Sock Puppets
Within Usenet,a sock puppet (aka 'mule' or 'glove puppet') is an additional identity adopted by an existing member of a newsgroup at the same time as they are posting with their original identity.
The new identity may be adopted for a number of reasons which may include:- Manufacturing the illusion of support in a discussion or argument.
- Supporting one side of an argument without the main identity being seen to be involved.
- Creating false arguments for the main identity to demolish - thus enhancing the prestige of the main indentity
- Creating confusion amongst newsgroup regulars
- Falsely inflating the poster's sense of self-esteem by making the newsgroup regulars the butt of an 'unseen joke'.
In a word, DON'T!
Such behaviour is invaribly seen as dishonest and, as a result, these individuals are often labeled as trolls.
How To Recognise A Sock Puppet
The 'newcomer':
- has more knowledge than would be expected regarding the newsgroups's sub-culture and regulars
- takes part in similar discussions and has mostly same opinions as the main identity
- may have the same IP address and/or Internet Service Provider. You can find this inforamtion in the Header of any newsgroup post
As with basic trolls, sock puppets rarely last long on AFP.