TROLL ALERT: How to Spot a "Concern Troll"...

[CGP]

Well we all know about the standard Obama troll - this is someone who spams websites with blatantly anti-hillary smear and pro-obama propaganda. These types of trolls are very easy to spot and can be managed easily.

There's another type we need to be wary of - and we are. It's called the "concern troll". This is someone who is almost always an Obama supporter but posts under the guise of being a "concerned" Hillary supporter. The person will make it appear on the surface as though they support Hillary but will start raising "concerns" and negatives in a subtle fashion in an effort to shift support away from Hillary to Obama. Don't fall for it!

This is not to say that a genuine Hillary supporter can't legitimately raise concerns about Hillary or her campaign - they can and should but the genuine supporter will tend to do so in a less scheming way than a "concern troll".

I received this nice definition of a "concern troll" via an email group I signed up to. Here it is:


A concern troll is an actual word these days (you can do an internet search and see) and it fits here: "A concern troll posts in web forums devoted to its declared point of view and attempts to sway the group's actions or opinions while claiming to share their goals, but with professed 'concerns'. The goal is to sow fear, uncertainty and doubt within the group."



Something to remain mindful of! ;)

[G4Hillary]

Thank you so much for that post Murray. This is a very big point to highlight.

[EH]

As I've also seen in other forums, concern trolls will almost always post continuously in order to try and gain trust from othe forum members.

[BloodDAnna]

Hey now you're blowing my "concerned male indie voter" cover I use on other sites. Strangely when I post with a boy name I don't get attacked for my gender. Also, my dog doesn't mind that I use his name on the net :)

[G4Hillary]

Also, my dog doesn't mind that I use his name on the net :)
hehehe

[SD]

i feel these "concern trolls" are here. it is difficult to speak for fear of being wrong and accusing a sincere hillary supporter. but there have been some posts lately that my instincts tell me "beware".

[CGP]

i feel these "concern trolls" are here. it is difficult to speak for fear of being wrong and accusing a sincere hillary supporter. but there have been some posts lately that my instincts tell me "beware".

Amin + 7 Moderators keep a close watch. It's a "tight ship" here as they say! ;)

If ever you have concerns, send a PM to admin or a moderator and your inquiry will be treated confidentially. False alarms are inevitable but better to be safe than sorry!

[Suzan]

i feel these "concern trolls" are here. it is difficult to speak for fear of being wrong and accusing a sincere hillary supporter. but there have been some posts lately that my instincts tell me "beware".
But how do we tell the difference between an anxious supporter and a concern troll?

Might it be someone who's always expressing concern rather than posting positive news?

[Korn4hillary]

Thank You Murray And Admins

Well, I Tell You This " We Have No Fear " !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let Them Try And We Will Blunt Them Away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's Stand Together Hill-family:d:d:d

[Alessandro Machi]

Just wait for them to faint, that will give them away as an Obama supporter.

[evolin]

I have been exploring different web sites and blogs and there seems to be a concerted effort to make Hillary supporters think she needs to quit and give up. They want us to quit trying while we haven't quite finished the third inning of the game.
They even say on some blogs and polls that Hillary supporters want Hillary to stop right now and make up a ticket with Obama on it....and accept VP. We know that is not true.
Please do not buy what they are selling.
That is a game and they are trying to play that with us in order to win. I think that is one reason B R. came out and endorsed BO right now.
We just need to come out swinging again tomorrow, volunteering and working for Hillary.

[CGP]

I have been exploring different web sites and blogs and there seems to be a concerted effort to make Hillary supporters think she needs to quit and give up. They want us to quit trying while we haven't quite finished the third inning of the game.
They even say on some blogs and polls that Hillary supporters want Hillary to stop right now and make up a ticket with Obama on it....and accept VP. We know that is not true.
Please do not buy what they are selling.
That is a game and they are trying to play that with us in order to win. I think that is one reason B R. came out and endorsed BO right now.
We just need to come out swinging again tomorrow, volunteering and working for Hillary.

Absolutely, it's a mind game. And I heck, I know why they are playing it! Because they fear Hillary as an opponent. They also know that the longer this battle goes on, the worse it will be for Obama - more and more time for the truth to be exposed and for Obama to be disredited, on a wider public scale, as a viable candidate. Obama supporters and surrogates are running scared and they only strategy they know is "divide/abuse and conquer". Well, that's going to work in this case.

[EH]

Just wait for them to faint, that will give them away as an Obama supporter.

Either that, or try to "unbiasedly"defend Obama, or just come flat out and call us racists - they start to freak out once they're put in a corner!

[Suzan]

I have been exploring different web sites and blogs and there seems to be a concerted effort to make Hillary supporters think she needs to quit and give up. They want us to quit trying while we haven't quite finished the third inning of the game.
They even say on some blogs and polls that Hillary supporters want Hillary to stop right now and make up a ticket with Obama on it....and accept VP. We know that is not true.
Please do not buy what they are selling.
That is a game and they are trying to play that with us in order to win. I think that is one reason B R. came out and endorsed BO right now.
We just need to come out swinging again tomorrow, volunteering and working for Hillary.
I have noticed some of that here. I responded to a post yesterday about fears that she would quit. Some fears make sense to me. That one didn't.

[SD]

But how do we tell the difference between an anxious supporter and a concern troll?

Might it be someone who's always expressing concern rather than posting positive news?

i have posted a couple of times when i was down from reading the media, ect, and when i did, i did feel like a "concerned troll". i was given some great advice here and i took it. :)

it is really hard to tell the difference. but i think a "concerned troll" won't listen to the advice to stop listening to the biased media, and will keep trying to bring people down, or will give up and leave.

[Smart cookie]

There are lots of them on the various public polling blogs. I have suspected several in this forum. When I see questions being raised that would never cross the lips of a true Hillary supporter I tend to raise an eyebrow. If someone is interjecting doubts then let THEM own them. Don't be suckered in.

[foreigner4hillary]

lol...concerned trolls....interesting term :)

But let's not become those we detest. Free speech is important and raising pertinent doubts need to be addressed very seriously.

I hope the moderators will extend the benefit of the doubt to those suspected of being concerned trolls, if not so much for possibly converting them, then let it be a gesture of our moral superiority.

I have such faith in Hillary, that I believe, given the opportunity and open mindedness, anyone will recognise that she is the superior candidate. The only shortcoming I feel that she needs to address is her ease (or lack of rather) with the media and public speaking.

Bill Clinton is amazing at this. Even Obama pales when compared to Bill. Matter of fact, Obama isn't that great. Tony Blair is another amazing speaker.

[Linda C]

My biggest concern is fear mongering. There is going to be enough fear mongering in the general election.

Obama is a wet behind the ear politician who is in love with himself and his own platitude of messages. He has never had a legislative original thought

Hamas is not going to take over the world. Reverend Wright is not going to run this country. Obama is going to do what is best for Obama which generally means straddling conflicts until the political winds blow in a certain direction so he "looks" good. Forget about actually doing something.

The world will not swoon over him just because he shows up like some of his supporters do.

[skc1976]

It's amazing the amount of psychology that goes into this primary! LOL

[carmaken]

It's very discouraging that there is no safe place for people to vent. Just about all the other sites, and especially the polls and news articles when you read the postings, it is just so vile, when anyone tries to defend Hil' or to be the least bit positive for her; that I cannot read them for long. And I have a right to express my support for her as much as they have a right to express.
However, they should not come on and pollute this one. I am not sure I could identify one.

Our website stays respectful in the way we express to each other. I have been so impressed by this. And thanks to everyone for the high standards.

[Tea toaD]

They will NEVER change my mind. Come out, where ever you are. I will never support OBAMA:mad:

[CGP]

A confirmed "concern troll" has been busted tonight - managed to escape radar for 60+ posts before making a major blunder which drew my personal attention. Be wary of any posts you think are "suspect" and please PM moderators accordingly.

[evolin]

Be aware that there are also fake Hillary supporters answering the phone lines.
I got yelled at today by one I suspect, - saying what I was doing was wrong and was turning off a potential Clinton supporter.
I apologized for bothering him but did not beiieve him for a minute.
Hung up and redialed.

[MS BLUEGRASS]

O.K. I am now confused. Are there some subtle hints here that I am just not getting? If so, will someone take pity on me and send me a private message. I have a difficult time "reading between the lines"

There are other things that I would like to have clarification on. I am just not as knowledgeable as many of you who post. I have privately e-mailed another person who I respect on the board, and this person advised me to post some of my questions.

1. Murray, do you have something like FAQ, which I have missed?

2. What constitutes a "Senior Member"?

3. Are there any Mac users out there who would be willing to answer a few
questions I have about posting, pasting and clipping, etc?

[WV4Hillary]

Hey...can someone tell me what concerned troll was busted? What did they say exactly?

[CGP]

Be aware that there are also fake Hillary supporters answering the phone lines.
I got yelled at today by one I suspect, - saying what I was doing was wrong and was turning off a potential Clinton supporter.
I apologized for bothering him but did not beiieve him for a minute.
Hung up and redialed.

Yes, I have heard this too.

These people need serious psychological help.

[ZY123]

2. What constitutes a "Senior Member"?


I can answer this one...it's a rank...it's just based on how many posts you have...so once you reach the magic post number you will be a "Senior Member". =) That's how it worked at my forum anyway.

[Patricia GA]

If a supporter is for Hillary they know the battle we are in and will NOT yell at a Hillary caller.

[Horizon]

Murray,was that one I emailed you about last night?? Also contacted a moderator about this persons post.It was strange and not at all what I thought a true Hillary supporter would be posting.

[MS BLUEGRASS]

I can answer this one...it's a rank...it's just based on how many posts you have...so once you reach the magic post number you will be a "Senior Member". =) That's how it worked at my forum anyway.

Thanks for your response RIGEL, I thought perhaps that was the case, but did not know for sure.

[ZY123]

Thanks for your response RIGEL, I thought perhaps that was the case, but did not know for sure.

No problem.

Also I think recognizing the signs of trolls just comes from experience for me. Don't worry too much about it the admin & mods are doing great at catching them.

I used to admin a board that was full of a**es...lol...it's true, it was the topic of the board that sort of drew that type of person (lolol...I think I just called myself an a**). Compared to that board this board has perfect behavior....we even had someone fake a death on the board I ran...yes they faked their own death and even had their fake friend come on to console every one. Why did they do it? Purely for attention...people can be crazy.

I would say if you feel yourself being "talked into" something you don't agree with just step back and say "hey, no one on the Internet is changing my mind".

[suerw]

lol...concerned trolls....interesting term :)

But let's not become those we detest. Free speech is important and raising pertinent doubts need to be addressed very seriously.

I hope the moderators will extend the benefit of the doubt to those suspected of being concerned trolls, if not so much for possibly converting them, then let it be a gesture of our moral superiority.

I have such faith in Hillary, that I believe, given the opportunity and open mindedness, anyone will recognise that she is the superior candidate. The only shortcoming I feel that she needs to address is her ease (or lack of rather) with the media and public speaking.

Bill Clinton is amazing at this. Even Obama pales when compared to Bill. Matter of fact, Obama isn't that great. Tony Blair is another amazing speaker.

I concur with what you've said, foreigner4hillary. Legitimate questions can be answered and discussed by our moderators and senior members in a way that may convince an undecided voter or person leaning toward Hillary to support and vote for her. I've actually done this with a few people I talk to person-to-person campaigning for Hillary here in my local area.

I trust our admins and moderators to recognize legitimate questions versus sneak attacks.

One point I would disagree with you about is concern over Hillary's "ease (or lack of rather) with the media and public speaking." She impresses me as quite at ease and a relaxed and effective public speaker. Quite in contrast to Obama who is rather rigid in formal speeches and unsure of himself when questioned by the media or at town hall meetings.

[MS BLUEGRASS]

One point I would disagree with you about is concern over Hillary's "ease (or lack of rather) with the media and public speaking." She impresses me as quite at ease and a relaxed and effective public speaker. Quite in contrast to Obama who is rather rigid in formal speeches and unsure of himself when questioned by the media or at town hall meetings.[/QUOTE]

Suerw--When I first read that, I thought the same thing, but then I thought maybe she was comparing the two...Bill and Hill. Bill, as of late, does not seem to be as articulate as I have heard him in the past. It could be because of the type of talk he is giving...the usual stump speech for Hill. His down-home southern Arkansas drawl seems to be more obvious, but it could be the informality of who he is speaking to as well as the location might have something to do with it.

Some of the pundits were making fun of Hill earlier in the campaign because her speech became more "southern" at times. I can identify and understand that! I grew up in Bluegrass country, and was teased so much by my high school students when I first began teaching in Michigan, that I lost a great deal of my accent. It only takes a phone conversation with my relatives or a visit "home" and my husband tells me I sound like a Kentucky girl again!

[ZforHill]

I've seen some around, as far as endorsements go. I don't care who supports Obama.

[AdrienneJ]

Just a word about trolls--as this issue has come up in the posts again.
I've been on other sites and the trolls can be very obnoxious...They get in the way of people having important discourse with irrelevent and personal attacks. They are so wearisome. And so transparent. I've seen people just have conversations around them--which is probably the best thing to do. Report them by PM and just do your best to tune them out. They tend to be very distasteful... The fake Hillary supporters are some of the worst. They spout hate trying to make it look like righteous concern. And they're always trying to seed the idea of the campaign being on shaky ground. Their job is to try and do psychological warfare. They want to elicit an emotional response from you-- to either make you mad, or to cause you to back off from what you are working at.
The folks here do a great job of keeping this site "clean" from their influence, but once in a while a troll will appear.

[hipelayne]

I must admit, I'm confused too about concerned trolls here, everybody has seemed to be great! One of the reasons why I love coming to this site. Those concerned trolls need to be more concerned about their country and what a heck of a mess it would be if ever, God forbid, their candidate is elected.

[CGP]

Concern trolls are much more destructive than abusive trolls - at least with the latter their position is immediately apparent and they can be dealt with swiftly. Concern trolls on the other hand take more work.

But there are ways to spot them.

A few have been sent their marching orders this weekend.

[OkieforHRC2008]

Concern trolls are much more destructive than abusive trolls - at least with the latter their position is immediately apparent and they can be dealt with swiftly. Concern trolls on the other hand take more work.

But there are ways to spot them.

A few have been sent their marching orders this weekend.

Thank you for ridding us of concern trolls. I have to admit that I've got trouble spotting them. Then again, I didn't know about concern trolls until I came here.

~~OkieforHRC2008

I love the troll-free atmosphere.

[diane]

A "concern troll " usually makes themselves known by the content of their own posts. They state their concern, and then when they receive several answers they respond by repeating their concerns and dismissing, arguing or questioning the responders. All the while reminding people that they're on your side.

After a while it's easy to see that the "concern troll" never seems to waiver, learn, or be open to any real response. They just cling to their "concerns". After a few posts, it's easy to spot a "concern troll". But then since I belong to a few fat acceptance blogs where no pro-diet or pro-wls talk is allowed, you get really good at spotting the trolls--"concerned" or otherwise.

[Bella]

I just donated to Hillary after my suspected concern troll got busted and roasted!!

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Troll if you're reading -- You know who you are and nice try! I thought you were a little "off" when you sounded like Hillary supporters couldn't think for themselves and then the straw that broke the trolls back was the Muslim slam. BUSTED!!!!!!

:D:D

[Tea toaD]

:DWe need a sign like they have around schools:

THIS IS A TROLL FREE ZONE

[Laura Cereta]

Hey now you're blowing my "concerned male indie voter" cover I use on other sites. Strangely when I post with a boy name I don't get attacked for my gender. Also, my dog doesn't mind that I use his name on the net :)

LOL!! :D

Interesting about the gender thing, though...

Yeah, now my cover is blown as an occasional poster on the BO website. I use that exact "Concern Troll" profile.

This is good insight! Someone has been thoroughly studying Internet patterns.

[kyforhillary]

Frankly, I can't imagine any of us giving an inch!

[Peppermint Patty]

Well we all know about the standard Obama troll - this is someone who spams websites with blatantly anti-hillary smear and pro-obama propaganda. These types of trolls are very easy to spot and can be managed easily.

There's another type we need to be wary of - and we are. It's called the "concern troll". This is someone who is almost always an Obama supporter but posts under the guise of being a "concerned" Hillary supporter. The person will make it appear on the surface as though they support Hillary but will start raising "concerns" and negatives in a subtle fashion in an effort to shift support away from Hillary to Obama. Don't fall for it!

This is not to say that a genuine Hillary supporter can't legitimately raise concerns about Hillary or her campaign - they can and should but the genuine supporter will tend to do so in a less scheming way than a "concern troll".

I received this nice definition of a "concern troll" via an email group I signed up to. Here it is:



Something to remain mindful of! ;)

Always on the lookout for spies!!!

[Charlie Brown]

Concern trolls are much more destructive than abusive trolls - at least with the latter their position is immediately apparent and they can be dealt with swiftly. Concern trolls on the other hand take more work.

But there are ways to spot them.

A few have been sent their marching orders this weekend.

well Murray you do a great job because I have never seen one...That I know of.:)

[musgrrl]

Ron Reagan is a concern troll on TV. I saw him on Larry King last night, and they keep saying he hasn't endorsed anyone, but then he kept criticizing Hillary and defending Obama. He needs to come out and just say that he is an Obamabot and get it over with!

[yaelbelle]

murray, i am more impressed with all that you do every day that i am here. i feel safe posting ideas without fear that there are trolls awaiting. how do you do that???
THANK YOU!

reagan: oh, he just kept embarrassing himself. he was so rude and arrogant. no one walked away believing he wasn't an obama follower. no one.

[MS BLUEGRASS]

Ron Reagan is a concern troll on TV. I saw him on Larry King last night, and they keep saying he hasn't endorsed anyone, but then he kept criticizing Hillary and defending Obama. He needs to come out and just say that he is an Obamabot and get it over with!

Musgrrl...I agree! I had to keep myself from gagging last night as he kept blabbing on and on and interrupting Lanny as he was trying to speak...I LOVE LANNY! He finally just stopped and said "Are you going to let me talk, or continue to talk over me?" Reagon is so rude!

I have never been able to take Ron Reagan. He is such a fake! (SORRY--EITHER ONE OF THEM)

[samkm]

Please keep in mind that the discussion board is public. There are guests who are reading the blogs.

I request best behavior. Would Lanny Davis say that may be a good test.

White emoting is quite ok, please choose your words and acronyms with care. One of the things I dont like about many of the public blog boards is the amount of filth in there.. and we dont want to become that.. I feel..:) Thanks.

On the flip side, recognizing that there are (unregistered) guests reading our blogs [often, more than 1/2 our readers are unregistered guests] and writing directly to them as readers is something we can do quite effectively as well. Something to always consider. Think of them as invited guests in the balcony watching and listening to our loud party! What do you want them to hear? What do you want them to take away from here? Thanks.

Guests, we do not orchestrate our words. You are hearing our take on issues as they arise. So, this is one forum in which you get the straight scoop!
If you have not been there yet, may I suggest that you visit www.hillaryclinton.com and look up pull down menu "ISSUES" and "VIDEOS" (first link). And some of the links below. Thanks.

[AntiObama007]

Out of curiosity, what is the procedure when a suspected concern troll is named?

I tend to overanalyze here so maybe I'm worried needlessly, but I don't have time to post a lot so I don't really get to balance my pro-hillary and anti-obama statements that much. I was just wondering whether being a suspect is enough to get you banned or if more goes into it? I love this group, even if I'm a little shy and don't talk so much, I would hate to get chucked out based on a false accusation.

I'm a worrier, what can I say? :(

[cloisonne]

Hey, we can do it too.
Do it on them for a change!
Unfortunately, for some reason Huffington post wont accept my posts, guess they identified me right away!:D

[joeysky18]

Hey, we can do it too.
Do it on them for a change!
Unfortunately, for some reason Huffington post wont accept my posts, guess they identified me right away!:D

We don't advocate that as it doesn't help us win real vote. We should focus our effort and spend the limited time that we have to phone calling, writing letter, send email, and increase Hillary visibility.

[samkm]

cloisonne, I concur with joey.

AntiObama007, just notify Murray and one of the Moderators who is active. To find who is active, just check at: www.hillaryclintonforum.net/discussion - the list of currently active members are at the bottom of the page. click on the moderator (green) to send a private message. This is the recommended route.

Murray and moderators are quite judicious in observing and removing trolls. The idea is to preserve an environment that has a pro-Hillary slant with good sense of the reality, but not the overly biased negativity that is spewing out there. When such negativity comes here, that is reasonable grounds to question the motive. So, be sure to express your concern. If however, the mod's rule otherwise, dont fret. They know a lot more than we do about what is happening and they share what they see amongst each other. Besides, they have the same interest as we all do. If you are early to find a post that is offensive and seems to be inspired with questionable motives, act on it immediately. Thanks.