe his account has been hacked or something, but the same thing is not happening with Obama's acct in any significant way.
You could have made your points without going there.

274 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:22:45pm

re: #271 freetoken

Well, in the UK I read recently where the UKIP is willing to team up with Tories as needed, and the Labor party is still struggling to get its act together.

In Italy, politics is a matter of which month it is.

China - We have not read anything that would imply that the oligarchy that runs the central government has made any significant changes of late.

Russia - Putin is now ceremonially back in power, to match his previous de facto power.

Those were easy.

The hard question - who really is running Burkina Faso?

The Hon. Uparsin "Uppa" Volta.

275 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:23:24pm

re: #271 freetoken

Impressive!

The hard question - who really is running Burkina Faso?

I had to google, I thought it was the hot chick politician from the Ukraine.

276 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:24:10pm

re: #267 Killgore Trout

I read several web security email lists and keep up on this stuff, and I've never heard of a Twitter bot attack that involved hundreds of thousands of fake accounts. Not saying it hasn't happened, but it's definitely not commonplace or I would have heard of it before.

There are lots of bots on Twitter, and people with a lot of followers inevitably have some bots among them. But not hundreds of thousands, in a day or two.

I have, however, seen what happens when a user buys Twitter followers, and this is consistent. There are lots of obvious fake accounts created just for the purpose of following.

277 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:28:11pm

re: #275 Killgore Trout

Did you know that Burkina Faso is the fourth largest gold producer in Africa?

Which explains why its status is so closely watched compared to many other small countries.

278 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:28:46pm

re: #276 Charles Johnson

Mitt seems to have blocked bots on his twitter at the moment but here's J Lo
[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

most of the new follows are bots. Looks like about the same rate of 100 new follows every 20 seconds or so.

279 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:29:40pm

re: #277 freetoken

Did you know that Burkina Faso is the fourth largest gold producer in Africa?

Which explains why its status is so closely watched compared to many other small countries.

Yeah, I was just reading the Wiki page. Never even heard of it before. Sounds cool.

280 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:30:41pm

re: #279 Killgore Trout

As Decatur Deb suggested, the old term "Upper Volta" is much more recognized.

281 dragonath  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:31:46pm

Breaking: 99 Percent of all Tweets are Vapid

282 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:31:47pm

re: #278 Killgore Trout

No, it's going up and down, which is normal for Twitter accounts with millions of followers. At that level, the count is an approximation that varies often.

283 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:32:17pm

re: #280 freetoken

As Decatur Deb suggested, the old term "Upper Volta" is much more recognized.

IIRC, there never was a 'Lower Volta'. UV was one of the early producers of attractive commemorative postage stamps.

284 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:32:31pm

re: #277 freetoken

Did you know that Burkina Faso is the fourth largest gold producer in Africa?

Which explains why its status is so closely watched compared to many other small countries.

I just realized I have heard of it before. It was a running joke in my Foreign Service family that if I misbehaved they were going to request our next station assignment would be Ouagadougou. Heh

285 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:34:26pm

Several refreshes on J Lo's page:

9,564,735
9,564,717
9,564,703
9,564,732
9,564,717

It's not going up by a hundred every time at all. It's holding pretty steady with some variation, both up and down.

286 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:34:33pm

re: #282 Charles Johnson

No, it's going up and down, which is normal for Twitter accounts with millions of followers. At that level, the count is an approximation that varies often.

Ah, you're right. It varies by a few hundred follows every few seconds but the overall number is fairly constant. Interesting.

287 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:35:47pm

re: #283 Decatur Deb

IIRC, there never was a 'Lower Volta'. UV was one of the early producers of attractive commemorative postage stamps.

If you modify the suspension, this is one!!
Image: chevy-volt.png

288 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:40:20pm

Just followed Mitt...
[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

I got 237,576 points while escaping from demon monkeys in Temple Run. Beat that

Just followed Obama
[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

I got 237,576 points while escaping from demon monkeys in Temple Run. Beat that

Same bot

289 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:41:40pm

re: #288 Killgore Trout

Just followed Mitt...
[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

Just followed Obama
[Link: mobile.twitter.com...]

Same bot

Same Bot Magical Balance Fairy!

290 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:42:17pm

re: #289 Killgore Trout

Literally

291 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:43:58pm

re: #290 researchok

Literally

Yeah, looks like we have the mystery solved. Unless Mitt and Obama are buying the same fake twitter followers this just looks like normal spam bot activity.

292 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:44:06pm

re: #289 Killgore Trout

I'd probably be impressed if I knew what it meant!!

Anywho,,, I give this whole thing an obligatory OUTRAGEOUS!

293 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:44:11pm

re: #283 Decatur Deb

IIRC, there never was a 'Lower Volta'. UV was one of the early producers of attractive commemorative postage stamps.

During the late colonial period, many French and British colonies were prolific issuers of beautiful stamps. From my stamp collecting period in my youth I remember some of them. I still have them in a case, locked away. I've been thinking if I should dig out the old collection and see if it is worth anything. From my cursory research most 20th century commemoratives aren't worth enough to sell (e.g., can't pay for the eBay commission), but I have several hundred 19th century stamps that I suspect could be sold as a single collection.

294 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:45:22pm

re: #292 sattv4u2

I'd probably be impressed if I knew what it meant!!

Anywho,,, I give this whole thing an obligatory OUTRAGEOUS!

I edited out a link, probably trying to trick people into clicking for a fun game or something.

295 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:45:45pm

re: #288 Killgore Trout

I highly suspect that Twitter is going to have to rework their system as it chokes on these sort of things. I wonder how long till Twitter loses its luster?

296 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:46:00pm

re: #291 Killgore Trout

Yeah, looks like we have the mystery solved. Unless Mitt and Obama are buying the same fake twitter followers this just looks like normal spam bot activity.

HOLD THE WEDDIN

Mitt and Obama are in this together!?!?!?
Where's Alex Jones?

I want video of the latest Bilderbergs!!!!

297 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:46:56pm

re: #295 freetoken

I highly suspect that Twitter is going to have to rework their system as it chokes on these sort of things. I wonder how long till Twitter loses its luster?

I never took a shine to it

Still don't
Don't see it happening in the future either

298 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:46:57pm
299 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:48:19pm

re: #295 freetoken

I highly suspect that Twitter is going to have to rework their system as it chokes on these sort of things. I wonder how long till Twitter loses its luster?

It hasn't killed email yet.

300 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:49:09pm

In the history books of the 2500's"

America wasn't done in by the Communists.

It was the scammers that succeeded.

301 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:52:06pm

re: #299 wrenchwench

It hasn't killed email yet.

apples/ oranges, imho

302 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:53:02pm

re: #295 freetoken

I highly suspect that Twitter is going to have to rework their system as it chokes on these sort of things. I wonder how long till Twitter loses its luster?

I don't think twitter has much time left before something new comes along.

303 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:53:29pm

re: #301 sattv4u2

apples/ oranges, imho

Email is different from Twitter, but the spammers are the same. I block any twitter followers I don't know (with rare exception). Spam is not a problem for me.

304 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:54:00pm

re: #300 freetoken

In the history books of the 2500's"

And if the communists link with the scammers, that may be written a couple of centuries early!

305 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:54:00pm

re: #291 Killgore Trout

Yeah, looks like we have the mystery solved. Unless Mitt and Obama are buying the same fake twitter followers this just looks like normal spam bot activity.

No, it does not look like normal spambot activity. I repeat: normal spambot activity does not produce more than 100,000 fake followers in one day.

306 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:56:02pm

re: #302 Killgore Trout

I don't think twitter has much time left before something new comes along.

Well, I see that WWE (majority owned by Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon) is investing in and touting TOUT.

307 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:57:03pm

Oh look, Mitt Romney has 11 Touts!

[Link: www.tout.com...]

308 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:57:23pm

re: #306 freetoken

Well, I see that WWE (majority owned by Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon) is investing in and touting TOUT.

15 second video clips? Is bandwith still that tight?

309 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:57:32pm

Gingrich got busted for buying Twitter followers.

It seems unlikely to me the campaigns would do the same.

Maybe some over enthusiastic supporters- or a dirty trick effort.

310 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:59:04pm

re: #308 Killgore Trout

Well, Romney only has 5404 followers on Tout, so it's still a long way behind Twitter.

And yes, for many handheld devices the bandwidth is limiting.

311 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:59:21pm

re: #307 freetoken

Oh look, Mitt Romney has 11 Touts!

[Link: www.tout.com...]

How's Obama doing on tout?

312 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 3:59:37pm

Heh... Mitt just added a Tout follower... sneaky!

313 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:00:04pm

re: #312 freetoken

Heh... Mitt just added a Tout follower... sneaky!

Conspiracy!

314 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:00:54pm

re: #311 Killgore Trout

I don't know if he has an account.

Given that Tout is now under the control of the McMahons, it may not be beneficial for the President to have an account.

315 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:02:01pm

re: #309 researchok

Gingrich got busted for buying Twitter followers.

It seems unlikely to me the campaigns would do the same.

Maybe some over enthusiastic supporters- or a dirty trick effort.

From Charles' link

I’m not saying he bought them,

Personally, I think this is too obvious for the Romney campaign to have done.

316 erik_t  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:02:22pm

What the fuck is a tout? Isn't that some kind of freshwater fish?

317 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:02:49pm

re: #316 erik_t

What the fuck is a tout? Isn't that some kind of freshwater fish?

I thought it was a long time LGF poster...

318 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:02:52pm

re: #312 freetoken

Heh... Mitt just added a Tout follower... sneaky!

re: #313 Killgore Trout

Conspiracy!

shhhh,,, it was FreeToken, checking out a theory!!

//

319 Big Joe  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:04:54pm

re: #316 erik_t

What the fuck is a tout? Isn't that some kind of freshwater fish?

We have our own. Kilgoe Tout

320 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:05:21pm

re: #318 sattv4u2

I just thought it was notable that a Republican politician (McMahon) was involved in an alternative product to Twitter, and that Romney is apparently (perhaps without his knowledge) is participating in it.

321 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:05:41pm

re: #319 Big Joe

We have our own. Kilgoe Tout

I was thinking of Reine.

322 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:05:57pm

re: #316 erik_t

What the fuck is a tout? Isn't that some kind of freshwater fish?

At the track, it's someone who tries to sway the betting. Might be a good usage in this case.

323 researchok  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:08:06pm
324 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:08:12pm

re: #320 freetoken

I just thought it was notable that a Republican politician (McMahon) was involved in an alternative product to Twitter, and that Romney is apparently (perhaps without his knowledge) is participating in it.

And what of the four "founders" of Twitter? What are their political leanings?


(answer,,,, it really doesn't matter, nor does the founders of Tout or any other social network imho)

325 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:09:44pm

re: #319 Big Joe

We have our own. Kilgoe Tout

"Alex,, can I buy an R??"

"sorry, you can only buy vowels"

326 erik_t  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:09:53pm

re: #324 sattv4u2

And what of the four "founders" of Twitter? What are their political leanings?

(answer,,, it really doesn't matter, nor does the founders of Tout or any other social network imho)

Plenty unsavory about the McMahons that has nothing to do with which party they might be a part of.

327 dragonath  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:10:54pm

"Touts Gulag" just doesn't have the same ring to it...

328 palomino  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:11:51pm

re: #291 Killgore Trout

Yeah, looks like we have the mystery solved. Unless Mitt and Obama are buying the same fake twitter followers this just looks like normal spam bot activity.

How does this solve the mystery?

329 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:14:47pm

re: #322 Decatur Deb

At the track, it's someone who tries to sway the betting. Might be a good usage in this case.

Is that a line on your resume??

330 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:15:43pm

re: #329 sattv4u2

Is that a line on your resume??

"I got the horse right here
The name is Paul Revere
And here's a guy that says that the weather's clear
Can do, can do, this guy says the horse can do
If he says the horse can do, can do, can do."

331 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:16:36pm

re: #330 Decatur Deb

"I got the horse right here
The name is Paul Revere
And here's a guy that says that the weather's clear
Can do, can do, this guy says the horse can do
If he says the horse can do, can do, can do."

Guys and Dolls!

332 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:19:00pm

re: #330 Decatur Deb

btw,,
I (mis)spent a lot of my youth here

[Link: www.suffolkdowns.com...]

I have a cousin that still owns/ runs several horses there each season

333 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:20:32pm

re: #332 sattv4u2

btw,,
I (mis)spent a lot of my youth here

[Link: www.suffolkdowns.com...]

I have a cousin that still owns/ runs several horses there each season

Second-favorite uncle used to take me to Wheeling Downs, later I realized it was a reward for running numbers slips in the neighborhood.

334 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:20:40pm

re: #323 researchok

$225 for 50k plus followers.

Why would I pay for someone to stalk me !?!?
/(kinda)

335 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:21:13pm

re: #332 sattv4u2

btw,,
I (mis)spent a lot of my youth here

[Link: www.suffolkdowns.com...]

I have a cousin that still owns/ runs several horses there each season

Is his name "Mitt"?

336 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:21:32pm

re: #333 Decatur Deb

Second-favorite uncle used to take me to Wheeling Downs, later I realized it was a reward for running numbers slips in the neighborhood.

Yup,,,

The law usually wouldn't arrest a kid, just take the slips and rip them up

337 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:22:05pm

re: #335 Decatur Deb

Is his name "Mitt"?

Actually, NUNZIO!!!

338 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:22:31pm

re: #328 palomino

How does this solve the mystery?

It doesn't. If it's an unusually large-scale spambot operation, it's odd that a lot of these accounts don't link to any websites, spam or otherwise. I've seen many that are simply weird names, with a few dozen tweets from some kind of quote file. No obvious spamming going on.

Andrew Kaczynski's idea that someone else might be buying the followers to embarrass Mitt seems unlikely but possible, since it doesn't cost that much. But I also think it's quite possible that someone on the Romney campaign decided to spend that small amount of money, and get Mitt's Twitter numbers into the millions. I don't take their denial at face value, and to me this still seems the most likely explanation until we get more info.

339 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:25:03pm

re: #337 sattv4u2

Actually, NUNZIO!!!

Think I know him. Is his middle name "the"?

340 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:25:26pm

re: #339 Decatur Deb

Think I know him. Is his middle name "the"?

Aren't they all!!?!?!

341 Targetpractice  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:27:16pm

re: #338 Charles Johnson

It doesn't. If it's an unusually large-scale spambot operation, it's odd that a lot of these accounts don't link to any websites, spam or otherwise. I've seen many that are simply weird names, with a few dozen tweets from some kind of quote file. No obvious spamming going on.

Andrew Kaczynski's idea that someone else might be buying the followers to embarrass Mitt seems unlikely but possible, since it doesn't cost that much. But I also think it's quite possible that someone on the Romney campaign decided to spend that small amount of money, and get Mitt's Twitter numbers into the millions. I don't take their denial at face value, and to me this still seems the most likely explanation until we get more info.

Plausible deniability, staffer pays out of his own pocket to get his bosses numbers up, so that he gets found out, campaign can just jettison him while releasing filing a press release about how somebody within their campaign acted on his own initiative and nobody in control approved of such a tactic.

342 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:27:39pm

RWC here? I'm in your neck of the woods - Biltmore- dtown LA.

343 sattv4u2  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:29:00pm

Ah well

Guess I'll go do something else!

344 Achilles Tang  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:31:37pm

re: #175 researchok

No. I meant to say of you have a Twitter account you are probably getting new follower notices everyday.

Sorry for the confusion.

I don't twit. I have enough crap coming on my phone as it is.

345 Buck  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:37:46pm

The Mitt Romney twitter account is being attacked and you are watching and trying to figure out how he is benefiting from the attack.

The is NO VOTE to be had from tweeting to bots.
There is benefit to spamming the legit followers of the account.

But no problem, just stare and laugh. If it happens to your account it wont be as funny.

346 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:38:53pm

According to Think Progress, Newt said an over-zealous staffer paid for the fake accounts.

From TP:
Former GOP presidential contender Newt Gingrich experienced similar Twitter embarrassment in August of 2011, after it was reported that as many as 92 percent of his Twitter followers were fake. In that case, a “former Gingrich staffer has supposedly alleged that he bought his followers.”

347 Daniel Ballard  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:39:23pm

re: #342 Stanley Sea

Hi
Biltmore? That's my work neighborhood. 1 block from the jewelry district. Welcome to LA.

Gotta run soon, it's Dragon_lady's birthday party. Lots of food and drink. Should be a great party if it will just cool down a bit!! If you find yourself near Toluca Lake (east SF valley) send me an email and join the party!

348 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:41:41pm

re: #345 Buck

But no problem, just stare and laugh.

That's my usual reaction to your comments.

349 Achilles Tang  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:41:42pm

re: #345 Buck

The Mitt Romney twitter account is being attacked and you are watching and trying to figure out how he is benefiting from the attack.

The is NO VOTE to be had from tweeting to bots.
There is benefit to spamming the legit followers of the account.

But no problem, just stare and laugh. If it happens to your account it wont be as funny.

I don't know much about twitter, but according to you, just having followers is spamming. Perhaps you could explain how that is damaging?

350 Buck  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:42:02pm

re: #338 Charles Johnson

If it's an unusually large-scale spambot operation, it's odd that a lot of these accounts don't link to any websites, spam or otherwise.

The bots send tweets to the legitimate accounts that include a spam website.

351 RadicalModerate  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:42:28pm

Apparently we now know who is truly responsible for the Thursday night mass murder in Colorado. At least according to two "Christian" leaders, it's the fact that gay people exist there.

Hate Group Leaders Use Colorado Massacre To Attack Gay People

352 Buck  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:43:05pm

re: #349 Achilles Tang

I don't know much about twitter, but according to you, just having followers is spamming. Perhaps you could explain how that is damaging?

Yes, I do explain that in the post:

There is benefit to spamming the legit followers of the account.
The bots send tweets to the legitimate accounts that include a spam website.

353 Targetpractice  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:44:26pm

re: #346 OhNoZombies!

According to Think Progress, Newt said an over-zealous staffer paid for the fake accounts.

From TP:
Former GOP presidential contender Newt Gingrich experienced similar Twitter embarrassment in August of 2011, after it was reported that as many as 92 percent of his Twitter followers were fake. In that case, a “former Gingrich staffer has supposedly alleged that he bought his followers.”

Seems like one of two plausible scenarios, that either somebody on the staff is funding this bum-rush or that there's a spam attack going.

354 blueraven  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:46:42pm

re: #291 Killgore Trout

Yeah, looks like we have the mystery solved. Unless Mitt and Obama are buying the same fake twitter followers this just looks like normal spam bot activity.

huh?

355 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:46:53pm

Ok, I just followed Romney. Now, let's test the hypothesis that I will receive spam because of such.

356 erik_t  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:47:11pm

The night's not complete without a Buck downding. Hooray!

357 RadicalModerate  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:47:33pm

re: #346 OhNoZombies!

According to Think Progress, Newt said an over-zealous staffer paid for the fake accounts.

From TP:
Former GOP presidential contender Newt Gingrich experienced similar Twitter embarrassment in August of 2011, after it was reported that as many as 92 percent of his Twitter followers were fake. In that case, a “former Gingrich staffer has supposedly alleged that he bought his followers.”

With the GOP and their close allies, it is ALWAYS an "overzealous staffer" to blame when they are caught engaging in underhanded shenanigans.

358 Achilles Tang  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:51:07pm

re: #352 Buck

Yes, I do explain that in the post:

There is benefit to spamming the legit followers of the account.
The bots send tweets to the legitimate accounts that include a spam website.

So you can follow someone and that will send all other followers to your spam website? I don't think so. Too primitive sounding.

359 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:51:15pm

re: #353 Targetpractice

Apparently there is this company that figured out how to spot dummy accounts, and if that's the case, we will know soon enough.
Only 92% of Gingrich's followers are fake.

In any case, Mitt will deny he knew anything about it.

360 Targetpractice  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:52:30pm

re: #359 OhNoZombies!

Apparently there is this company that figured out how to spot dummy accounts, and if that's the case, we will know soon enough.
Only 92% of Gingrich's followers are fake.

In any case, Mitt will deny he knew anything about it.

Well, if it truly is a spam attack, there's not really much that can be done other than to alert Twitter.

361 Buck  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:52:39pm

re: #358 Achilles Tang

So you can follow someone and that will send all other followers to your spam website? I don't think so. Too primitive sounding.

I said the "bots send tweets to the legitimate accounts that include a spam website."

Send tweets that include spam....

362 erik_t  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:53:50pm

The Ronald Wilson Reagan Exclusive Economic Zone!

1) gigglesnort
2) You've got three guesses as to which asshat is responsible for this one

363 Mattand  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:54:25pm

re: #354 blueraven

huh?

It was the Magical Balance Fairy, in the office, with the mouse.

364 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:55:48pm

re: #363 Mattand

It was the Magical Balance Fairy, in the office basement, with the mouse.

Yours was good. I couldn't resist, though.

365 Reverend Mother Ramallo  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:55:50pm

re: #362 erik_t

The sad part is,I can't even say that's the dumbest thing I've heard all day.

366 Mattand  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:56:27pm

re: #364 wrenchwench

Yours was good. I couldn't resist, though.

Anything to improve the comedy.

367 RadicalModerate  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:56:46pm

re: #362 erik_t

The Ronald Wilson Reagan Exclusive Economic Zone!

1) gigglesnort
2) You've got three guesses as to which asshat is responsible for this one

While we're at it can we name a federal prison after the three-time felon Darell Issa?

368 erik_t  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:57:03pm

re: #365 OhNoZombies!

The sad part is,I can't even say that's the dumbest thing I've heard all day.

Because if there's anything that Ronald Reagan stood for, it's having governments apportion real estate for exclusive economic use of some entities and not others.

369 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:59:06pm

re: #367 RadicalModerate

While we're at it can we name a federal prison after the three-time felon Darell Issa?

Car-Thief in Chief... who is now one of the richest men in Congress, because given his expertise in auto theft he was able to sell car alarms to the masses.

370 Timmeh  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:59:12pm

Maybe one of his superpacs bought him the followers.

In which case it would be technically true that the campaign itself didn't buy the followers.

Or, a Romney supporter bought the followers.

371 wrenchwench  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 4:59:47pm

re: #351 RadicalModerate

Apparently we now know who is truly responsible for the Thursday night mass murder in Colorado. At least according to two "Christian" leaders, it's the fact that gay people exist there.

Hate Group Leaders Use Colorado Massacre To Attack Gay People

Either that, or it was their own damn fault.

"What a heart breaking story," writes Pearce. "Had someone been prepared and armed they could have stopped this `bad' man from most of this tragedy. He was two and three feet away from folks, I understand he had to stop and reload. Where were the men of flight 93???? Someone should have stopped this man. Someone could have stopped this man.

"Lives were lost because of a bad man, not because he had a weapon, but because noone [sic] was prepared to stop it. Had they been prepared to save their lives or lives of others, lives would have been saved. All that was needed is one Courages/Brave [sic] man prepared mentally or otherwise to stop this it could have been done."

Russell Pearce Blames Victims for Dark Knight Massacre

372 RadicalModerate  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 5:01:59pm

re: #371 wrenchwench

Either that, or it was their own damn fault.

Russell Pearce Blames Victims for Dark Knight Massacre

Yeah, just like those family members that his good friend, neo-Nazi J.T. Ready murdered earlier this year. It was all their fault too.

373 palomino  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 5:05:07pm

re: #345 Buck

The Mitt Romney twitter account is being attacked and you are watching and trying to figure out how he is benefiting from the attack.

The is NO VOTE to be had from tweeting to bots.
There is benefit to spamming the legit followers of the account.

But no problem, just stare and laugh. If it happens to your account it wont be as funny.

What makes you so sure of this? Other than the unimpeachable feeling in your gut? Should we just take that on faith?

374 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 5:09:54pm

Kim Kardashian has 14.5 million followers and I am sure all of them are very thoughtful, real people.

375 freetoken  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 5:15:20pm

Ooopps... I short-changed Kim. She has 15.4 million followers.

376 Buck  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 5:20:15pm

re: #373 palomino

What makes you so sure of this? Other than the unimpeachable feeling in your gut? Should we just take that on faith?

No, please continue to embarrass yourself.

Charles said: "There are lots of bots on Twitter, and people with a lot of followers inevitably have some bots among them. But not hundreds of thousands, in a day or two."

So as far as he can determine, this is only different in the size of the attack.

There is zero benefit to tweeting to fake accounts. No one sees it. Everyone can list the followers and see that they are fake. Again no benefit.

However, we know that spamming a list of legitimate followers with #288 I got 237,576 points while escaping from demon monkeys in Temple Run. Beat that

Anyway... be outraged, laugh at the attack. It matters to me not at all.

I laugh at the 'outrageous outrage' that both sides do.

377 palomino  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 5:25:37pm

re: #371 wrenchwench

Either that, or it was their own damn fault.

Russell Pearce Blames Victims for Dark Knight Massacre

Pearce lives in a childlike fantasyland where there's a superhero in every movie audience. Is it really reasonable to expect that in a darkened tear gas riddled movie theater that some stud would prepared to go commando on the shooter's ass within a few seconds.

Pearce might as well be telling us that Batman himself should have come off the screen to save people. The comparison to United 93 is absurd. The people on that flight had enough time to figure out what was going on and plan a valiant attack. At the midnite showing of Batman no such time existed.

378 palomino  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 5:35:19pm

re: #376 Buck

No, please continue to embarrass yourself.

Charles said: "There are lots of bots on Twitter, and people with a lot of followers inevitably have some bots among them. But not hundreds of thousands, in a day or two."

So as far as he can determine, this is only different in the size of the attack.

There is zero benefit to tweeting to fake accounts. No one sees it. Everyone can list the followers and see that they are fake. Again no benefit.

However, we know that spamming a list of legitimate followers with #288 I got 237,576 points while escaping from demon monkeys in Temple Run. Beat that

Anyway... be outraged, laugh at the attack. It matters to me not at all.

I laugh at the 'outrageous outrage' that both sides do.

I'm "embarrassing myself" by asking you a simple question?, ie, why you disagree with the assertion of the post?

I didn't say anywhere that I was outraged by the attack; I don't even fully understand the nature of the alleged attack, as I'm no computer expert. All I did was ask a simple question, and then got condescending gibberish from you in response. You really think anyone gives a flying fuck about your monkeys in Temple Run?

You have a knack for continuing to prove yourself the most phony, intellectually dishonest and dickish (in a very prissy way) of all regular commenters here. Now, as I've told you several times before, go fuck yourself.

379 Buck  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 5:47:42pm

re: #378 palomino

I'm "embarrassing myself" by asking you a simple question?, ie, why you disagree with the assertion of the post?

You asked "Should we just take that on faith?"

I answered that.

You really don't understand. The "monkeys in Temple Run" was reference to the kind of spam being sent to Romney twitter followers (I even included the link to explain that) by the bots attacking his account.

The bots are computers that create the Twitter accounts. The fake computer generated accounts then "follow" other accounts with a high number of legitimate followers. There is no response needed from the account followed. In Twitter the person being followed does not have to accept the follower.

Then the computer generated account looks up the legitimate followers and starts to send THEM spam. Just like the spam that Killgore received.

As some of the legitimate users get spam, they then "report and block" the spammer. If a very high number of accounts block a certain account in a short amount of time, the bot might get blocked. Then the computer moves on to the next bot account and so on.

380 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 5:54:00pm

re: #345 Buck

You seem upset, Buck.

381 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 5:56:56pm

re: #379 Buck

The bots are computers that create the Twitter accounts. The fake computer generated accounts then "follow" other accounts with a high number of legitimate followers. There is no response needed from the account followed. In Twitter the person being followed does not have to accept the follower.

Then the computer generated account looks up the legitimate followers and starts to send THEM spam. Just like the spam that Killgore received.

Uh, Buck - on Twitter, you don't have to follow someone to see who they're following. You just go to their followers page. There's no need for a spambot to use an intermediary person.

382 Achilles Tang  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 6:04:09pm

re: #361 Buck

I said the "bots send tweets to the legitimate accounts that include a spam website."

Send tweets that include spam...

OK, that's simple spamming which I am sure has counters, but I don't see what it has to do with just registering as a follower.

Anyway, I don't know squat about tweet, so this is probably a pointless discussion.

383 Buck  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 6:33:58pm

re: #381 Charles Johnson

Uh, Buck - on Twitter, you don't have to follow someone to see who they're following. You just go to their followers page. There's no need for a spambot to use an intermediary person.

You know that they do follow the accounts to try and seem legit
Seriously you think the plan is to buy 17 million followers?

384 Buck  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 6:41:27pm

re: #380 Charles Johnson

You seem upset, Buck.

Not at all.

385 Buck  Sat, Jul 21, 2012 6:48:01pm

re: #382 Achilles Tang

OK, that's simple spamming which I am sure has counters, but I don't see what it has to do with just registering as a follower.

Anyway, I don't know squat about tweet, so this is probably a pointless discussion.

When you look at the bot account you see that they don't have followers but do follow a number of users to seem legit to the untrained eye.

386 Obdicut  Sun, Jul 22, 2012 3:39:19am

re: #383 Buck

Why would following an account make them seem legit, Buck?

387 Buck  Sun, Jul 22, 2012 9:24:35am

re: #386 Obdicut

Why would following an account make them seem legit, Buck?

Answered in #385

388 MPH  Sun, Jul 22, 2012 2:27:24pm

When Newt Gingrich was accused of gaming his Twitter followers last summer, it was my company that provided the data showing just how small a percentage of his overall followers were actually people/consumers.

We're currently tracking the growth of Romney's followers -- and we should have some fresh data tomorrow to see if the new Twitter followers are good quality folks -- or perhaps just a bunch of spammy accounts. [Link: peekanalytics.com...]

Especially in the wake of Gingrich's bad press, I have a hard time believing Romney's ad agencies would spend any money on fake followers. I wouldn't put it past one of his political opponents (ideological opponent most likely in no way affiliated with the Obama campaign) to plop down a small amount of money to embarrass the Romney campaign, though.

While Twitter has significantly improved their spam fighting capabilities, it is still quite easy to cheaply game your Twitter follower count - Google "buy twitter followers" and you'll see what I mean. $1000 buys you tens of thousands of fake followers...and possibly a bunch of bad press for your opponent.

389 MPH  Mon, Jul 23, 2012 8:26:21am

Those new followers don't look like the greatest quality followers:

[Link: peekanalytics.com...]

Click the "Week Over Week Insights" to see more details.


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