Why are people joining PF just to defend their pet topics?

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The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of users with low post counts, often new members, appearing in threads to advocate for niche topics, particularly in fields like engineering and physics. Participants speculate on how these individuals find discussions to join, suggesting they may be lurking until a topic resonates with them or using search tools to track keywords. The conversation also touches on the idea of "sock puppets," where users might create alternate accounts to bolster their arguments, and introduces terms like "Ether sniffers" for those who actively seek out discussions on their interests. There is a lighthearted debate about the anonymity of lurkers and the potential for creating a more closed forum environment, though no serious proposals are made. Overall, the thread highlights the dynamics of online participation and the varied motivations behind user engagement in forum discussions.
FredGarvin
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I have noticed this more and more lately and I am really wondering about this...

Have you noticed that a thread will be posted about any kind of topic. Engineering, physics, politics, etc...It doesn't matter. If you get the right type of topic, there is, a lot of times, someone that comes along with a 0 or 1 post count to defend a certain position. In the engineering or physics side, they are usually free energy whackos or space elevator J.O.s. These people have never had anything else to do with PF or any other discussions yet they pop up at somewhat opportune times to spread their opinions.

How do people manage this? Do some people sit out there and search the internet for their pet topic just for the opportunity to spread their word? Is there some kind of internet search program that constantly scours for some kind of key word for them? When it pops up, a bat signal goes off and they don their cape and utility belt and swoop into save the day.
 
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Perhaps these guys are regulars to the forum as guests but just don't say anything until they feel they have something to contribute. I lurk on quite a few forums that are of slight interest to me but not enough to warrant registering, and have been known to register largely to contribute to one or two discussions that are of interest.
 
Wait until the google spiders eat this, then we'll get all the Ether freaks.
 
hypatia said:
Wait until the google spiders eat this, then we'll get all the Ether freaks.
I thought spiders ate chicken? :-p

I'm like matthyaouw in that I will lurk at some sites and then if a topic stirs me I will join to contribute.
 
Checking the activity of GD, 227 (8 members & 219 guests), and I have seen more.

So people seem to maintain a certain level of anonymity until they decide to participate, which may be inititated by a particular thread/discussion.
 
The guest aspect seems very logical to me. I never really thought about not registering somewhere. If it is worth me spending my time to lurk, I at least register.

OK, so it's not some techno mystery after all.
 
FredGarvin said:
The guest aspect seems very logical to me. I never really thought about not registering somewhere. If it is worth me spending my time to lurk, I at least register.

OK, so it's not some techno mystery after all.
Or they could be sock puppets created by the OP to support their theory.
 
No, it's actually the OP in alternate quantum dimensions (ala many worlds theory) that are still closely related enough to ours that overlap exists, meaning each alternate version of the OP posts on the board in 10 or 12 different 'universes'
 
Evo said:
Or they could be sock puppets created by the OP to support their theory.
Oooh! I like that one better! It has a hint of underhandedness.

So now the question begs to be asked...Do post counts in alternate dimensions count?
 
  • #10
Evo said:
Or they could be sock puppets created by the OP to support their theory.

"Sock puppets"! So there is a name for those. I was calling them "dopplegangers" but I like sock puppets better.

So, we have trolls, lurkers, sock puppets,

what could be the name for those who actually do google their pet topic and swoop in on a thread? I think Fred is on to something here, and I'm certain some are doing just that. "Sniffers"?
 
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  • #11
hypatia said:
Wait until the google spiders eat this, then we'll get all the Ether freaks.
Fred, that's exactly how it happens. Do a google for something - anything - that we've discussed a lot here and you'll get hits for PF way up on Google.
 
  • #12
Astronuc said:
Checking the activity of GD, 227 (8 members & 219 guests), and I have seen more.

So people seem to maintain a certain level of anonymity until they decide to participate, which may be inititated by a particular thread/discussion.

Sounds logical, but if they are truly faithful lurkers, they would have seen us Mentors droning on and on about "no crackpot posts" and "show your work" in the Homework forums, and "no insulting other members" and so on. So why would a lurker register all of a sudden and start posting nonsense?

I'm more partial to the Spiders and Sniffers theory, in 4 dimensions only please. :blushing:
 
  • #13
"Ether sniffers"! Kinda explains the whole thing, don't it?
 
  • #14
Is (or did) someone suggesting a review committee for each member that applies to the PF?

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Do some people want to make PF a closed (member application type) forum?
 
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  • #15
That would be one very busy committee. Nothing so draconian.

Ether sniffers. I like it. Shorten to E-Sniffer?
 
  • #17
rewebster said:
Is (or did) someone suggesting a review committee for each member that applies to the PF?

---------------------------
Do some people want to make PF a closed (member application type) forum?

Yeah, Draconians only.

You were joking right?
 

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