re: #29 Bob Levin

A few days ago someone posted a link to a trend where computer generated identities are signed up on sites, and have the ability to argue their programmed point of view? This argument doesn’t feel right, it hasn’t since the beginning.

I don’t know about automated systems that do this. But there are many “astroturf” campaigns that use real people. They pay people to go out and pretend to be dozens or hundreds of different identities. Using the fake identities they shill on forums and blogs - pretending to be a disinterested 3rd party for a while to build a reputation and trust. But then they start floating the talking points the company pays them to make.

My initial feeling about mikiesmoky2 was of an astroturfer. But as Freetoken pointed out, that may not be the case. We really couldn’t know without taking a look at his bank account. That’s not something I think he’d agree to.

Of course accusing him of being a shill is an Ad hominem attack. A logical fallacy. It doesn’t address the truth/untruth of the statements he has made. However it can help you understand mindset, tactics, etc to recognize that someone might not really be an independent agent.