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Faking a discussion, using just one person

by LeonaCoco
11 replies
Hi all,

I'm losing my mind trying to think of the term for this. I once read there is a industry term for when one person creates multiple accounts in order to spark discussion by faking a back and forth between multiple users. So, for example, they want someone to focus on whatever product/idea they've posted a topic about, so they create a bunch of fake personas and write, "Where did you find this?" "I found it on sale at Amazon!" "Oh my gosh guys, thanks for this tip!", etc. But it's all one person writing those things.

Anybody know what the term is for this? Driving me crazy and I need it for a presentation I'm doing!!

Thanks,
LeonaCoco
#discussion #faking #person #terminology #trick
  • Profile picture of the author darkc0de1
    I think there's no such term for that. You can create one for your self.

    "Viral Topic - Fake Accounts" hmmm but not really..

    I made a few search and I found this:

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  • Profile picture of the author darkc0de1
    I got it!!!

    "FAKE REVIEWS"

    What do you think?

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  • Profile picture of the author carcin0genic
    How about having a product that really is amazing that other REAL people comment about or provide testimonial for.

    Anytime you have to rely on Fake anything it shows you don't belong.

    Build up your knowledge, build up your trust among your leads, and promote products worth their price and with value.

    Then you won't have to worry about luring people with fake conversations or other desperate amateur methods.

    -Mike
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  • Profile picture of the author Alan James
    Faketerbation?
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    It's all in the wrist action...

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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Is "shill" the word you're looking for?
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    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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  • Profile picture of the author McKattry
    Hmmm... you might be looking for the term "sock puppeting."
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  • Profile picture of the author Samuel Adams
    Whatever name you call it, the real underlying motive is to scam the person reading the fake reviews/comments into believing that particular product is worth buying.

    You might think you're generating interest, but I suspect any intelligent Facebook (or social network) user won't fall for it.

    If you really want to help your readers out, whether that's on Facebook or if you're selling on eBay, take the time to create credible and worthwhile product reviews that cover both sides of the issue. Don't take the low ride to scamming by trying to trick someone into believing the product is worthwhile. Instead, create or find products to promote that you can be proud of and then promote them as hard as possible. In this way you'll keep your credibility and have no worries of being found out as a fraud.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeffery Moss
    Lots of people do this on their own blogs, posting 'fake' reviews of products, placed solely for the purpose of making sales. All these reviews link to products with affiliate links.

    But, just because others are doing it, doesn't make it right. You have to decide for yourself how far you are willing to go to 'convince' your site visitor to click on your links and buy your products.

    The better and more ethical road to take is to establish trust with the people you are speaking to, by posting reviews as yourself, not fake users and creating truthful reviews of products. If you have used these products, then say so, if not, say that too but give your best reasons for why you think your reader would benefit from the product/service.
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnnyPlan
    Is this being done on a forum or on a personal blog? If posted on a forum, then I would think the moderators would actually delete those fake reviews especially if they contain affiliate links.
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  • Profile picture of the author garysvpa
    Originally Posted by LeonaCoco View Post

    Hi all,

    I'm losing my mind trying to think of the term for this. I once read there is a industry term for when one person creates multiple accounts in order to spark discussion by faking a back and forth between multiple users. So, for example, they want someone to focus on whatever product/idea they've posted a topic about, so they create a bunch of fake personas and write, "Where did you find this?" "I found it on sale at Amazon!" "Oh my gosh guys, thanks for this tip!", etc. But it's all one person writing those things.

    Anybody know what the term is for this? Driving me crazy and I need it for a presentation I'm doing!!

    Thanks,
    LeonaCoco
    sockpuppet

    referred to a false identity assumed by a member of an internet community who spoke to, or about, themselves while pretending to be another person.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnnyPlan
      Originally Posted by garysvpa View Post

      sockpuppet

      referred to a false identity assumed by a member of an internet community who spoke to, or about, themselves while pretending to be another person.
      Not that you are endorsing the use of 'sock puppets', but I don't understand the logic of anyone using a fake review or anything to promote a product. First off, what about the trust factor? If someone finds out about the lies/faked reviews then all the trust you built is out the window. So what, just start over? Also, most intelligent people will see right through the fake sounding, 'Wow! I really loved this product', 'review'. And, I'm air quoting 'review' here as using a sock puppet (or whatever you want to call it) is not what a real review is, nor is it an endorsement.

      If anyone still thinks this sock puppet is a good idea, I'd question not just their integrity but knowledge of real internet marketing.
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