I will donate $100.00 * to Democratic Underground if the allegations in this article can be verified

[DemocratSinceBirth]

Good afternoon. As of today, I am officially a former "digital media specialist" (a nice way to say "paid Internet troll&quot previously employed by Hillary Clinton's campaign (through a PR firm). I'm posting here today as a confession of sorts because I can no longer continue to participate in something that has become morally-indigestible for me.

<skip>

The real problem for me started around the end of September and the beginning of October, when there was a change of direction from the team leader again. Apparently, the higher-ups in the firm caught wind of an impending spending splurge by the Clinton campaign that month and wanted to put up an impressive display. We received very specific instructions about how and what to post, and I was aghast at what I saw. It was a complete change in tone and approach, and it was extremely nasty in character. We changed from advocates to hatchet men, and it left a very bad taste in my mouth.

Just to give you an idea, here are some of the guidelines for our posting in October:

1) Sexism. This was the biggest one we were supposed to push. We had to smear Bernie as misogynistic and out-of-touch with modern sensibilities. He was to be characterized as "an old white male relic that believed women enjoyed being gang raped". Anyone who tried to object to this characterization would be repeatedly slammed as sexist until they went away or people lost interest.

<more>

https://www.reddit.com/r/conspiracy/comments/3rncq9/confession_of_hillary_shill_from/

Acceptable proof is the names of the person who made the offer and the name of the person who accepted it.

Thank you in advance.

* I would donate more but I have taken a veritable vow of poverty and literally don't have more to donate.

[VanillaRhapsody]

1. It seems some are seriously gullible

[kristopher]

29. Gullible would be those who think this software isn't being used ...

... when trillions of dollars are at stake.

There is no shortage of documented examples of moneyed interests using every tool at their disposal to discredit or circumvent grass roots driven reforms that inhibit their money-making potential. Let's take a more benign example to start. The environmental movement spawns the creation of an entity that certifies wood as coming from companies that practice renewable forestry. It works great until a handful of very similar certifying agencies appear to put their stamp of approval on anything anyone with $$ pays them to.

Or take the campaign to convince people that tobacco was safe - remember, 3 out of 4 doctors recommend Lucky Strike.

Or climate change denial and the network of think tanks created to generate fake science? Of course, the money that set all of that up didn't bother to spend anything on the last mile architecture to be sure it went into every nook and cranny of the internet, right?

The idea that the claim referred to in the OP is too far fetched to be real is nothing short of asinine. I mean,
it's really a good thing PR companies representing corporations and political campaigns can't get their hands on this military grade stuff, isn't it?

VVV

Revealed: US spy operation that manipulates social media
Military's 'sock puppet' software creates fake online identities to spread pro-American propaganda

Nick Fielding and Ian Cobain
Thursday 17 March 2011 09.19 EDT Last modified on Saturday 4 October 2014 10.33 EDT

The US military is developing software that will let it secretly manipulate social media sites by using fake online personas to influence internet conversations and spread pro-American propaganda.

A Californian corporation has been awarded a contract with United States Central Command (Centcom), which oversees US armed operations in the Middle East and Central Asia, to develop what is described as an "online persona management service" that will allow one US serviceman or woman to control up to 10 separate identities based all over the world.

The project has been likened by web experts to China's attempts to control and restrict free speech on the internet. Critics are likely to complain that it will allow the US military to create a false consensus in online conversations, crowd out unwelcome opinions and smother commentaries or reports that do not correspond with its own objectives.

The discovery that the US military is developing false online personalities – known to users of social media as "sock puppets" – could also encourage other governments, private companies and non-government organisations to do the same.

The Centcom contract stipulates that each fake online persona must have a convincing background, history and supporting details, and that up to 50 US-based controllers should be able to operate false identities from their workstations "without fear of being discovered by sophisticated adversaries"...

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2011/mar/17/us-spy-operation-social-networks


You can read the full text of the solicitation for bids here:
http://forums.officer.com/t160914/

BTW, I have a screenshot copy preserved that was taken directly from the USAF procurement website.

[VanillaRhapsody]

38. On DU....

Jeez...you seem to think this place is mighty influential...

Its DU not Facebook....its not even on thier radar...

[MohRokTah]

2. That's $100 you'll never have to donate. eom

[DemocratSinceBirth]

4. Back in the day I had a contest...

I would donate $25.00 to DU in honor of the poster who made the best anti-Bush essay...


I think Burt something won...

[DemocratSinceBirth]

10. You think?

EOM

[MineralMan]

3. I think your Benjamin is safe.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

7. Safer than if it was at Fort Knox.

EOM

[Thinkingabout]

5. I just saw this op:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251775909

[DemocratSinceBirth]

6. In real life if you have any respect you don't accuse them of stuff without proof...

They crossed the rubicon, not us....

[stonecutter357]

8. K&R!

[DemocratSinceBirth]

9. I will raise the donation to $150.00 to make it more interesting.

That is probably more than I have spent on clothes in the past three months.

[reddread]

11. that would be $150 more than I have spent on clothes in the last 3 months

"veritable vow of poverty"?
raised the wager 50%?
clothing budget of > 0?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

13. Haven't filed a tax return since 09.

I earned $324.00 last year. Due to my scintillating personality and empathetic nature I have benefactors though I do not take advantage of them.

[reddread]

15. presumably due to the fucked economy

which calls for more of the same?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

16. I lost my home, my car, my savings, my business, and my investments in the Great Recession.

EOM

[polly7]

17. That's so sad. Sorry about that (seriously). nt.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

18. I still have my girlfriend and she's gainfully employed.

However, when her unemployment ran out we would have literally been homeless if not for a friend letting us move into his spare bedroom.

Either it was serendipity or God and I believe it was the latter that allowed us to move back from Orlando to L A. Out of the blue I received a check from State Farm for around $2,800.00 which was money held in escrow for the insurance on my foreclosed home...We took the money and moved to L A where she is from...Our friends thought we were crazy to move across the country with no job prospects. Well, we didn't have job prospects in Orlando either...

My gf is super smart and hard working. She's leaving to go to the office today (Saturday) as we speak....She found an accounting job within weeks of moving to L A but we didn't have enough money to put down a security deposit. For the first year in L A we were doing the airbnb and Priceline bidding thing..In about ten months we lived in Canoga Park, Koreatown, Glendale, Alhambra, Los Feliz, Burbank, and Van Nuys...

Coming from the burbs of Central Florida to L A was a culture shock at first.

It could be worse...We live in a 450 square foot rent controlled studio apartment but since we don't have a car the proximity to the bus line which leads to everywhere in L A makes it awesome...

I was never part of the 1% but I was probably part of the 15% ...Money is just an encumbrance.

TY for your empathy.

[polly7]

19. You're welcome.

I'm glad things have started improving for you. Been there, done that, so I know how it feels to have nothing.

Best in the future!

[sufrommich]

12. Much like the earlier supporters of Ron Paul and Jesse

Ventura,Sanders seems to attract those prone to embracing conspiracy theories.

[artislife]

27. Much like the supporters of Trump and Romney

little h seems to attact those prone to fight for the rich.

[Persondem]

14. 175+ DU-ers sign on to a lie. No retraction from the OP writer

If such an article appeared in a newspaper a retraction and an apology would be in order.

I am glad you are doing this but I would have liked .... "175+ DU-ers sign on to a lie." ... to appear in the title.

[artislife]

28. I would rec it again. eom

[Persondem]

33. I am sure Bernie would be proud.

Nothing like doubling down on made up BS. And you guys keep trying to claim the moral high ground. What a crock.

[artislife]

34. Raised by Catholics

You will have to do much better to get a guilt out of me..

[Persondem]

35. Yep. The penguins have a way of beating the integrity right out of people.

[artislife]

36. Now that just crossed the line from

discord to a personal attack.

You must be proud of yourself.

[Persondem]

41. AAaaaawwwwwwww .. poor baby. So it's ok endorsing a lie multiple times

just so long as no one calls you on it.

BTW, thank you for continuing to kick this thread.

[artislife]

43. See my reply below

And yes, I will kick this thread in the hopes that this tactic of yours and a few others is really one of desparation and probably a little saddness.

[Persondem]

49. My tactics!?!?!?! Get your own house in order before you start giving advice to others

You endorse a LIE, a fabrication, without SHAME, twice, and dare to point fingers! Amazing, just freakin' amazing.

[artislife]

51. Again with the shame...smh. nt

[artislife]

42. I have decided that you just might need some help

You seem to think "shame" is a useful tool to use.
http://www.absoluteawareness.ca/are-you-using-shame-as-a-form-of-discipline/

One of the factors is shame…and I think it’s a big one. Shame is used to verbally stop unwanted and undesirable behaviour. Shame is often used as a form of discipline. Of course, we don’t always see that this is the case.

You want to be in the role of finger wagging parent and Sanders supporters as willful children. It is a bad tactic and doesn't achieve anything you believe it will do.






If you are open to actually expanding your spirit, here is a link to the the talk Brene Brown gave. My thoughts are that you may to be too much of a linear thinker and not in your heart, but I just may be seeing the nasty side of you given your zeal to crush anything in little h's way to the white house. You may be full of emotions and kindness and even vulnerbility not being exposed on this site
Here's Brene Brown on Shame
https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_listening_to_shame?language=en

[Andy823]

20. What I am waiting for

Is when the "confessions of Bernie shill" comes out. I wonder how all those people who rec'd the thread here on DU about a Hillary shill will react to that one? I mean if it's on the internet it must be true, right?

[whatthehey]

21. I think you need to add a sweetener. I will if you'll allow me

I'll donate the same amount to Sanders' campaign for the same externally verifiable information including a company name and contact info for those paying for this service.

I've already sent him money. I'd be happy to do so again especially if he's being intentionally slandered.

But I suspect my money's safe too in this case.

[JTFrog]

22. Jury results:

On Sat Nov 7, 2015, 02:20 AM an alert was sent on the following post:

I will donate $100.00 * to Democratic Underground if the allegations in this article can be verified
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251775947

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

ToS Violation
-
Respect people's privacy.
Do not post or link to any private/personal information about any person, even if it is publicly available elsewhere on the Internet.
-
This isn't a case that the ToS mentions specifically, however making demands for someones personal information doesn't seem that respecting of someones privacy.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Sat Nov 7, 2015, 02:30 AM, and the Jury voted 3-4 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: definitely disruptive
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: TOS are vague here. "Private/personal information" about people is posted every day on these forums, usually from articles, blog posts, etc. -- even though technically this wouldn't be allowed because the TOS say "even if it is publicly available." LBN is full of posts with personal information about people (names, ages, residences, schools, workplaces, etc).

So I will err on the side of leaving this post alone.
Juror #4 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: You know the admins can see who sends these alerts right?
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #7 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

23. If I invaded anybody's privacy but my own I will cut off my ear...

If I invaded anybody's privacy but my own I will cut off my ear, throw it on a frying pan, put some Sriracha sauce on it, and eat it on you tube.

Whose privacy did I invade, pray tell?

[JTFrog]

24. Hard to invade the privacy of a person that doesn't exist.

But that won't stop folks from trying to shut you up apparently.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

25. Maybe they will find out who I am and send me a nasty letter.

What utterly odious and contemptible behavior.

How about the myriad of threads sliming Clinton supporters by innuendo, some of whom have been here for over a decade, and are allowed to stand ?

[JTFrog]

30. It's mind blowing sometimes.

I have no idea how some get away with it.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

31. Libeling a whole segment of posters should be a hideable offense...

Where is the honor in libeling people who can not defend themselves?

[Cha]

40. Some alerters make up shite in hopes of finding a gullible jury. and they almost did it.

[Kalidurga]

26. Your money is safe paid trolls are an urban legend

nor are they effective. However, every single point in that article was made at DU. I can see why people think it's real. It's like good satire hard to tell where the truth is and where things are exaggerated for effect.

[LiberalArkie]

32. The Reddit mod has taken it down until the poster verified the information. The poster

has not does so, so the post remains offline as unverifiable.

[procon]

37. It always astounds me that people are so gullible

that they accept unverifiable gobbledygook like this from an unknown person posting in an open forum as if it was the ironclad truth.

Oh, and did I mention that I'm a wealthy Nigerian Prince?

[Cha]

39. He sounds like a "ratfucker" to me. Look it up in wikipedia.. here I'll do it for you...

Ratfucking is an American slang term for political sabotage or dirty tricks. It was first brought to public attention by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein in their book All the President's Men.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratfucking

That's what I'd like to know.. where's the proof?

[riversedge]

50. Interesting. I learn something new every day--I did not know that term was

particular to political dirty tricks. Thanks

[Cha]

53. YOu're Welcome, rivers!

[BlueCheese]

44. The success of that thread sends all sorts of shudders down my spine.

I thought we were a reality-based community here. We're supposed to demand evidence, and not believe things just because we want them to be true. That's what the GOP does with evolution, and climate change, and tax cuts, and Barack Obama's birthplace, etc.

Yet here we have 200+ people deciding to believe the worst about the Democratic frontrunner just because it's convenient to their preconceived opinions, based on nothing but a hard-to-believe, unsourced, Internet post with no evidence at all. None. Zero. We don't have the person's name. Not the name of the firm this person allegedly worked for. Any posts this person supposedly made. Any explanation why nobody else has come forward as well.

I'm trying to process whether this forum can have much value if a thread like that gets so much traction. Are we any better than the people who are sure that Vince Foster was murdered, and went so far as to blow away a few watermelons to try and prove it?

[Le Taz Hot]

45. OMG!

I am laughing my ass off here. You STILL don't get it. I've explained it at least twice already and the fact that, what 2, 3 days later you still have your panties in a wad over a post about which you apparently have no clues as to the purpose? Even after it was explained?

I think you should go for $200.00.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

46. As a dispassionate observer I have to defer to Blue Cheese's unvarnished analysis

The success of that thread sends all sorts of shudders down my spine. I thought we were a reality-based community here.

-Blue Cheese

...still have your panties in a wad over a post about which you apparently have no clues as to the purpose? Even after it was explained?...


-Le Taz Hot

I missed the explanation

I think you should go for $200.00.

Do you think that is enough filthy lucre for you to buy a clue?

[Le Taz Hot]

47. "I missed the explanation"

Yes, you did, didn't you?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

48. Because one was never made.

Thanks for kicking my thread, btw

[ismnotwasm]

52. Oh God Reddit again

I can't swim through THAT sewer, not even for a hundred bucks.

It's pretty funny tho'