I truly feel sorry for new members who are not trolls

[Misunderestimator]

Because TODAY I have waded through so many new trolls' posts that I really MUST be suspicious of anyone new. I would never have considered posting something controversial when I was a newbie here until I had gained a little bit of trust, so I will assume that real newbies who support Kerry will understand that if they post some idiotic chicken-little poll thread or some "this Bin Laden thing is bad for us" thread, I will immediately assume they are disrupting.

irritating...

[still_one]

1. The point is that bin laden is a testimony to bush's failure

[Sannum]

2. Sorry my post count is low!

I just got the chance to start posting more...I hope to get up to 1000 by the end of the year:)

[Misunderestimator]

5. Welcome to DU!

Truly, welcome. Just don't irritate me :)

[Sannum]

8. I will try not to

I have been here for awhile and I am hooked...:D

[Misunderestimator]

10. :) me too

[LisaLynne]

3. Yeah, me, too.

I'm a quasi-newbie and have felt the sting of doubt directed at me, but today ... there are so many of them around, I can't help but be suspicious. I do go by content, not post count, and by content, I don't mean that I think they're a freeper if they don't agree with me.

[Misunderestimator]

7. Exactly. It's not about agreeing, but right now it's pretty darn

suspicious that we're having so much shit being stirred... when such a phenomenon has not happened here since I joined.

Welcome to DU, btw! :toast:

[Philostopher]

34. You've been here long enough to be able to see them yourself.

I know it's no consolation for having been attacked before, but it's probably easier for you to understand how it happened, now. Not everybody who comes here means well and, unfortunately, some people who do mean well but just don't have the 'zeitgeist' of DU yet will suffer for the low post counts.

I don't hammer people, by the way -- if I suspect something I hit 'Alert' and back out of the thread. I don't enjoy having my panties in a twist, and I figure there are people here who volunteer to make those decisions (i.e., who's just a clueless newbie and who's a disruptor), so I don't even try.

[Bluebear]

4. I agree, Misunderestimator....IF that is your real name.

[Misunderestimator]

12. HAHAHA... No, really... I am a sockpuppet

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

6. As a totally new TOTAL NON-freeper

I am scared... please please please trust me, I am not a freeper. I am trying so hard to get my post count up, and not to say anything remotely suspicious. It's stressful. But well worth it, you guys all help get me though the day, and I so SO want to be in the "in". These are crazy days.

[Misunderestimator]

9. Welcome to DU!

It's a great site! :toast: I'm glad I joined months ago, or all this freeping going on might just discourage me. :hi:

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

17. Thank you... I made a modest donation as to try to show my

genuine support. Would have donated a lot more if my health care costs weren't so high, or I wasn't paying $2.20/gallon for unleaded, or my gas and electric bills hadn't tripled.... <sigh> that tax break was a </sarcasm ahead> REAL BIG HELP!

Please tell me that's it's almost over.

[Misunderestimator]

21. I certainly hope that it's almost over!

Tuesday is going to be one very long day.

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

26. Tell me about it, I am in a conservative county in Wisconsin.

I believe whole-heartedly that this progressive state will re-defeat *.

[Misunderestimator]

31. And I'm in a conservative county in Florida.

And I also believe that we will defeat Bush here.

[RetroLounge]

44. Damn right we will!

Welcome to DU

RL

[qnr]

65. Sorry, replied to wrong post, disregard

sucks, and I'd be embarrassed to be seen on it {random thought}

Side note: You'd think DU would have "freeper" in the spelling checker.

[kanrok]

13. You sound suspiciously Seuss-like to me

How do we know that Cyndee-Lou-Who is really your DU name?
Welcome to DU. :toast:

[One_Life_To_Give]

18. Trolls will be gone soon enough

Hi Cyndee_Lou_Who

The freeps will all be gone by Tuesday night. Once the polls close they won't have any reason to come around here. As for being in the "IN" crowd, it's highly overated. Individualism is where it's at. Be your own person and make yourself happy, others won't always do it for you.

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

23. I just don't want to be viewed as a potential freeper lurker.

Once I get past that, I will feel better. Call me names, but do NOT accuse me of being a neo-con. That hurts. bad.

[Nightjock]

24. Welcome Cindy Lou

Don't be scared by all the boo-hoo
sometimes it gets heated here at DU
but we all trust you
newbies make our hearts grow by two. (:

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

28. I think most people here are as kind as you guys. OK, my fear has subsided

thanks!

[flamingyouth]

41. Welcome to DU!

:bounce:

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

51. Thank you so very much!! And all you guys....

:yourock:

[Nightowl_2004]

74. I'm over 300 and I've been suspected of being a Freeper TWICE

And these both happened a couple of months ago! I've since learned what is acceptable to say, I understand completely, The Freepers will try anything and have got to be stopped!

By the way, Are the Freepers having to handle the same scenario over at DU or are we taking the high road and not acting like 5 year olds?

[Misunderestimator]

76. I assume you meant "over at FR" and not "over at DU"

And I would also assume that they are not having to handle it, as they probably ban anyone that hasn't assimilated to their misogynistic, fascist mindset.

[Nightowl_2004]

78. Yeah, Typo.

I can't say I'm surprised about how FR is handling trolls.

They are quite open-minded

..........unless you happen to disagree with them! Then your anti-american (obviously //sarcasm//)

[Nightjock]

11. So what is the magic number where you are trusted?

If it's true that's bullshit!
You can't judge someones credibility on how many posts they have.
Some of the biggest whiners and Negative Nellies* are over 1000.


*Frank Burns

[Misunderestimator]

14. No, I judge newbies by the threads they start...

and if they are excessively negative, I am suspicious. There is no magic number, but if you're saying that you haven't seen an influx of disruptors today, then you haven't been paying attention.

[kanrok]

15. That would be 623

When you get to exactly 623, we'll trust you.

[Misunderestimator]

19. Oh, and by the way, where did I say I judged by post count?

I said new members... as in recently joined. Though I have seen some questionable posts from people who've been here much longer than I have, so basically there's no magic anything. And what's with your tone anyway?

[Nightjock]

27. Sorry...

That's the problem with the "internets".
I was not trying to be an ass. I just feel bad for new people and with just barely over 500 posts I thought even people like me were being questioned.

Seriously. I apologize.

[Misunderestimator]

30. Cool... no problem then!

Appreciate the explanation, and I agree that post counts or even membership dates shouldn't be used against anyone. Only the content of the posts. :toast:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

32. calm down

:eyes:

[johnnie]

16. I know what you mean

I've been here for only about 2 years and I still feel like I am new. I don't miss those early days. I still haven't had the nerve to start too many controversial threads. Well, I do start them, but the fall flat...lol.

[miss_kitty]

20. Damn I'm glad

I seem to have nothing better to do than post here, cuz I only stared in mid August. So 3000+ posts is perfect cover for my freeperish intent come election day-erm-So I fit in with the long time posters.:D

[Misunderestimator]

ROFL

silly

[d_b]

22. I'm no troll.

I'm trying to get my posts up. Also wanting to make a donation (no credit card though). probably do a money order.

[Misunderestimator]

25. Welcome to DU...

and really it's not at all about post counts. There are some posters here who've been around for years who have just a couple hundred posts... who I admire. But from now until the election, any new members (as in, JUST joined) who post questionable threads that seem to mimic RW talking points will immediately be under my suspicion. That's all.

[d_b]

29. Yea. I understand.

I've seen a few of those "we're doomed" threads by dubious looking members.

[tigereye]

82. It looks like some of that "wer'e doomed" stuff is

those pingponging emotions some of us seem to be experiencing. ( if we look at the news or polls) Hell, I remember being nervous about the first Clinton election until it was pretty much over. I keep telling those folks to turn off the TV and get out there and canvass, or whatever. Helps you realize that a lot of folks are with us and reminds you to keep positive.

[Texasgal]

33. Curious....

What exactly constitutes a "newbie?"

I have had people tell me not to post emotionally, which quite frankly, I find insulting! I am just as emotional as anybody else this close to the election.

In short.... when do I get past that "newbie" phase so that I can start posting without fear?

[Misunderestimator]

35. No one will get past that phase... For the purposes of THIS thread

I am specifically talking about people who have JUST joined in the past day or two and are starting inflammatory threads. I have not seen you do that, and frankly, I've never done it. It's very clear to me that we ARE indeed getting new members who are trolls trying to disrupt the site in the past couple of days, but I have also seen a lot of new members who are clearly not trolls. That's the whole point of my feeling sorry for newbies, since I am now distrustful of anyone who joins between now and the election.

As for posting emotionally... I do nothing BUT post emotionally it seems. :hi:

[Texasgal]

37. I'm sorry...

My post was not directed at you, you have been nothing but welcoming to me. I appreciate that more than you know. :)

I was just trying to find out if anybody else had an answer to my question, because not long ago I was "warned" by a fellow DU'er to not post so "strongly" and I the time, I felt insulted.

Sorry I didn't word my post well... and as I have said before, I think I love you!! heh heh! :P

[Misunderestimator]

38. :) Whew.... You had me worried...

My advice... I'd ignore that kind of advice. F*ck em... We're emotional damn it! :) (I would have been insulted too... and then I would have torn them apart :evilgrin:)

[Texasgal]

39. I am sorry I worried you...

I'm a lover not a fighter! :)

I really wanna say that I truly appreciate your kindness, not just to me, but many others ( I read your posts! ) You are the embodiment of DU! :)

[Misunderestimator]

42. Damn... I think that made me blush...

That's a very sweet thing to say. :)

[mac56]

36. I agree.

I was just about to post a thread to the same effect.

It really seems to be "Bash The Newbies Day" in the GD Election forum. I know tempers are running high this weekend, but good lord, can't we all just settle down a little bit?

We all were newbies at one time. Many of us caught some flak for early posts. Not every newbie is a disruptor, and not every disruptor a newbie.

[USSA]

40. Gulp!

Thanks for the warning. I'll be sure to tread lightly for a few months - not that I have anything "controversial" to bring up. I'm mostly an Ed (Carson side-kick) kind of person. A lot of "yes sir, you are correct." :)



(lame attempt at humor)
~

[Misunderestimator]

43. Well, you can call me ma'am. :)

And welcome to DU! :toast: (Don't be worried, if you're not a troll, you'll be just fine here. But do realize that there are many here who just want to stir things up, so don't assume that we are ALL good here ;)... though I am O8) )

[USSA]

45. oops...

yes, ma'am. ;) And thank you for the welcome.

~

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

46. Then there are the attack dogs who look at a low post count

and immediately assume the poster is new. There are folks who've been here longer than I have (July 03, which makes me pretty newb compared to many here) who just don't post much.

More than once I have seen them attacked by members I consider to be undercover freeps themselves. What better way to divert attention, eh?

I sympathize with new members, especially those who reside in red states or other freeper-rich surroundings, who can't discuss their politics in real life. Without the support of like-minded community to keep their spirits up, they are naturally worried about what they see.

I suggest newbies post their concerns as questions within related threads, rather than starting a thread with a question that looks negative.

[Misunderestimator]

47. I completely agree.

If something looks suspicious to me, I take into consideration the join date, the post count and I search for past posts. If all of that adds up to "disruptor" then I alert. There are a LOT of great people here with low post counts who have been here MUCH longer than I. :hi:

[Skittles]

48. I know what you mean

we want to welcome new members but we're so suspicious of the timing.

[NurseLefty]

49. Anything to prove I'm legit

OK, I'm a latecomer, I admit. Just got my DU password after registering 3 days ago. But, I've been to the site MUCHO.
Just say the word and I'll do my best to prove my stripes.
FYI:
Continuous Dem voter since 1984; volunteer/contributor of Dem campaigns, marched in many protests (got teargassed during WTO Seattle in 1999), precinct delegate for Sen. Paul Simon (then Jesse Jackson) in 1988, volunteer for Rock the Vote 1995-1998, and I've performed jury duty, for crustsake!
:grouphug: :kick:

[Misunderestimator]

50. Cool.... Welcome to DU!

And... :yourock:

[The Great Deceiver]

52. Indeed.

I've lurked for some time and am only now getting my feet wet. Great community, though. It's going to be a tense week. Time to hunker down in the trenches.

[Misunderestimator]

55. Welcome to DU!

:toast: It IS a great community. I can't wait until Tuesday!

[greatauntoftriplets]

53. Well.... I am not a troll.....

Oh wait, I am an old member....

:evilgrin:

[Misunderestimator]

56. LMAO

Silly... :D

[Laura Croft]

54. I'm new

And I haven't had any problems or people give me a hard time as far as I can see.

[Misunderestimator]

57. Welcome to DU, Laura!

:toast:

[GOPisEvil]

58. Welcome non-troll new folks!

:hi:

To you trolls out there, GO AWAY. Get back under your bridges!

[Misunderestimator]

59. See, I should have said that in my original post... Thanks!

I really don't want to scare off any good democrats. Like he said... Welcome all non-troll new folks! :hi:

[NurseLefty]

60. Thanks for the Welcome

I really appreciate the welcome.
:toast: CHEERS!

[Misunderestimator]

64. And a personal Welcome to DU for you!

:toast:

[Anarcho-Socialist]

61. Maybe a troll would start a thread

entitled "I truly feel sorry for new members who are not trolls". Hmmmmmmmmm? To deflect suspicion perhaps. (Just kidding) :bounce:

I believe you really.

[Misunderestimator]

62. You have a really good point... maybe I am a troll...

but at least a very clever one, no? :bounce:

[Anarcho-Socialist]

63. Well, you're clever but not a troll as most trolls aren't clever

[tigereye]

83. if you are a troll, Mis

then hell has truly frozen over! ;)

[qnr]

66. Even if I were a freeper, I wouldn't be a freeper - their site

sucks, and I'd be embarrassed to be seen on it {random thought}

Side note: You'd think DU would have "freeper" in the spelling checker.

(Yes, this is a dupe)

[VOX]

67. Man, isn't that the truth!

My wife is a newbie, and she's afraid of getting shelled out there in GD.

And right now, she can't even put anything in her sig line that might indicate differently. (Like "Not a troll?" :crazy:)

Hard time to be a newbie, no doubt.

[Misunderestimator]

68. But you did an introduction thread... helps a lot to have a "sponsor"

:D

[Nicole]

69. I have been here 2 years

but seldom post.

Because of low post count, I am sure I will be looked at suspiciously.

[Misunderestimator]

71. Nah... It has nothing to do with your post count....

It has only to do with the content of the posts. :hi:

[indigobusiness]

70. I've always wanted to be a troll...is it too late for me?

Or is their still hope?

I've noticed how much better trolls are treated, around here, than I am.

I aspire to that.

[Misunderestimator]

72. LMAO... Yes, it's too late.

[goodboy]

73. I wonder

What percentage of people have been banned for the reason you just mentioned. Maybe they saw veteran DU'er's threads and were inspired to speak out like some of you who've got 5000 posts. Maybe it was their first time on a message board...

oh well,

fuck 'em.


:nopity:

edited to add: this is sarcastic...

[Misunderestimator]

75. Um... well, that's not my intention here at all...

I have absolutely NO interest in banning anyone who just wants to express their views... but I DO have a problem with someone who joined TODAY and starts an inflammatory thread about how this Bin Laden crap is bad for us, or something of the sort. Come on... tell me that you haven't seen people here doing just that?

Was your first post on a message board a provocative doomsday sort of thing, or were you like me... waiting until you understood the forum and developed relationships? I prefer to keep a positive outlook on things, and a hundred threads about how this Bin Laden tape is bad for us is enough to drive me over the edge. Anyone who THINKS would know that it is not bad for us, but bad for Bush... so the only conclusion I can draw is that someone who says that it is bad for us is a disruptor intent on distracting us (though I cannot imagine what good that would do).

[goodboy]

77. ok, first of all, I was just joking, and second:

I was excited to be here and see so many people who thought the same way as I did, and were so open and up front about their beliefs. I could easily see myself being overwhelmed at the extensive knowledge, pragmatism, tolerance, and power that this place has. DU is inspiring to me, and it evokes sometimes great passion in me.

[Misunderestimator]

79. It evokes great passion in me as well...

and is quite inspiring. Here's a DU hug for you :hug: :)

[goodboy]

80. Right back At You!

:hug:

[Misunderestimator]

81. Aw... Thanks!

[Sin]

84. Hi new poster long time lurker

Been here a long time reading just started posting because wanted to feel more apart of the community.Its hard with a low post count.
80% of the time people won't respond.
so trying to throw some funny posts out there. pop on to these threads to show I'm not a threat to the low post count stranglers.
So basically just expressing my thoughts and getting some off my chest. It's quite nice to have a place to voice ones opinion. In the company of others. I hang out here the most for news #1 and the humor
witch gets me quite a few days with a smile :) So thanks Du for being there...

[Misunderestimator]

85. Welcome to DU, Sin.

:hi: Gotta love the humor witch! :)