Why are the Admins mad @ us? Can someone explain it to me?

[xultar]

Then lets figure out how to get back into their good graces.

I miss them! :cry:

[LibertyorDeath]

1. The Admins are not mad at us they have just come to the realization

that there are hundreds of DUers that are actually freeps.

[Bouncy Ball]

2. Elaboration, por favor?

[MontageOfFreedom]

4. Maybe they just consequently think that.

Many of the users here are freepers, and therefore by process of voting choose to tombstone whomever they decide on.

I'm just being rhetorical, but it's always very possible.

[xultar]

5. This makes no sense! n/t

[LibertyorDeath]

6. I have noticed a trend on DU over the past 4 months or so

Many new users that rack up large post counts & donate and get a star.
There is one thing they ALL have in common whatever the issue
they lean to the RIGHT.
They also post comments that have double meanings depending on your point of view. They are more sophisticated than your average knuckle dragger's & they fool many here They are affecting the entire complexion of the site.

I've been here for 3 years & I can see it clear as day.
This is just my opinion for what it's worth.

Cheers Bouncy

[Behind the Aegis]

9. Hmmm?

I think you may be on to something! I have noticed the same phenomena you have. It is slight pushing and there are a few true-blue DU'ers who rise to protect their (the pushers) opinions. Perhaps the admins are in a pow-wow on what to do. I just did a search on a few names and it lead me to some conservative sites. It is also interesting how posts from DU pop up on these sites and a few of the posts are from people "no longer with us." I don't think there is a need to be paranoid, but there is a need to be cautious.

BTW...good analysis!

[LibertyorDeath]

11. Thanks it's not so easy to discern if you've only been at DU a short

time but for all the long time DUers I think it's easier for them to pick up on.

Good idea

"I just did a search on a few names and it lead me to some conservative sites."

Think I'll run some names too

[Behind the Aegis]

15. Not here that long

I haven't been around all that long, but I have been able to spot several. It is usually because I go into a variety of rooms, not just the LBN or GD. They "behave" for the most part in the two main rooms, it is the other rooms where they show their asses! They need a star to post in the newly created special rooms, which move very slowly and can go days without a post. Great way to get posts up and no one can see you do it. Others that I suspect, also have the habit of only posting in the title, then adding 'n/t' or 'eom' and rarely have a message. The other tactic is to always post.."Good job!" "I agree" and other short lines to boost numbers. The most interesting thing I have found is if you suspect someone, check the number of posts, then the date they started, you will often find that someone with, let's say 100 posts, only have 30 listed (including the archives)! Where did the 70 other posts go? I wonder :evil grin:!

I can't imagine how difficult it must be to try to maintain a useful site for progressives in an atmosphere of intolerance for the truth.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

29. agree completely! eom.

:silly:
sorry had to do it......

[LunaC]

12. It's from the Freeper instruction manual

Someone once posted a link to FreeRepublic where one of their Regulars boasted about infiltrating DU....gave step-by-step instructions on how to do it. High post count and a star was part of the strategy. There's no doubt that many followed the instructions verbatim.

[LibertyorDeath]

17. I didn't know that thanks.

I think they've done some major infiltrating.

[shadowknows69]

25. Ok, reality check.

This thing here that we're typing on? It doesn't exist. The only energy we have is what we give it. It is an unreal piece of reality called cyberspace. If Negroponte breaks in on one of your phone conversations its an infiltration, not someone posting on a semi-public web forum. lets not fall victim to what I call the "webboard kingdom syndrome". We can't worry so much what goes on in our little (but not insignificant) cyberworld that we stop getting anything done in the real one.

[DavidFL]

19. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who has noticed this...

I was starting to feel like I was going crazy because those you speak of are that obvious, but no one has said anything. Although, some of the ones I've noticed wouldn't necessarily be connected with conservative websites, but let's just say certain groups or organizations that would like to drive home certain ideas and themes among the grassroots and activists of the Democratic Party, who gravitate to sites like DU. If this were Congress, these people would be called whips. I've also seen this phenomenon at other politically-oriented websites as well, and I swear one website was run by them.

[KharmaTrain]

31. Sadly DU is used as bait rather than resource

.02 from someone whose been on DU for over 4 years now...

Unfortunately, for various reasons I won't go into, the reputation of this site is one of a free-for-all as opposed to a "serious" blog or site. I never hear DU mentioned on other blogs or in the corporate media, where I did hear mentions of this place last year and before that. Unfortunately a lot has changed here.

Some of this place's biggest detractors are also former members...those who got into flame wars with members or admins or just got tired of the constant fighting and have moved off to other sites. This place can get very cliquish and that also has driven people away...when the personalities and the soap operas become more important than the issues.

I still enjoy popping on here for amusement and checking LBN to keep up with the REAL news. If I want serious discussion, I find it on other message boards now.

[JNelson6563]

33. Well put.

Thanks.

[shadowknows69]

21. You're going to lose members that aren't freepers

if a witch hunt ensues. I lean to the right on a lot of things but I assure you I'm a democrat, but it shouldn't matter. I say unless they're actively breaking rules, let anyone who wants stay. You think we're afraid of a little conversational compettition from their ilk? Hell, it's fun. It would probably stop some of us from turning on each other which I've seen on here a few times. Remember, we can't become the enemy. Not even to win. That's Shrub's game.

[Arkana]

38. Agreed.

It's very easy to seize on one right-leaning remark that an otherwise good Democrat makes and scream "Freeper! Freeper!" I say that the Freepers who HAVE infiltrated to the level previously described are probably 35-year-old whack jobs who live in their parents' basement and have nothing better to do. How sad that they get their rocks off by THINKING that they've stirred up trouble.

[Bouncy Ball]

35. Well FWIW, I don't think you are that far off the mark

because I've noticed the same thing.

A-yup.

[makhno]

43. Well said

The same names keep popping up no matter what the issue. That's the difference with the genuine centrist posters right there. The latter might take a conservative stance on many issues but you will find them passionately arguing a progressive point of view from time to time. The former merely play the contrarian on every thread and waste everybody's time.

[Cleita]

44. I notice also that they are the first to come out and attack

your posts on hot button issues, with right wing talking points, when your post is actually along commonly accepted liberal views. They always wait until the thread gets large and hard to manage to do this.

[xultar]

3. ?????????????? Whaddaya mean?????????

[MontageOfFreedom]

7. There's a button called 'alert', hard to know who is a freep it means. n/t

[Cleita]

46. I personally don't think the alert button should be used

unless you are really sure you are dealing with a disruptor. Sometimes I don't mind a freeper as much as I do a disruptor, you know one who twists your words, and takes them out of context to attack you. These guys are also great at posting disinformation without sources and ad hominem attacks. Oh, in the conservative tradition they will accuse you of what they themselves do.

I had a freeper call another DUer nasty. When I went in and pointed to him how nasty his original post was, he got all indignant and then proceeded to attack me. I did a search just to verify what I suspected and then alerted, but I guess he only offended me, because he is still here but inactive right now.

[thecai]

8. I've Noticed That, Also

...but they are easy to discern by their "attacks on the messenger", rather than respectfully debating the issue, as well as their "extreme right slant".

[LibertyorDeath]

13. No I'm not talking about regular easy to spot freeps

This is a different group of freeps they are co-ordinated
& hard to pin down as an actual freeps.

They know how to get by the Mods IMO.

[REP]

10. My Guess Is They Got Tired of the "I'm Telling Mommy!" Posts

There's been a lot of umbrage being taken, and instead of sucking up and acting like adults, some have wanted "Mommy" to make all the bad people stop saying things they don't like. I would imagine all the "the mods are unfair" and "I'm being censored" posts would get tiresome after a while.

I'm sure if I posted more, I'd be one of those people too - I'm not claiming "goodness" or anything - and Im just guessing!

[quinnox]

14. A few possibles that I thought of

One : They are on vacation

Two: They are ill or some other emergency

Three: They are disgusted for some reason with DU members so won't respond

Four: They are deciding what to do about some recent issues and it is taking time

[keopeli]

16. This is an interesting rumor about the admins

It is just a rumor. Personally, I have no problem with freepers or anyone else posting on DU, as long as they follow the rules. The mods do pretty well at minding the rules, which is a difficult job to keep up with. The system is also slow, which allows disruptors an opportunity.

But a free speech forum is only a free speach forum if there is free speech.

New posters are treated well at DU, on the whole. And, from my experience, someone who oversteps their boundaries here is quickly put down by subsequent member posts.

The notion that DU has changed in tone is true, to a degree. But, change does not have to be a bad thing. In fact, DU members frequently talk about Democrats needing to change to become more inclusive for some one-issue voters. Dr. Dean, head of the DNC, has also spoken about the need to reframe issues. I agree with him on this point.

Still, thinking the admins are struggling with what to do over a new 'smart freeper' invasion is an interesting rumor. It has no merit, but it's fun to talk about.

[anarchy1999]

18. Your view is delightful. Thank you. Aged and old member saying welcome.

You said it all so well.

Of course the Admins and the mods struggle every day. Running this site is a 24/7 day job. Anyone here doubt it? Good.

Skinner and all the rest, we love you. Thank you for all you all do.

[Bouncy Ball]

36. One thing, though: this isn't a free speech forum.

Never was and isn't now. That's a BIG misconception, especially among freepers.

[SouthernDem2004]

20. Lol, I have been warned by the Mods that I am being watched . :)

It seems that people alert on you if they do not agree with your opinions. Heck, the hostility I receive from being a Police Officer alone is sad. Some people are as intolerant as the Fundies they hate. I am afraid DU is becoming a "me too!" board. People only want people to post if they agree with their far-left views. I guess they do not believe in the Democratic Party being a big tent party with room for many different views.

Heck, read my posts. Obvious I am a moderate Democrat but I am not a "me too" poster. My guess is I will be banned in the next few months.

[shadowknows69]

23. "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street"

Twilight Zone. Be there and be aware. It's what you're talking about right now. "My guess is I will be banned in the next few months.". From one moderate to another SouthernDem, I hope not or I'll probably be soon behind you. I have conservative website links on my website and I check them out but am not a member (yet) of any of them. I do this because the nature of my site is somewhat Journalism oriented and I need to have a balanced air about my site to be taken seriously where I am. Just my two cents. Hope it doesn't get me a meeting with Mr. McCarthy. :hippie:

[Deja Q]

26. I've been (mostly) lucky, but as a free thinker, I also worry about

being banned eventually.

The right issue getting my response would do it.

BTW: I'm sorry you get all that flak. From my standpoint, there are as many good cops as selfish ones. Only the bad ones get on TV by the M$M, who seem out to denounce as many people as possible with the most one-sided of evidence.

[xultar]

28. I think police men are pretty hot. Especially in the tight pants with the

stripe and the hat and such.

:evilgrin: You can frisk me anytime. Watch out for the piercings!

[SheepyMcSheepster]

30. being watched by whom?

just curious?

[SouthernDem2004]

48. Well:

The Mods because people hit the alert button when they disagree with someones views.

Check this thread out: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x3112335

[Bouncy Ball]

37. Oh I've read your posts.

(Advanced search).

[mogster]

22. Are they mad at us?

I didn't know that.

They are doing a hell of a job administrating/moderating this board, that's for sure.
Just as most of the DU'ers are doing a hell of a job updating it :D

[mopaul]

24. i just assume that freepers are crawling all over up in here

and i also realize that i am addressing them personally sometimes.
they are really sort of fun to mess with, but ultimately a waste of time. it's really funny when they finally break down and expose themselves.

i wouldn't change a thing.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

27. It's because...

SKINNER IS A FREEPER!

There. I said it. Somebody had to. They're off spending our donation money on rifles and ammunition for the upcoming race wars.

[Rich Hunt]

32. there are ways to spot them...

But if you're looking for obvious right-wing talking points, you're looking in the wrong direction. That's how some of them have gotten away with their shenanigans for so long - they're not that stupid.

They must be profiled by personality. They obsess on certain topics and repeat themselves a lot. They don't stick to the topic in a civil manner and try to make things personal.

Read up on your political history - they try to spread divisiveness. This is a classic Cointelpro-type tactic.

The best way to fight them is to work towards having a civil discussion, with lots of facts and good arguments.

I've got links to lots of tips online for spotting disinformation types, but I don't have time to post them now. I would recommend reading about the history of harassment of political groups, particularly in the sixties and early seventies.

[Maeve]

34. I don't think they are mad--just waiting for a bit of QUIET

The amount of complaining, bitching, and whining has reached a point where it makes no sense for them to reply---wait til folks are willing to listen and THEN speak. Teachers and parents have used the technique for centuries.

Most of the "problems" sort themselves out over time and answering can often prolong the fussing when passions run high. Peace out, folks. And stop freep-hunting. As Pogo said, we has met the enemy...

[gpandas]

41. thanks for the truth...

i am unable to type very fast, so most threads my thoughts and ideas have already been well-spoken for. when i say "good job", "i agree", i mean it.

[Mist]

49. We're being given a "time out"! ("Teachers and parents have used

this technique...") I've only gone to ATA a couple of times, for technical questions, but there were quite a few complaints about someone's thread being banned, and long explanations as to why said thread should't have been locked, etc. It would be a lot to keep up with.

[sweetheart]

39. This is ridiculous

This thread itself is an attempt to define an "us" and a "them" rather
than considering each writer as an independent intelligent being.

I do not write here to promote any views except my own. Its sort of a
call-em-as-i-see-em sort of thing, and geesh, that anyone has the extra
labour of memory to keep track of opinions expressed that could be a
lump of coal in my stocking come christmas time. ;-)

The Admins do a difficult job well, and i most appreciate that they
are relatively hands-off.

Since i've been writing on public forums such as this, which is geesh,
5+ years now, there are always a minority community on any board that
dissents, disagrees, sometimes wisely with majority groupthing.

This thread sounds, rather a way of collectively grouping the dissenting
posters in to a stereotype "super-freeper" and then executing an
ad-hominem hack job to ignore what they say. THIS thread is the
potential freeper thread... and be wary of the ones who are quick to cry wolf
rather than simply making an intelligent argument.

[sendero]

40. Intelligent arguments are one thing..

... but folks who come here, rack up a couple hundred posts, then start creating threads that all have the same tenor:

"I don't believe in this", "I don't believe in that", "I think y'all are just paranoid", etc - and offering little in the way of facts or analysis to buttress their point, well we have a bunch of those here now and if I were an admin they'd all be tombstoned.

Frankly, it is not post count, it is not point of view, position on the issues or anything of the sort that points one out to be a disruptor. It is someone who constantly starts fights and then stands back with the popcorn. I know one when I see one and fortunately, this board being private property, the folks who run it have every right to kick anyone off who seems to never contribute to the light level but only to the heat.

[DancingBear]

42. To elaborate a bit further

I would argue that it is not an imagined us vs. them argument, but a real one, intended to do exactly what it tried to do. It is obvious as to what has been happening here lately. Many "old-time" posters have ceased to post in the GD and other main forums; instead they now congregate in certain DU groups., and post there.

Please take some time and read some of these postings, or do some research on screen names.

What you will find will astound you. There most certainly IS a co-ordinated effort to move this board a particular way, and it is being done by folks who used to wear the DU "mask" brilliantly.

As always, however, they are beginning to over-reach, and the political/religious climate on these boards over the last several weeks has shone a bright light on many.

BTW, this subject is not new- it has been (and will be continued to be) discussed via PM and other avenues among many of us for some time now.

[bobthedrummer]

45. Some of it involves a group of Clark supporters, they should clean up

their act or move imo. OTOH, I've been talking with some very erudite Clarkies lately on what we agree upon. One, that Wes Clark is currently not a 2008 POTUS candidate.

[Catherine Vincent]

50. The Clark thing was just a part of it.

I think it was the drama before all that. Most of them were "Why was my post deleted?" I guess it gets tiresome after a while.

[Cleita]

47. Here's your answer.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=announcement&id=157

[Skinner]

51. The admins aren't mad at anyone.

Sorry, I'm going to lock this thread.

[libnnc]

52. I haven't been on DU that long

and I have a low post count but you guys are more than welcome to google my screen name (libnnc) and read my posts from the Randi Rhodes message board. I trust you old timers' judgement. I can only spot the obvious drive-by freep-tards on this board.

Check up on me. I encourage this actually...please google me!