[Solar Wind]

You know, Free Republic ain't just some backwater website where only a few die-hard patriots hang out. It's the most influential website of its type on the Internet, and as such, has a tremendous level of influence on the conservative base of the Republican party.

Establishment hacks on both sides of the aisle are well aware of that, so there's no doubt in my mind that they pay people to operate here. Divide the Freepers, and you've conquered the foundational power of the Tea Party. It's as simple as that.

Even if pissant wasn't working for someone, he sure did deliver for them.

Windflier,

Very true. We speak to two audiences. Some time ago, maybe back in 2008 a poster here gave the definition for "concern trolls" and "eeyores". They went on to relate that they used to work in a PR boutique using those techniques to infiltrate blogs and forums to discourage users. That post was quite an education for me. It made me realize that this is not just some group of friends chatting here (though it can be that too).

I did not save the post so it is lost to time. Here is a link to some similar information by a long time poster, Starwise:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2425398/posts?page=65#65

Regards,
Mr Sol.

[Windflier]

Some time ago, maybe back in 2008 a poster here gave the definition for "concern trolls" and "eeyores". They went on to relate that they used to work in a PR boutique using those techniques to infiltrate blogs and forums to discourage users. That post was quite an education for me.

I recently complained to JimRob about 'doom and gloomers' invading the forum. It's my view that most of them are simply under the sway of paid operatives who spread a non-stop message of doubt and division here.

Lord help them if JimRob ever hands me a zot gun. I used to mod at a political forum some years back, and regularly bounced those types out of the house. I don't have near the degree of forbearance as the mods around here do.