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Blogs by Ann Baker
Twitter (Again) 12/23/2013 8:03:37 PM
Not everyone that says Tea Party, actually is. The Tea Party is not a "party," at all, it's a movement. That status had strengths and weaknesses. One of the weaknesses is that there is no one to police the imposters.
One such person was very prominent with 100,000+ followers. He was permanently suspended for trolling and lying. Came right back with another account, which, in time was permanently suspended. He is operating yet another main account. He has HUNDREDS of fake accounts and operates them with his wife and a FEW friends around the country.
Before you think 100,000 followers can't be a fake account, think again. Google free Twitter followers and see how easy it is. There are also programs to check an account's number of fake and/or inactive accounts. The trick is, when you get these free or paid fake followers, you have to follow-back. If you unfollow, poof, they're gone. That is why a high follow to follower ratio can be an indication of a fake account.
The fake accounts of the guy that seemed credible, the ones he created and didn't "buy," had several characteristics I noted, not all present each time, but bio FULL of these:
The bios are strangely written. The guy always uses coarse language especially "libertard." He places links in bios that have nothing to do with the account, or are non-existent. This particular guy normally uses evil looking AVIs. If there is a picture of a human, it is barely recognizable. His accounts have made up names, if a name at all. Anything with an eagle AVI and patriot in the name, it's likely fake.
You can also notice in the TL, the same accounts are talking to one another, day after day. Really? With 100,000 followers. It is also a good idea to check who is following you, and be selective who you follow-back. Block often. Blocking is your right and is not at all like spam-blocking.
Why would someone do this? MONEY! This guy has a website that he sends people to with a big DONATE button at the bottom. Donate to whom, for what? RED FLAG, folks. When you see such things, it is good to go off-Twitter and report them to known, credible, Tea Party organizations.
It is my contention that these people have one or several reasons.
1) Money. Twitter is an opportunity for many, that would otherwise have no chance. This type will try to discredit you if they see you gaining prominence.
2) Nefarious reasons. I am a retired deputy sheriff, and you should not be naïve, there are LOTS of stalkers in the world. I wrote a novel based on that truth. The goal is not always what you may think. Some of these people gain pleasure from attacking innocent tweeters and making their lives miserable.
3)Ego. The guy I referenced above is a very unpleasant looking person that has had many personal problems. He has attacked many well known personalities. He doesn't mind the negative attention as long as someone is talking about him.
4)Mentions. Whether good or bad, for those looking to profit, your mentions are gold for them. When being used to demonstrate reach, there is no distinction between positive and negative in the data.
Hope this information helps. When in doubt, Google and do a Twitter search. When searching a TL go WAY back.
