# My First Flame on the NEW SDMB: Topic: Sockpuppets **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 22, 2002, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461 "2002-03-22T00:49:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pepperlandgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f17d59/32.png) [@pepperlandgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pepperlandgirl)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/1 "2002-03-22T00:49:36Z")
This rant is inspired by a lot of different things. I don’t really have sites…it’s just a rant that’s been building for 2 years, and I have finally reached my breaking point. Besides, you all are aware of what I’m talking about. This is a very wide spread problem here on the SDMB, and a few other MBs I lurk at (JREF, SecWeb specifically). The topic of today’s rant? Sockpuppets. Sockpuppets are the lowest of the low. They aren’t even worth the skid marks on my husband’s underwear. They aren’t worth the used tampons littered all over the woman’s bathroom in seedy bars. There is a reason many MBs have rules against sockpuppets. They are annoying. They add nothing to the discussion. And it is incredibly frustrating to have a huge, detailed, point by point post complete with cites in APA format, only to find out that the asshole you are responding to has been banned 5 times before, and this is only his latest jerkish incarnation. The more I think about it, the more I realize why I hate them so much. Because they are the last refuge of cowards and trolls. Cowards and trolls. Cowards and trolls who absolutely cannot get the fucking hint when they are banned. Cowards and trolls who are so ashamed of their own fucking opinions that they have to cower behind a secret _secret_ identity. Cowards and trolls who can’t respect established communties. Cowards and trolls who only live for one thing (other than masturbating to Backstreet Boys videos), and that’s to cause problems to people who are looking for good honest discussions. Even if they do not bother you much because you ignore them, or even because sometimes a good debate/discussion is started, surely it’s logical to be upset because they break the very clear rules. I don’t think it’s too much to ask for someone who owns, or administrates for, or even moderates for a board, to expect people to either follow the rules made, or find a new place to play. Our gracious hosts here at the SDMB, or in other venues, deserve at least that much respect, right? That’s what makes me so angry. They can just come and shit all over someone’s playground…and they think it’s alright. Fuck you sockpuppets. You can kiss my motherfucking ass. ---
**Author:** ![Gorgon\_Heap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f475e1/32.png) [@Gorgon\_Heap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorgon_Heap)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/2 "2002-03-22T00:53:03Z")
On the other hand, you wouldn’t have such a wonderful topic readily available to help you blow off steam. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Tinkertoy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f19dbf/32.png) [@Tinkertoy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tinkertoy)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/3 "2002-03-22T01:07:01Z")
8.5 Not enough creative swearing ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/4 "2002-03-22T01:35:39Z")
I’ve actually seen people brag before about socking at the SDMB-don’t worry, I e-mailed mods and let them know. What the fuck? Don’t you have a LIFE, people? ---
**Author:** ![Kamandi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5daacb/32.png) [@Kamandi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamandi)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/5 "2002-03-22T01:57:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by pepperlandgirl \* > **masturbating to Backstreet Boys videos** You say that like it’s a **bad** thing. ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/6 "2002-03-22T02:02:54Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Kamandi \* > \*\* > > You say that like it’s a **bad** thing. \*\* You say **that** like it’s possible. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Amazing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/7 "2002-03-22T04:46:36Z")
I’ve got to disagree with you there, Pepperlandgirl. As a childhood fan of Sherri Lewis, I can tell you that her act with Lambchop is entertaining, educational, and morally uplifting for children. Admititly, Lambchop is primitive, compared to the Muppets, but remember, Lewis largely acts alone. So, this rant is inappropriate. There’s no reason to…what? Oh. Never mind. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_Bowe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/df788c/32.png) [@Doug\_Bowe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_Bowe)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 8:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/8 "2002-03-22T08:40:16Z")
Look at the good side. It keeps them off the streets with their cardboard signs. ---
**Author:** ![SPOOFE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@SPOOFE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SPOOFE)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/9 "2002-03-22T12:56:39Z")
> [@](#): > > I’ve actually seen people brag before about socking at the SDMB Wow. And I thought I had a pathetic life. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Futile\_Gesture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f05b48/32.png) [@Futile\_Gesture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Futile_Gesture)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/10 "2002-03-22T13:14:48Z")
pepperlandgirl, a nit-pick. > [@](#): > > \*\*only to find out that the asshole you are responding to has been banned 5 times before, and this is only his latest jerkish incarnation. \*\* Your definition of sock puppetry is incorrect. What you describe is multiple sequential identities, still a definite non-no, but not sock puppetry. For it to be proper sock puppetry you must have additional, _simultaneous_ identities. It also helps if the ‘puppet-master’ has conversations with his sock puppets, hoping to create the illusion that it’s not all the same person. The sock puppet’s role is primarily to agree with the puppet-master, so that his opinions appear to have support. Isn’t that right Socky? **[Socky]** You are absolutely correct, Futile. And may I also say you are a wonderful human being and possibly the most intelligent person I’ve ever met. Anyone who disagrees with you must be a moron. **[/Socky]** Why thank you Socky. It’s nice to have someone agree me with on this point and only goes to show just how right I am. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/11 "2002-03-22T13:16:22Z")
And all this after I’ve just seen "Welcome to our new member: Thea Logica’s Sock Puppet. Hmmm… ---
**Author:** ![TwistofFate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@TwistofFate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwistofFate)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/12 "2002-03-22T13:17:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by SPOOFE \* > \*\* > Wow. > > And I thought I had a pathetic life. > > 😃 \*\* don’t worry, you do 😉 ---
**Author:** ![CRorex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CRorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CRorex)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/13 "2002-03-22T20:55:18Z")
Its annoying sure, but its also pathetic. If you need to pretend to be someone else just so the drivel you spew sounds better, then go for it. Everyone else is just laughing 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![CRorex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CRorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CRorex)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/14 "2002-03-22T20:56:54Z")
Yeah CR, tell it like it is! ---
**Author:** ![CRorex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CRorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CRorex)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/15 "2002-03-22T20:58:37Z")
goddamn cookies 😃 And yes, this is my only source of amusement today. WORK SUCKS. AAAAARRRRRRRRG Its friday! I’ve been done since 1 pm! LET ME GO HOME! ---
**Author:** ![Cerowyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Cerowyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cerowyn)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/16 "2002-03-22T21:33:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Captain Amazing \* > **Lewis largely acts alone.** Sadly, [more than you know](http://www.theshrubbery.com/0998/sherri.html). ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/17 "2002-03-22T22:45:37Z")
[A little early history of the sock puppet on the internet.](http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=m7f6RdBKOGB1EwDx%40sidaway.demon.co.uk&output=gplain) ---
**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2002, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/18 "2002-03-23T11:33:16Z")
I think pretty much everyone looks at those who would create sockpuppets in violation of Board rules with sad pity. However, I would also hope that most people would get pretty angry at someone who shows they are willing to do things like that, and would ostracize and excise from the community someone who exhibited that behavior, here or anywhere else. Really, if someone blatantly violates the rules of an online community, doing it to **spy on** and **openly mock** the Members of it, why do the Members put up with it? These offenders deserve no respect, as they have proven by their actions they are immature little shits who should not be trusted with a burnt-out match, let alone a computer. You know, there are a lot of words that could be used, but I think “creep” is most fitting - because people that continually do this sort of thing are really scary, angry, hateful people. You have to wonder - what will someone who acts like this online do IRL to you, if you met them face-to-face? Because a person who exhibits that much hate towards others is a person you never want to be alone with, or turn your back on. Unless you’re armed. ---
**Author:** ![rushtopher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e47774/32.png) [@rushtopher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rushtopher)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2002, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-flame-on-the-new-sdmb-topic-sockpuppets/99461/19 "2002-03-23T21:14:21Z")
How can you hate Sockpuppets after this brilliant stage performance: > **[Things to Do in Chicago - Chicago Tribune](https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/things-to-do/)** > > Things to do in Chicago, including free things to do, family events, concerts, theater, festivals, places to eat and drink. Now c’mon, if that doesn’t make you like Sockpuppets I don’t know what will.