What the #^$#((*** is a SOCKPUPPET, anyway?

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   lorlie6posted 15 years ago

   With all this talk, I'd sure like a definition.
   Thanks.

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      AEvansposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      A person with more then one alter-ego a person that holds multiple accounts.

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         mega1posted 15 years agoin reply to this

         we are currently in the process of redefining to
         
         A person with more then one alter-ego a person that holds multiple accounts   IN ORDER TO HARRASS, DISTURB, STALK, OR OTHERWISE MANIPULATE HUBBERS IN THE FORUMS AND ON THEIR HUBS!
         
         or anyhow, that's what I'm thinking.

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            lorlie6posted 15 years agoin reply to this

            That looks mighty official, mega!!!  In fact that's exactly what I believe I'm seeing.

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               mega1posted 15 years agoin reply to this

               so yeah, and what I'm also saying is that, even though you will find them hardput to admit it, there are those who use their one and only (or so they say) to harm as well.  Its the "harm" part that is the real bugaboo here.  I really have a lot of fun and hope I never really harm anyone - but if it seems like I ever do I expect someone will tell me right away. 
               
               There is this other thing - and I am guilty of it, too - and I call it "thread hogging"  which is hijacking and just dumping alot of useless nonsense in an otherwise respectable (ible?) discussion - you know?  so that is why I hang out mainly in the tribe or hijack this thread threads where I cannot be confused with stinky socks or ugly trolls!  yes, yes, sister, I am good underneath it all I say - GOOD!

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                  AEvansposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                  Lololo you are funny!!!

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               barryrutherfordposted 15 years agoin reply to this

               it 's sounds like amedical condition like multiple personality disorder or even psychotic

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            susanlangposted 15 years agoin reply to this

            mega1, I'm glad your going to redefine the term "sockpuppets" which I, as a fairly new hubber, had no idea what that meant. But I do like your new define as I have learned right away, too many games, too many stalker's, too much harrassment, one hubber using too many profile's for the sole purpose of attacking other hubber's, and, making fun of the non fiction stories other hubber's post in order to draw attention away from that story, in hopes of bringing down the score of another hubber's good story!
            I have one profile which I use, this one, and only this one!  However, my husband and 4 other friends use my computer on the net.  I have no need for other profiles on the hubs. However, I respect those who do and only use them to write good hubs and want to make money off the Hubpages website. I remember when I first wrote some of my first stories. A short woman, who had a very tall husband, had the nerve of sending comments to one of my personal non fiction hub stories. In her comment's she insisted that I could not tell (my) story the way I presented it. Then, she sent me email's again telling me, I had to present my true story (her way)  I don't care if your the (King of England)  I don't care how high you managed to get your hub profile score up, nobody has the right to tell another hubber they must write their personal story and change the facts just so it sounds better to them. I  had to send her an email after receiving her rude emails. I said, these are my true stories, I will write them the way I choose. Please leave me alone and stop sending me email's, or I will have to call the police in my town. After that, the email's stopped. Thank God, I thought. Peace! 

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      2. 71

         lorlie6posted 15 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks, AEvans, though it seems to have a negative connotation here.  I realize it's 'legal' to have one or more accounts, but does this nomenclature indicate some sort of deception?

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            AEvansposted 15 years agoin reply to this

            From the threads I have been reading the answer to that question is yes. There apparently has been some deceit with some hubbers having multi-accounts on the forums but I believe if ignored life becomes so much better. A person should not feed the fire, the flames could burn you.

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               lorlie6posted 15 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks.  Great advice-I really mean it.

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      ThoughtfulSpotposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I've been trying to figure this out tonight too.  I like Mega's definition... that's the feeling I've gotten.  Just had a similar discussion.
      
      Thanks for the confirmation btw, Mega!
      
      And for the official definition AE.

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      Will Bensonposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Here is HubPages take on multiple IDs, etc.
      
      # Multiple Accounts: While we don’t prohibit having more than one HubPages account, we ask that you stick to a single persona in the forums. The deceptive use of multiple accounts, especially in a single thread is prohibited. The use of secondary accounts to circumvent a forum ban is also prohibited. This type of behaviour is also known as ’sockpuppeting’.

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         ThoughtfulSpotposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks for the official definition Will.  Seems the "deceptive" plays a key role.

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            Will Bensonposted 15 years agoin reply to this

            You're welcome. It shouldn't be a problem for you anyway.

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            1. 73

               ThoughtfulSpotposted 15 years agoin reply to this

               
               I wasn't worried, but thanks!  I was just discussing in another thread the difference between having multiple accounts and actually being a "sock puppet."
               
               I don't have multiple accounts, nor can I handle any additional drama, especially self inflicted.  So, I don't see it as being a problem either.  (I come here to relax for goodness sake!)

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         rebekahELLEposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         oh nice, right there in the forum rules. thanks for posting.
         http://hubpages.com/help/forum_rules

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         alternate poetposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         Nice idea, good rule, so why don't the sockpuppets get 'prohibited' I wonder?

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            lorlie6posted 15 years agoin reply to this

            How would it be enforced?  I wish it could be though, alternate poet.

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            AEvansposted 15 years agoin reply to this

            They do

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               Stevennix2001posted 15 years agoin reply to this

               hey aevans, i forgot to ask you, what was the title of the hubs about sock puppets you were talking about?

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                  AEvansposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                  We can't promote our own hubs just go to my profile and you will see them, they are about our forum they are funny.

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                     Stevennix2001posted 15 years agoin reply to this

                     okay, and you said they were the new ones right?

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                        AEvansposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                        yes

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                           Stevennix2001posted 15 years agoin reply to this

                           okay, thanks aevans. i'll definitely check them out then.  thnks. 

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                              AEvansposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                              enjoy! Reads like a soap opera, lolololo goodnite.

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                                 Stevennix2001posted 15 years agoin reply to this

                                 you have a goodnight too!

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   Ohmaposted 15 years ago

   I think the term sock puppet is like a alter ego that some Hubber's use to fool others or be mean while not admitting who they really are.
   I do not think the term applies to second accounts used for alternate writing styles or marketing Hubs.

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3. 0

   wordscribe41posted 15 years ago

   Yes, I think mega1 has the best new definition.  I think this new type of sockpuppet deserves an entirely different name, however.  Thinking, thinking, thinking....  Sockpuppet is far too nice.

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      mega1posted 15 years agoin reply to this

      mortar forker?

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         wordscribe41posted 15 years agoin reply to this

           Getting closer.

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            Crazdwriterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

            I still like meanie head better... yea I know I hung out with kids too long sorry

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               ThoughtfulSpotposted 15 years agoin reply to this

               You even censored it for kids.  Mine would have at least said
               "Poo-poo head."

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                  Crazdwriterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                  Yes I censored it for my kids...I have to...once I heard a naughty word come from a 3 year old's mouth and WOW I was shocked

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                     ThoughtfulSpotposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                     Its tough.  I remember when my eldest was 2 and a naughty word came out. It was so innocent and adorable at the same time as being shocking, I honestly wanted to laugh.  We learned to be more careful after that (we thought we WERE being careful... but tiny ears have long ranges.)
                     
                     Ok folks... back to your regularly scheduled programming... sorry for the hijack.

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      VioletSunposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Troll used to be the name for those who post in forums in order to harass. Sockpuppet is a new one to me.

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         susanlangposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         VioletSun, I remember that term as well. Boy...I'm feeling old now.

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   Crazdwriterposted 15 years ago

   Yep I agree with Mega Oh and don't worry I'm not a sockpuppet...just a stalker

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5. 81

   mega1posted 15 years ago

   I'm considering going back to school to study sock law.
   
   
   :

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      ThoughtfulSpotposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      

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6. 88

   rebekahELLEposted 15 years ago

   hmm, they get a lot of undeserved attention.
   there is a difference between a hubber having an alter ego or multiple accounts to publish hubs and they don't lie about who they are on their profile. they simply have more than one account like nelle, darkside, dale, people who are publishing and using the site for its purpose.
   sorry, I just think it's wrong for people to fabricate accounts portraying themselves to be something, someone they are not, saying they are musicians or undercover cop, etc... maybe they should have their own forum. they can talk to each other freely.

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      wordscribe41posted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Totally agree.  It's the fabrication that's really messed up and manipulative. 

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   2. 71

      lorlie6posted 15 years agoin reply to this

      They could have quite a party, don't you think?
      Seriously though, thanks, people for chiming in on this.

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         Lisa HWposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         There's nothing quite like a party with one person, one chair, one drink, and a bunch of imaginary friends.

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            lorlie6posted 15 years agoin reply to this

            You bet, Lisa!

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      susanlangposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      rebekah, great idea you came up with.

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   mega1posted 15 years ago

   I am so glad we had this discussion.  At long last I have it sorted out for myself, I think:
   
   Sockpuppet - one who is banned from the forums for harrassment or extreme manipulative behavior or harmful actions and RETURNS as an alternative identity in order to deceive
   
   Troll - one who uses any identity (their own, or an alter-ego) in the forums and/or in the hub comments in order to manipulate, harrass, stalk, slander or otherwise malign other hubbers.
   
   NOW do I have it right, finally?

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   logic,commonsenseposted 15 years ago

   Who really cares about sockpuppets?  Ignore those who you think might be one if it really bothers you, unless you have nothing better to do.

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      ryankettposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Cool, well I will ignore you from now on then

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         logic,commonsenseposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         Promises, promises!

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   Beth100posted 15 years ago

   

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      lorlie6posted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Love this, Beth!

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      susanlangposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Beth, I don't know if your a man or a woman. I do know the dragon and sock rocks the funny list!

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    Beth100posted 15 years ago

    Best visual summation I could come up with. 
    
    How are you Lorlie?

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    1. 71

       lorlie6posted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Hi, Beth...I'm exhausted trying to figure all this out!  And you?

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    K Partinposted 15 years ago

    One size fits all!

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       susanlangposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       my show size is 11. Mark says, better to kick someone's butt with when they need a good butt kickin. 

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    mega1posted 15 years ago

    After I got set straight by a few folks and deciphered what I think they are all saying I came up with the following which updates the earlier definition I had:
    
    Sockpuppet - one who is banned from the forums for harrassment or extreme manipulative behavior and/or harmful actions and RETURNS as an alternative identity in order to deceive and continue their bad behaviors.
    
    Troll - one who uses any identity (their own, or an alter-ego) in the forums and/or in the hub comments in order to manipulate, harrass, stalk, slander, shill for a scam, or otherwise malign other hubbers.

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       K Partinposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       wow thats some deep sh*t.....

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       susanlangposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       mega1, you said that so well and with such great details, thanks.

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    3. 74

       IntimatEvolutionposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I thought it was the other way around....  Go figure. 
       
       Who are the self-appointed Council members of the Sock Puppet Terminology Comm., so we can discuss it in length with them?  I'd like to read, what someone in charge of the movement, has to say.
       
       Personally, if I had the creativity, I'd have tons of accounts.  The more money I say, and screw the ones drowning in hate-mongering jealousy.
       
       Here, here!!

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          susanlangposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          IntimatE, which way did you say your facing?    Oh... and I have to agree, jealousy seems to run deep. So sad I say.

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    Uninvited Writerposted 15 years ago

    I'm sure you could go back and read the gazillion threads about them to learn what a sock puppet is

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    K Partinposted 15 years ago

    Not really up there on my list of things to do.... Thanks though.

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    AEvansposted 15 years ago

    Here is my take on this entire situation of course after my first cup of coffee. lololo
    
    Now that everyone understands what a sock-puppet is we need to let this entire discussion die. Many are and have been heart being accused of things they were not, there have been examples of the pain suffered on other threads. We are not children we are adults, what makes our community different is that we have actually spoke to some of these people on the phone,met them in person, or shared our lives through e-mails. I don't know of any other writing sites where people ban together when someone gets hurt, loses a loved one,or just needs advice or someone to talk to.
    
    All of us need to think before we comment and ask ourselves how it feels when we feel attacked. If something bothers us ignore it, I know it can be hard to do I have lashed out on occassion to, but when it gets tough walk-away from the computer it is only a virtual world.
    
    We need to end the discussion about this subject and focus on hopping, commenting and do what all of us love to do best and that is write.

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    susanlangposted 15 years ago

    Now your talking,  AEvans.

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    wyanjenposted 15 years ago

    [rant]
    As long as I have been a member at HubPages I've gotten kick out of hubbers in the forums with alter egos.
    
    This is a community of writers. If we were all mathematicians the forums would be so frickin' boring you could near the crickets chirping.
    
    People use sock puppets because they don't have the nerve to say something without being under cover, or because they get a kick out of causing drama. I've known several alter egos who were only here to play, not to cause mischief - and I don't have any kind of problem with that. It was fun.
    
    Notice I put that in past tense. All this damn saga drama garbage has driven away many of my buddies and that BUMS me out. I've had it with the "I'm leaving, no please don't go" forums and "Name all your favorite friends" and "Hey everybody, look at what we are e-mailing to each other when we're not in the forums" stuff.
    
    I'm not defending hubbers who use their socks for evil, but page after page of personal drama is just as irritating.
    I don't give a damn about it and I'm perfectly capable of not reading what I don't want to read. The problem is that when I pop in to kill some time and have some fun, the folks I'm looking for are MIA.
    
    I know people here have been hurt and they deserve to speak up.
    It's just a shame that the childishness has caused so many to lose interest in the forums altogether. All the gossip bs and drama is too much. It feels like high school all over except I don't have to find a grown up to buy my cigarettes for me.
    
    I should have used my alter ego to post this maybe, because my "sock puppet" is way too polite to say
    
    just grow the f@#& up.
    [/rant]

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       EmpressFelicityposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       AMEN, SISTER!!  Couldn't agree more

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    susanlangposted 15 years ago

    Here's a post wishing my friends a good afternoon or evening depending on where you live.

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