# A Question About One-track Posters Impervious to Discussion
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052
**Category:** About This Message Board
**Created:** [October 16, 2017, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052 "2017-10-16T14:00:01Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 5
### Author:  [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/81 "2017-10-19T00:19:27Z")
> [@wolfpup](#):
>
> \*\*Right now if I type “9/11 events physics” into Google \*\*-- a very basic and generic set of search terms – the stupid CT thread we are discussing is right there on the first page, ranked 8th out of 17,300,000 results.
> [@Peter\_Morris](#):
>
> I understand that Google uses your browsing history to rank results. Because you regularly access the SDMB, it comes high on the search results. For another person, who has never heard of us, using the same terms it would come low on the list.
i just did that in Chrome. I only use it for the rare site that Firefox won’t load so there’s no browsing history.
The Straight Dope didn’t come up in 15 pages.
---
### Author:  [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/82 "2017-10-19T00:29:19Z")
> [@aldiboronti](#):
>
> I think that’s an accurate assessment. In my opinion we can look after ourselves and the less moderator intervention on the board the better. On an ideal board we’d only ever see the mods as posters but of course that’s almost impossible to achieve on a board of this size. The simplest answer to the question posed in the OP is to totally ignore tinfoil hat questioners. There is no point at all in replying to them because they are not looking for answers nor are they interested in dialogue. What they want is someone to listen to their nonsensical blather. We shouldn’t be that someone. If every bizarre theory generates hundreds of replies we’ll soon become a favored destination for these people.
When the ratio is like 1/1000 I’m not sure what the worry is. The only problem I see is lack of self control. I posted my few times in that thread then I was done. I don’t need a moderator protecting me from threads I don’t like if the threads are following the general rules of the board.
---
### Author:  [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/83 "2017-10-19T00:34:43Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#):
>
> As the OP I may not have made one point as clear to y’all as it was to me 🙂
>
> **Jay\_Jay** is not the issue. \*\*Jay\_Jay \*\*\*reminded \*me of this issue: paid vandal posters. The point of this thread is not “Should we ban **Jay\_Jay**?” or “Should we ban any/all CT enthusiasts?”
>
> The point of the thread is as **wolfpup** says in #65. Large amounts of money are being spent all over social media to try in effect to troll the whole damn country. A nation of deeply suspicious cynics steeped in conflicting versions of fake news will not be a successful democracy for long.
>
> My Q: Are we being targeted too? Are we doing anything about it?
>
> See something. Say something.
>
> I thought I maybe saw something so I said something. Here it is.
The money is better spent elsewhere. Honestly, the target audience here is low and skeptical. With regards to propaganda in society that’s a problem that shouldn’t be fixed via censorship. That’s a problem of some combination of poor education, low intellect, and lack of critical analysis skills. How that problem is solved or mitigated in society would be a worthy debate.
---
### Author:  [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/84 "2017-10-19T00:36:43Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#):
>
> I understand that Google uses your browsing history to rank results. Because you regularly access the SDMB, it comes high on the search results. For another person, who has never heard of us, using the same terms it would come low on the list.
I’m pretty sure you’re right. I knew that Google customizes searches based on past search history, but I didn’t know that it took browsing history into account.
Anyway, I had an immediate chance to test this theory since I just installed a VM a few days ago and the browser has hardly been used except for a few tests. In this new browser on a brand new virtual machine, the same Google search that turned up the SDMB thread in question as #8 out of 17,300,000 this time turned it up as #25 out of 17,100,000. Not quite as impressive, but really not all that dramatically different.
---
### Author:  [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/85 "2017-10-19T01:32:17Z")
> [@running\_coach](#):
>
> i just did that in Chrome. I only use it for the rare site that Firefox won’t load so there’s no browsing history.
> The Straight Dope didn’t come up in 15 pages.
This is getting to be kind of a side issue, but I don’t know how to explain that. Chrome pissed me off a while back for several reasons and I don’t have it to try on any current machine I can think of. The last test I’m describing was with Firefox on a VM in which I don’t surf the net or do much of anything except run apps for compatibility or testing reasons (the OS there is Windows XP). Firefox had a few links to SDMB in its history from a few days ago but I deleted those (“forget this site”) and the results are the same – the SDMB thread in question comes up on the third page. It’s entirely possible that there’s something I’m not understanding about where Google gets its clues, or maybe your search terms were slightly different.
---
### Author:  [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/86 "2017-10-19T01:37:56Z")
> [@wolfpup](#):
>
> Anyway, I had an immediate chance to test this theory since I just installed a VM a few days ago and the browser has hardly been used except for a few tests. In this new browser on a brand new virtual machine, the same Google search that turned up the SDMB thread in question as #8 out of 17,300,000 this time turned it up as #25 out of 17,100,000. Not quite as impressive, but really not all that dramatically different.
But it was the same IP Address?
I’m guessing that Google knows that someone at that IP address regularly visits the Straight dope. It will rank the Straight Dope high on searches from that IP Address. Even on a new computer.
But I’m not an expert on how Google works, though.
---
### Author:  [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/87 "2017-10-19T01:50:43Z")
> [@wolfpup](#):
>
> This is getting to be kind of a side issue, but I don’t know how to explain that. Chrome pissed me off a while back for several reasons and I don’t have it to try on any current machine I can think of. The last test I’m describing was with Firefox on a VM in which I don’t surf the net or do much of anything except run apps for compatibility or testing reasons (the OS there is Windows XP). Firefox had a few links to SDMB in its history from a few days ago but I deleted those (“forget this site”) and the results are the same – the SDMB thread in question comes up on the third page. It’s entirely possible that there’s something I’m not understanding about where Google gets its clues, or maybe your search terms were slightly different.
Nope, I used exactly the search terms you suggested. Maybe Google uses other clues plus browser history.
---
### Author:  [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/88 "2017-10-19T07:06:57Z")
> [@Shodan](#):
>
> If the thread in question is an example of weaponized attack content, it’s coming from the Grand Duchy of Fenwick and I don’t think we have much to worry about. Truthers, Birthers, creationists - all serve the Greater Purpose, which is to unite the Dope in smartassery.
> The Illuminati paid you to say that, didn’t they?
>
> Regards,
> Shodan
Pretty sure it’s the Duchy of Grand Fenwick, ya splitter…
---
### Author:  [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/89 "2017-10-19T16:16:03Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#):
>
> As the OP I may not have made one point as clear to y’all as it was to me 🙂
>
> **Jay\_Jay** is not the issue. \*\*Jay\_Jay \*\*\*reminded \*me of this issue: paid vandal posters. The point of this thread is not “Should we ban **Jay\_Jay**?” or “Should we ban any/all CT enthusiasts?”
>
> The point of the thread is as **wolfpup** says in #65. Large amounts of money are being spent all over social media to try in effect to troll the whole damn country. A nation of deeply suspicious cynics steeped in conflicting versions of fake news will not be a successful democracy for long.
>
> My Q: Are we being targeted too? Are we doing anything about it?
>
> See something. Say something.
>
> I thought I maybe saw something so I said something. Here it is.
I have yet to see an answer to my question way back in the beginning about how exactly content (postings here) can be “weaponized.”
Person A (a legitimate conspiracy theorist with a bugaboo about 9/11) posts a thread asserting that 9/11 was really a [insert your desired conspiracy theory making the rounds]. What ensues is fifty pages of stupid “argument” as a subset of people who are “members” here (by which I mean regular posters, since “membership” on this Board is a bit weird) who cannot just simply let go, but MUST convince the OP that he is _ **WRONG** _.
Person B (a person paid to try and destabilize America’s democracy by posting weird shit to stir us up) posts a thread asserting that 9/11 was really a [insert your desired conspiracy theory which destabilizes us as a society if believed]. What ensues is fifty pages of… well, you get the idea, I think.
How is B any worse than A?
If all of a sudden we find our Board inundated with WCTs (weird conspiracy theories), we might want to re-think filtering OPs. But otherwise, what real harm comes?
---
### Author:  [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/90 "2017-10-19T17:11:39Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#):
>
> If all of a sudden we find our Board inundated with WCTs (weird conspiracy theories), we might want to re-think filtering OPs. But otherwise, what real harm comes?
Plenty if TPTB ultimately decides this place isn’t worth the trouble and takes it the way of the IMDb boards.
---
### Author:  [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/91 "2017-10-19T18:01:24Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#):
>
> If all of a sudden we find our Board inundated with WCTs (weird conspiracy theories), we might want to re-think filtering OPs. But otherwise, what real harm comes?
There seems to be more of an infestation of first time posters telling very personal stories about themselves and/or asking weird legal questions. ([The latest](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=839373).)
---
### Author:  [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/92 "2017-10-19T19:27:50Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#):
>
> I have yet to see an answer to my question way back in the beginning about how exactly content (postings here) can be “weaponized.” …
> How is B any worse than A?
Random conspiracy theories might end up as noise. But a _ **deliberate** _ attempt to affect Google searching could _ **help spread lies** _. Deliberate lying, assisted by Facebook bots etc., did affect the recent election.
And recall that some of the anti-Clinton Facebook lies weren’t directed from Russia, but caught on when some village in Albania(?) discovered that certain #FakeNews stories maximized ad revenue. We have indeed reached a point where #FakeNews, spread by propaganda channels and social media, is a real threat to political and social integrity. Because it gets strong Google scores, SDMB may indeed be targeted as a #FakeFact conduit.
---
### Author:  [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/93 "2017-10-19T20:15:31Z")
> [@septimus](#):
>
> Random conspiracy theories might end up as noise. But a _ **deliberate** _ attempt to affect Google searching could _ **help spread lies** _. Deliberate lying, assisted by Facebook bots etc., did affect the recent election.
>
> And recall that some of the anti-Clinton Facebook lies weren’t directed from Russia, but caught on when some village in Albania(?) discovered that certain #FakeNews stories maximized ad revenue. We have indeed reached a point where #FakeNews, spread by propaganda channels and social media, is a real threat to political and social integrity. Because it gets strong Google scores, SDMB may indeed be targeted as a #FakeFact conduit.
I suppose the one potential vote swung the other way by Russopolibot2020 is a danger we all have to live with.
---
### Author:  [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)
#### Post date: [October 20, 2017, 10:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/94 "2017-10-20T10:22:08Z")
> [@octopus](#):
>
> I suppose the one potential vote swung the other way by Russopolibot2020 is a danger we all have to live with.
I _think_ you’re suggesting that votes swayed by #FakeNews spread on social media are insufficient to swing an election.
You are incorrect.
---
### Author:  [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)
#### Post date: [October 20, 2017, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/95 "2017-10-20T16:21:05Z")
> [@septimus](#):
>
> I _think_ you’re suggesting that votes swayed by #FakeNews spread on social media are insufficient to swing an election.
>
> You are incorrect.
Since this thread is about SDMB policy and concerns that’s what I’m talking about. What happens on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit is a different discussion. I don’t care if Russians or Chinese or whoever use those platforms but that’s not here.
---
### Author:  [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)
#### Post date: [October 20, 2017, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/96 "2017-10-20T17:57:51Z")
> [@octopus](#):
>
> Since this thread is about SDMB policy and concerns that’s what I’m talking about. What happens on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit is a different discussion. I don’t care if Russians or Chinese or whoever use those platforms but that’s not here.
So what you’re saying is _it can’t happen here_?
---
### Author:  [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)
#### Post date: [October 20, 2017, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/97 "2017-10-20T18:04:04Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#):
>
> So what you’re saying is _it can’t happen here_?
Obviously not.
However, the probability of a meaningful impact on the US elections due to paid Russian propagandists targeting this message board is low. So, I wouldn’t be fretful.
---
### Author:  [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)
#### Post date: [October 20, 2017, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/98 "2017-10-20T21:40:24Z")
My interest is not so much that the paid vandals would use SDMB to influence the public at large and thereby Rule Ze Vorld! I’d rather they not, but as **octopus** correctly says, we’re but a chip in that windstorm.
My primary concern is that we are so small, and they are potentially so big that they could wreck this place just by showing up and stomping around a lot. Which might attract a lot of their followers. Many online media outfits have had to curtail or terminate audience participation because it simply got too hard to keep all the 4chan-style sheer ignorant nastiness under control.
I like this place as a place for us to hang out. Our existing \*laissaize faire \* or more accurately reference **octopus** , “What me, worry?” attitude towards keeping the vandals affirmatively at bay leaves us at some risk of being overrun. Is that wise or foolish?
---
### Author:  [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)
#### Post date: [October 20, 2017, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/99 "2017-10-20T23:10:34Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#):
>
> My interest is not so much that the paid vandals would use SDMB to influence the public at large and thereby Rule Ze Vorld! I’d rather they not, but as **octopus** correctly says, we’re but a chip in that windstorm.
>
> My primary concern is that we are so small, and they are potentially so big that they could wreck this place just by showing up and stomping around a lot. Which might attract a lot of their followers. Many online media outfits have had to curtail or terminate audience participation because it simply got too hard to keep all the 4chan-style sheer ignorant nastiness under control.
>
> I like this place as a place for us to hang out. Our existing \*laissaize faire \* or more accurately reference **octopus** , “What me, worry?” attitude towards keeping the vandals affirmatively at bay leaves us at some risk of being overrun. Is that wise or foolish?
But don’t you think it’ll be really obvious when and if it does happen, and we can decide what to do then? What should we do now to guard against something that is unlikely to happen, but if it does, we can deal with it easily enough?
---
### Author:  [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)
#### Post date: [October 21, 2017, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-track-posters-impervious-to-discussion/799052/100 "2017-10-21T05:01:00Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#):
>
> My interest is not so much that the paid vandals would use SDMB to influence the public at large and thereby Rule Ze Vorld! I’d rather they not, but as **octopus** correctly says, we’re but a chip in that windstorm.
>
> My primary concern is that we are so small, and they are potentially so big that they could wreck this place just by showing up and stomping around a lot. Which might attract a lot of their followers. Many online media outfits have had to curtail or terminate audience participation because it simply got too hard to keep all the 4chan-style sheer ignorant nastiness under control.
>
> I like this place as a place for us to hang out. Our existing \*laissaize faire \* or more accurately reference **octopus** , “What me, worry?” attitude towards keeping the vandals affirmatively at bay leaves us at some risk of being overrun. Is that wise or foolish?
There are people who worry about voter fraud, despite extensive evidence that voter fraud is not really a concern, because it happens rarely.
This seems, like voter ID “remedies” to be a remedy in search of a problem.
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