Posted on 09/23/2010 10:11:25 AM PDT by Scythian
Concern trolling is a form of Internet trolling in which someone enters a discussion with claims that he or she supports the view of the discussion, but has concerns. In fact, the concern troll is opposed to the view of the discussion, and he or she uses concern trolling to sow doubt and dissent in the community of commenters or posters. Although this practice originated on the Internet, it has since spread to the real world as well, with concern trolls popping up in a variety of places from network television to op-ed columns.
Artful concern trolling involves developing a believable persona as a supporter of a cause who has legitimate concerns. In an example of concern trolling, a group of people might be having a political discussion on a website about a candidate they support. The concern troll would log on and say “I'm concerned that this candidate might not be strong enough to beat the opposition,” or “I'm worried that the candidate's history in the legislature might be a problem in the election.”
Once a concern troll has sowed dissent or discord, often he or she can sit back and let the other commenters do the rest of the work. When a concern troll has done the job correctly, the discussion will split, factions will emerge, and support for the cause will have eroded. Concern trolling can also be highly distracting, as people band together to oppose the concern troll, rather than discussing serious issues, including valid concerns which should be addressed.
Depending on the context, a concern troll may use a sockpuppet, a false account which conceals his or her real identity. In some particularly infamous cases, members of political campaigns have trolled the opposition using sockpuppet accounts with the goal of undermining grassroots support. When these cases are exposed, it can be quite embarrassing, as trolling is generally viewed as an underhanded and often questionable tactic.
In the 2006 election, an aide to Congressman Charlie Bass (R-NH) was caught concern trolling the opposition on local blogs. While pretending to support Bass's opponent, Paul Hodes, the aide argued that Hodes couldn't win because Bass was an unbeatable candidate. Hodes won the election.
I didn’t mention myself as you well know. Not that reality or truth matters to you. Go back through this thread and point out where I mentioned myself.
Odd isn’t it that so many other posters on this thread agreed with me. oops, I mentioned myself.
We all know what real concern trolls are. But people around here lately, even long term Freepers, are accused of being one because they expressed an opinion that someone else doesn’t like.
Yes, I'm concerned too and all the while I am laughing uncontrollably at your concern comment!
It just struck me funny!
” We all know what real concern trolls are. But people around here lately, even long term Freepers, are accused of being one because they expressed an opinion that someone else doesn’t like. “
Most of the “concern trolls” this year have attacked Hayworth. Yes, instead of sending him money. A 98% lifetime conservative rating doesn’t lend itself to concern.
So some people can criticize Palin without being call concern trolls, but others can't?
A phrase used by the progressive netroots whenever someone questions the effectiveness of their activism, or notices that they are acting like fools, and discrediting their causes by incredibly silly gestures.
For "troll", I come up with this:
One who posts a deliberately provocative message to a newsgroup or message board with the intention of causing maximum disruption and argument
A "troll" was originally a provocateur who wanted to create maximum disruption.
Now it's just somebody who disagrees.
A "concern troll" may irritate true believers with one-track minds, but you'd have to be pretty insistent on unanimity to find "... but I'm concerned that ..." to be dangerously disruptive.
I really don’t know why you are bugging about stuff that isn’t related to the topic.
Read post 117, and if you want to whine about other stuff, do it to someone else, I don’t care about all your sensitivities and complaints about other stuff.
I think anyone should be able to criticize Palin if they wish.
She is not above it, and I would never call anyone a Concern Troll, even if I thought they were one.
The Primary races were the time to take on as many RINOs as we could as they were being challenged. But so many folks do not get that involved in Primary races. They tend to sit back ans see who wins and then say they will support the winner. So many folks said that to me. Things like, “I'll support the one that wins but not giving money now.”
Now on November 2nd we have many Republican candidates who are new and deserve our support against the DEMS. And although some of the Republicans may lean RINO, they are certainly better than ANY Socialist DEM! JMHO
We kick the DEMS out this time, and the rest of the RINOs out when their seats come up!
If McPain had lost I can guarantee you he would have had a write in campaign. JD has been classy and receives very little credit for it.
If McPain wins in November, people will become aware of the mistake they made by February.
I think the Senate will be what undermines any GOP campaign in 2012. The RINOs will cross the aisle and make Obama look good and give him credibility.
enough, I am done.
If you live in DE you can certainly vote for someone other than O'Donnell. If I lived there she would get my vote over any DEM running!
” I think the Senate will be what undermines any GOP campaign in 2012. The RINOs will cross the aisle and make Obama look good and give him credibility. “
Count on it.
I hope other Freepers don’t consider me a “Concern Troll” because I have a different opinion regarding one aspect of the eligibility issue. Racking my brain—Did I ever start a post with ‘My concern is _____?’
:-)
Start?
No, I think it was more in the middle...
};^P>
LOL!
Had McCain not returned to the Senate (if he does return), the RINO players would have pretty much done their own thing. With McCain in there, he will get them organized in order for him to wield more power.
I say your outlook stands a very good chance of coming true.
” Had McCain not returned to the Senate (if he does return), the RINO players would have pretty much done their own thing. With McCain in there, he will get them organized in order for him to wield more power.
I say your outlook stands a very good chance of coming true. “
I take no pleasure in saying this., but I am a realist.
Yep, it sucks, but at least we’re addressing reality. At least we’re not refusing to see reality for what it is.
Please, let’s keep the reason to a minimum. This is a ‘concern troll’ thread...
What it is, is a thread dedicated to the “adore my party, my candidate, my premise or else trolls”.
Don’t ask questions. Don’t think for yourself. And for heaven’s sake, don’t say a word if your team is supporting people, bills, or efforts that are traditionally only supported by Leftist. Some folks JUST DON’T want to know.
And if you do know, you are the Leftist, not the person who is actually doing Leftist things.
Is that clear!
BTW, this wasn’t the most important thread of the day, but my post was the most important post of the day.
I just love it when I get to be god for a few moments. Seems to be a bit of that going around.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.