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.
” 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”. “
Most of the “ concern trolls” are RINOS ;-)
I’m willing to admit I have a little concern about hanging my hopes on a turn-around, when that turn-around is based on a document that promises to return to 2008 spending.
Did even one of these brain-trusts remember that TARP was passed in 2008? Evidently not.
” I’m willing to admit I have a little concern about hanging my hopes on a turn-around, when that turn-around is based on a document that promises to return to 2008 spending. “
I don’t have any faith in the Republican party, unless or until the RINOS who now control it are purged.
I agree. My last (moments ago) post to you touches on that problem.
Unfortunately, the most dangerous politician in America(John McCain) is almost certain to be re-elected. He will grab all the RINOS like Graham, Brown, Snowe and Collins, and do untold damage to this country. For this reason alone, I hold no optimism.
Once again, think how many people here actually grasp what you just posted. Upwards of 25% of our members of the U. S. Senate will work against Conservatism at the drop of a hat.
The ring leader has no problem hanging with Soros, Kennedy, Kerry, Feingold, T H Kerry, the Tides and other Soros Foundations... or authoring the worst leftist bills to hit the Senate in decades.
Eh, no problem. Hayworth, he did a couple of things I didn’t agree with, so lets just sacrifice the nation to get even.
It’s like hitting yourself in the face with a hammer, if you’re a Conservative. Oh well...
” Once again, think how many people here actually grasp what you just posted. Upwards of 25% of our members of the U. S. Senate will work against Conservatism at the drop of a hat.
The ring leader has no problem hanging with Soros, Kennedy, Kerry, Feingold, T H Kerry, the Tides and other Soros Foundations... or authoring the worst leftist bills to hit the Senate in decades. “
And McCain will form all new “Gangs” to help pass the most destructive bills imaginable. Graham, Brown, Snowe and Collins are guaranteed members.
Yep, truly a sad day when players on our side will stoop to this...
The liberal media’s done that ‘concern’ thing for a long time. It makes them ‘feel’ they’re being fair - rather than that they’re deluding themselves...
Great post, Scythian... thanks.
Here’s something you might enjoy:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/20/hurt-why-use-despicable-clueless-left-wing-media-m/
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