Bogus posts

[factor-fiction]

Without naming names I think there have been a few threads in serious topics on AB where new users have come on with similar themes, written in a very similar style, and suspicions have been aroused about their authenticity. I can't work out though why anyone would go to the trouble of inventing scenarios.

[EcclesCake]

I'm wandering the same thing ;-)

Why?

[wolf63]

If I was to make up such a post it would be intended to make people laugh and there would be no ulterior motive - it would be because I was bored.

People generally confuse me.

;-)

[gness]

Been a few haven`t there Factor? Lack of imagination? Immaturity? Envy? I don`t really know. Tried to put myself in their position but can see no reason in their behaviour.

[Prudie]

Presumably because it's fun to then watch the responses and the oft ensuing spats between those who have answered in good faith and those who've taken the mick.
Also of course they can be amusing for us all.

[wolf63]

But some of them are on a potentially serious subject - how do people know when a poster is genuinely needing help or not.

[cathfromsaron]

dunno! but sad!

[factor-fiction]

Yes, I don't mind the ones about hiring tube trains or giving money to owl sanctuaries but I feel uneasy about some of the questionable threads in the last month or so about badly treated pension fund members, gold digging lady friends, care home fees etc, as it means that genuine queries on similar topics may be treated with suspicion.

[gness]

Difficult Wolf. Think most of you know me by now but if my turntable post had been from a new user I think it could have gone either way.

[woofgang]

I reported one this morning that was a copycat of gness' I am not the bogus post monitor but i thought it had the potential to get unpleasant.
I agree, a chatterbank fun one is one thing but some just seem to be pointless mischief.
Can I suggest a possible reason for multiple questions though? If you google a similar topic, often right at the top of the page comes the similar question in the Answerbank. If you are a genuine enquirer, its quite likely then that you will click on the link and read the question; if your case is not identical or you have a further question, you might well then join and post a similar question quite honestly.

[gness]

My post here vanished! May confuse another thread.
It was....Thank you Woof. Silly but potentially nasty.

[cazzz1975]

They are picking on usernames that have no avatar so they can move about unnoticed, I suggest we all be vigilant.

[MarkRae]

See here for the Ed's take on it: http://www.theanswerb.../Question1136620.html

[cazzz1975]

my concern was about the near duplication of AB regulars usernames by others, I am not really on board with the whole owl thing.

[B00]

"I suggest we all be vigilant. "

Sorry Cazzz, but I disagree here. Our 'role' (for want of a better word) here at AB is to enjoy it for what it is, for asking questions, getting answers and (especially here) a bit of daftness. Asking users to be vigilant, and seeking out potential trolls is akin to handing out pitchforks to a posse and setting them free in a village.

Fine report summet if you believe it's suspicious, but I'd personally rather leave the "vigilante" bit to the Ed- he is the one who gets paid to do it after all ;-)

[friedgreentomato]

Easy for you to say Boo you were not the one cloned last week.

[rowanwitch]

I wonder sometimes if the quasi sensible posts might actually help someone anyway..

[B00]

lol, give over FGT, how stressful was it for you...really? I Imagine not very if truth be told. Just report it and move on.

[friedgreentomato]

OK

[cazzz1975]

ott reaction boo, I suggested that people be more aware, being vigilant does not suggest an onslaught of pitchforks and suchlike.

[Sqad]

I agree with BOO,

Without the "bogus posts" AB and particularly CB have become rather stale of late ........boring......predictable......you know what i mean.

Providing the "intruders" are not objectionable then i can see no reason for "a bit of fun" to liven up proceedings.