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.
One concern troll I have noticed goes by the handle of Gumby or something. Always posting negative news and “hoping it is not a trend.”
I understand the point, but I question the timing.
.
The dog that yelps....
.
“Christine broke things wide open”
Define “broke things wide open,” please.
and I hope we don't get to the point where divergent views are not acceptable....
however you are absolutely right...there are some who are fairly new or even oldsters that seem to have an agenda to disrupt....especially when there is "joy" such as a primary win....and they seek to divide....
they drive me crazy but mostly its those third party people....they demand perfect candidates ( their candidates apparently) and will seek to deride any others...
its time to stick together folks....it took a while for America to be founded and its going to take a while to get her back again....it'll be suffering thru rinos, backstabbers,liars, cheats,naysayers, sinners,idiots, etc......but if we stay together and push the majority towards conservativsm and patriotism, the outliers will get pulled in....
EAGLES UP!!!!
Just because you are paranoid, doesn’t mean they AREN’T out to get ya.
I was “concerned” about a Mitt Romney candidate back in 2008. I think it worked.
There is also the “I’m offended” troll. The presupposition is that you must resend or apologize for your comments which nullifies them in their entirety. Offended trolls also hijack celebrities “fame” for their cause by coming out of left field by making public statements like.... “ Our research shows that you have completely ignored the plight of left handed blind antelopes in america. You would think someone of your community stature would be more sensitive to such an important topic.....” Where in the celebrity freaks out and becomes a spokesman, donates money or does some dorky commercial for the cause. I hate those with a spirit of offense on them.
Although I support this concept, I’m concerned that some FReepers might think that other so-called FReepers are trolls...
I am concerned that you desire to shut down debate because you believe you are always right.
You see, that is the truth. The truth being said does not concern me.
Excellent post.
There were the regulars on the odumbo polls but he is so unliked that even they dropped off
You are right.
When someone has an opposing view, just dismiss them as a “Concern Troll” and move on.
Left-wing tactics at their finest.
The Founding Fathers set their sights way higher than ours, and look at what they did.
/grammar troll :)
Daschle still owes me a muffler. When can I expect to get it, Puff?
When someone is posting the same thing in thread after thread, week after week, it becomes clear that it is not a spontaneous outburst of concern about a particular gaff, or negative.
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.