Yesterday I posted the following in the "Content and Reviews..." thread in the Buffet here. Apologies for repeating myself (double-posting an item -- an online no-no!) but the point seems important enough to merit its own topic.

Sock puppetry - the use of fake online identities, often multiple identities registered by a single individual, "to praise, defend or create the illusion of support for one's self, allies or ideas."

http://www.futuremelbourne.com.au/wiki/vie...BasicNetiquette

A sock puppet, in Internet parlance, is a false Internet identity created for deceptive purposes... A pseudonymous identity is not the same as a false identity. In most online communities, creating multiple handles for deceptive purposes is a severe breach of 'netiquette,' resulting in banishment or disgrace. It's fine to post on a forum as, say, Princess Leia. But once you establish that identity, posting as BikerChick2006 to jeer Princess Leia's opponents is a no-no.

http://www.reason.com/news/show/36947.html

'Sock puppet n. [usenet: from the act of placing a sock over your hand and talking to it and pretending it's talking back] In Usenet parlance, a pseudo through which the puppeteer posts follow-ups to their own original message to give the appearance that a number of people support the views held in the original message...' From The Internet Jargon Dictionary.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2888616

Very interesting. The English language is always being fertilized. This is a great addition.

Dick

Very interesting. The English language is always being fertilized.

Boy, you can say that again. No better example than this political season.

You only have Adam's bad examples to blame for this.

You only have Adam's bad examples to blame for this.

TY, bravissimo! As someone said.

I will not try to top (bottom?) this one.

You only have Adam's bad examples to blame for this.

Hey, I think I can see an image of John McCain in that cow patty! Or maybe it is Karl Rove...