When does a 'sockpuppet' become a 'hubber'?

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  1. profile image0
    ryankettposted 14 years ago

    Just a general observation really, we have a hubber with 229 hubpages refuting allegations that he is a 'sockpuppet'...

    I don't really now this Stevenx fella, but surely just having that many hubs alone suggests that he is not a sockpuppet?

    Whilst he may well have a sockpuppet, like many hubbers, surely this would be the 'hubber' and his other account, whatever that is, would be his 'sockpuppet'....

    I mean, if he can be a sockpuppet with 229 hubs in 9 months, does that mean that I can be a sockpuppet with just 297 in 10 months?

    Although of course I use my real photo, and real name, as can now be verified by Sunforged, Darkside, Mark Knowles and EmieVil, it is everybodies right to use an avatar online without being accused of being a sockpuppet.... in fact.... most people use one.

    In a way, most online accounts are a 'sockpuppet' to real people in the real world.... I would much rather people used an avatar than a fake picture of a random beautiful model with big boobs, or of some bloke with a six pack....

    Personally, in my opinion, no hubpages account with 100 plus hubs can be considered a sockpuppet account by those who have less than that on their primary account...

    I have a 'sockpuppet' account, well actually it is a second account with a few hubs on which my normal readers wouldnt appreciate, although I didnt enjoy using him on the forum, I did once and never again...

    If somebody writes 200 hubs on an account, they are probably entitled to use that account on the forum, thats what it all comes down to isnt it?

    1. alternate poet profile image69
      alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Sensible I think.  Surely the function of Hubpages forum is to write and discuss issues surrounding the writing. Sockpuppets and shills invade forums to try and prevent discussion, most of them have none or very few hubs and the hubs are clearly nonsense, but they do make a hub!  Or in some cases here they even make many puppets and nonsense hubs and form a community of many that comment etc on their own hubs under different names.  They even remove people from the discussion by all their 'faces' reporting them.

      It would appear that it is not possible to control them - maybe it is just too much work for somebody in administration to look through the accounts and perform some kind of digital euthanasia, I guess they have the means to see who is who.

      1. mega1 profile image80
        mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

        hear hear!  a.p.  - that is genius you have written!  and it reads like a how-to manual for sock-puppeting!  I agree wholeheartedly, no matter how they inspire me, they should be just shunned.  and shunned again.

    2. barryrutherford profile image76
      barryrutherfordposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Is a "sock puppet" just a psydonym like authors the like that  Agatha Christie used ???

    3. Beth100 profile image68
      Beth100posted 14 years agoin reply to this



      Ryan, you may not know Steven, but I do.  I can vouch that he's as real as you are, or me.  It shouldn't matter if one has more than one account, as long as the accounts are used properly, which is to say, for writing in specific niches or for particular styles.  Using these alter-egos for trolling and attacking is utter nonsense.  Also, I don't have the number of hubs you or Steven have, but I'm real.  Technically, the number of hubs shouldn't affect anyone's opinion of whether I am real or not.  It's kind of judging the worthiness of a book by its weight. 

      I've been at the butt (maybe sock) end of these attacking puppets, and I have only this to say:  unravel the yarn and let them fall apart. And don't get me going on trolls.....

      1. profile image0
        Stevennix2001posted 14 years agoin reply to this

        thanks beth, and i agree.  i think this whole finger  pointing business is turning into a freaking witch hunt if anything.  similar to when everyone was paroid over mccarthyism, where anyone could be called a communist over anything.  that's basically what this whole sock puppet thing is turning into. 


        @aevans

        thanks, i love you guys too.  smile

        1. AEvans profile image74
          AEvansposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          smile I am glad that you are going to be o.k. I wrote a few hubs about the sock puppet thread, pretty funny! You should check them out when you get a chance. smile

          1. profile image0
            Stevennix2001posted 14 years agoin reply to this

            really? thanks aevans. i'll definitely do that.  i  can't wait to read them.  smile

          2. profile image0
            Stevennix2001posted 14 years agoin reply to this

            i'll definitely check them out.  by the way, what are they called though? i forgot to ask.  hmm

      2. profile image0
        ryankettposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        Well thats my very point really Beth.... as things stand there are no computer programmes which can automatically produce and publish a good quality hubpage (thank goodness).... every account has a human being sitting at a computer producing this content.... this particular human being has produced 229 hubpages and 8000 forum posts....

        If the same human being writes a few hubs on another account, it is still the same human being. I think that people need to chill out, the worst days of this forum are in the past, the reasons why everybody is paranoid about sockpuppets is in the past, I think that the very word 'sockpuppet' should be banned on this forum until everybody has good reason to use it again! (Atomswifey etc).

        1. Beth100 profile image68
          Beth100posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I agree with you Ryan.  It's becoming tiring these sock puppets and trolls and all the stories behind them.  We're here to write, so why are we sitting here discussing sock puppets?!?  They win AGAIN!!

          BTW, it's great to have you back in the forums.  Finally, some stimulating questions that aren't in the religious threads. lol 

          @ Steven -- No need for thanks.  People have too much time on their hands, become bored and begin to create chaos to feel that something is happening in their lives.  Enough of sock puppets and all the drama!  I'm done with smoke and mirrors.

          How about you guys?

          1. profile image0
            Stevennix2001posted 14 years agoin reply to this

            same here.  im ready to put this all behind me now.  besides, why debate such a subject anyway, when i can be with you?  wink

    4. profile image0
      cosetteposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      it doesnt matter how long someone has been here or how many hubs they have written, or even how 'respected' they are - they can still be a sockpuppet if they use fake accounts to hide behind for sinister purposes.

  2. Dale Mazurek profile image64
    Dale Mazurekposted 14 years ago

    First off my friend I havent officially said welcome back, so welcome back.

    I think you are entirely correct.  A sock puppet is like 3 other accounts that I have which I have never denied.

    They are for certain niches and I guess they would be sock puppets.  However I never come on the forums with them.

    I only ever come on here as myself and only ever will.

    You do raise an interesting question.

    Cheers

    Dale

  3. Ohma profile image60
    Ohmaposted 14 years ago

    All the big to-do over the sock puppets lately seems really sad to me. So what if people use other accounts. Who does it hurt, and why is it anyone else's business.
    I think it is just people who like to keep things stirred up long after they should have been let go.

  4. tantrum profile image61
    tantrumposted 14 years ago

    If the sockpuppets are only used for fun, I don't see where is the problem
    The problem is when they are used to deceive and hurt people.
    Harrasment and mental manipulation.

    I know of some mails that would make a hubber be banned for ever.

    1. ThoughtfulSpot profile image71
      ThoughtfulSpotposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I guess that was kind of my question though, tant.  "Sock puppet" seems to be somewhat derrogatory (sp?).  So, if you are using an alternate identity for fun, is it a sock puppet, or is perhaps something else?  Maybe its a "shower cap" or a "teddy bear" instead?

      big_smile

      1. tantrum profile image61
        tantrumposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        I'm glad you find it funny.

        1. ThoughtfulSpot profile image71
          ThoughtfulSpotposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Sorry tant... obviously I've missed some things that are creating some strong feelings here.  Because you and I have never had any issues, I was simply fooling around.

          What I was trying to say was that it seemed like people were using the word sock puppet for those who were only out to cause trouble.  Nothing you described yourself doing seemed to fit that description.  So, I was saying that, according to what you had said so far, you were not a "sock puppet" as I understood the definition to be.

          No offense was intended.

          1. tantrum profile image61
            tantrumposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            I didn't mean your comments to be offensive. And you weren't talking about me. So how can I find them offensive ?

            I said : I'm glad you find it funny.
            Because you were making funny comments. That's all.


            BTW I don't find this issue about sockpuppetes funny at all.

            1. ThoughtfulSpot profile image71
              ThoughtfulSpotposted 14 years agoin reply to this

              Oops.  I guess I need smiley faces to read "forum." Its still like a foreign language to me sometimes!

  5. mega1 profile image80
    mega1posted 14 years ago

    I am quite sure that sockpuppets are evil and scandalous and probably underequipped in many areas.  HOWEVER, who am I to say so, when I have never even been approached by one.  to my knowledge.   Still, I am so excited and intrigued by this sock puppet stuff that I have written three songs inspired by them!  If they can give me this much inspiration, I say onward with the sock puppets, may they live forever!  (of course, I will not condone their evilness and harrassment and scandalmongering, and even the high drama is sometimes irritating)  I have spoken.  lol

  6. StevieDow profile image61
    StevieDowposted 14 years ago

    I only have the one account. Its hard enough learning this with just one. I started a blog and soon a website or two. Soon as my daughter teaches me some more. I would think effort expended on a sock puppet would be better spent on other projects.

    1. ThoughtfulSpot profile image71
      ThoughtfulSpotposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      lol
      My thoughts exactly! I can barely manage writing hubs and dropping in on the forums... let alone another whole hub account.

      Although, I do see where another account would be helpful to separate out certain genres of writing... but, that, I think does not qualify as a sockpuppet.  More of an "alter writing ego." 

      From what I've read so far, it seems like "sock puppet" more involves hiding behind another avatar to stir the pot in the forums?  Maybe I've missed something though.

      1. mega1 profile image80
        mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

        you miss nothing, grasshopper!  so astute!

      2. tantrum profile image61
        tantrumposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        You've missed a lot. Read my post above.

        1. mega1 profile image80
          mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          stirring the forums pot - includes all you have written of, dear tantrum, and more!  You and I, for instance, if we will admit it, while not garbed in obscure vestments, still stir with mighty vigilance and ever potent energies, while "just being ourselves".  Do you dispute it?  here to entertain and be entertained - even stopping just short of causing harm, and I get called down now and then, now and then.

          1. tantrum profile image61
            tantrumposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            I don't have anything to do with you.
            I'm not stirring the pot. I'm trying to open some people's eyes, before they get hurt.
            If I would like to stir the pot, I would bring forward a lot of  things, that would really stir the pot. You can be sure of that.
            I'm trying to be as mild as possible.

  7. profile image0
    Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

    Who is saying that Steven is a sockpuppet? I Sorry but I seriously and highly doubt that Steven is a sockpuppet

    1. profile image0
      Stevennix2001posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      thank you cw.  im glad most of you guys believe me when i say that im not a sock puppet

      1. AEvans profile image74
        AEvansposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        I know you are not a Sock-puppet our son still plays with those. lololo We love ya! smile

  8. Rafini profile image81
    Rafiniposted 14 years ago

    I am wondering why it matters to anyone.  If someone is being harrassed by a sockpuppet they have the right to report them to HP Staff, right?  So, let it be unless you are being harrassed.

    1. alternate poet profile image69
      alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      It matters because harassment is not a reportable issue, only direct personal attack. Maybe harassment should be reportable ?

      Also if there are more than one identity of the same person it is hard to show that these apparent 'people' are in the business of harassment, I have only been here a few days and am being harassed by at least three of the same personae in different threads, or the threads are being filled with nonsense comments and stupid questions to stop it going on.

      This activity is not a personal issue, as with Tantrum, it is political, and/or just a dimwit who resents anyone with an intelligent question or answer.  In my case I see the same conglomeration of heads is attached to many sensible posters in an attempt to stifle any discussion. I write poetry and have a couple in line as hubs, never popular but is a window, I would like to discuss poetry, politics, philosophy, social issues in these forums - but it seems to be almost impossible.

      1. profile image0
        Norah Caseyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        Hello alternate poet,

        Harassment is a reportable issue, however in some of the more, shall we say 'energetic' threads, disagreements are generally just more intense. Religious and political beliefs are so central to some individuals that questioning, even from a friendly person on a forum, can quickly turn to bickering.

        If there is someone who you feel is targeting you specifically, please contact us: team@hubpages.com and, as always, flag any posts that you feel are personal attacks. We may not always agree with you, but it will put future flags on posts from that person into context.

        1. alternate poet profile image69
          alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Thank you for posting this Nora - I will do that.

          I am more than happy to engage in 'energetic' argument and disagreement - that is what exchanging views is about - I only get incensed by sets of clones who just try to stop the discussion.

  9. profile image59
    logic,commonsenseposted 14 years ago

    Just wondering-isn't everyone on the Internet a sockpuppet?

    1. profile image0
      ryankettposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      No.

      I use my real name, my real photo. Explain how I can be a sockpuppet?

      Although I did touch on this..... "In a way, most online accounts are a 'sockpuppet' to real people in the real world"

  10. profile image59
    logic,commonsenseposted 14 years ago

    I never did smoke! smile

    1. Beth100 profile image68
      Beth100posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      is that a good thing? lol

      1. profile image59
        logic,commonsenseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

        Absolutely!
        Actually, one time I did smoke after sex, but only because I was doing it too fast! smile

        1. Beth100 profile image68
          Beth100posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          hmmm...image of you smoking (not a cig) cause you were too fast... okay, think I need to revisual that as you smoking hot while having sex!  ah, much better image!  lol

  11. Beth100 profile image68
    Beth100posted 14 years ago

    sorry.... love you.  xoxo

    1. profile image0
      Stevennix2001posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      who are you talking to?  hmm

      1. Beth100 profile image68
        Beth100posted 14 years agoin reply to this

        you silly.  i'm all messed up with my thread responses.  i'm having moments of confusion....

        1. profile image0
          Stevennix2001posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          oh okay.  sorry, you didn't specify, so that's why i was confused.  sorry.  lol.  awww thanks beth. i love you too.  wink  i really missed talking to you.  smile

          1. Beth100 profile image68
            Beth100posted 14 years agoin reply to this

            that makes two of us  hmm confused that is....

            1. profile image0
              Stevennix2001posted 14 years agoin reply to this

              why are you confused?  whats wrong?

              1. Beth100 profile image68
                Beth100posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                wish i knew.  have to go....bury my head and scream or something like that....or eat a pint of ice cream....or run a few miles....or play some hoop for the night...or hug my dog

                thanks for the smiles tonight.  xox

                1. profile image0
                  Stevennix2001posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  your welcome and thank you for spending time with me tonight.  as it's always the highlight of my day to spend time with the prettiest gal on hubpages.  wink  you have a good night beth, i love you.  xoxo

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