Astroturfed Communication Program

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An Astroturfed Communication Program is a communication program that makes it appear as though it originates grassroots participant(s).



References

2015

  • (Wikipedia, 2015) ⇒ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/astroturfing Retrieved:2015-11-29.
    • 'Astroturfing is the practice of masking the sponsors of a message or organization (e.g., political, advertising, religious or public relations) to make it appear as though it originates from and is supported by grassroots participant(s). It is a practice intended to give the statements or organizations more credibility by withholding information about the source's financial connection. The term astroturfing is a derivation of AstroTurf, a brand of synthetic carpeting designed to look like natural grass, a play on the word "grassroots.” The implication behind the use of the term is that there are no "true" or "natural" grassroots, but rather "fake" or "artificial" support, though some astroturfing operatives defend the practice (see Justification below).

      On the Internet, astroturfers use software to mask their identity. Sometimes one individual operates over many personas to give the impression of widespread support for their client's agenda. [1] [2] Some studies suggest astroturfing can alter public viewpoints and create enough doubt to inhibit action.

  1. Cory Doctorow, "HBGary's high-volume astroturfing technology and the Feds who requested it", boingboing, February 18, 2011
  2. Peter Ludlow, "The Strange Case of Barrett Brown", The Nation, June 18, 2013

2010