What is a sock puppet? Specially on MN threads

[hadtochangetothisone]

I obviously have googled the meaning. However I don't really get what the point is (or why it's a thread deleting offence on MN.)

I may have misunderstood the definition I have read but it looked to be referring to someone who represents a situation, with the intention of soliciting opinions. In an effort to get agreement on their point of view. Is that correct ? If so why is it such a big deal ? Genuine question following a thread yesterday.

Sorry ! ESPECIALLY on MN not specifically ! (fat fingers)

Where a poster uses multiple usernames and/or sign ons either to back up their own position or create a faux bunfight for the hell of it.

It's wilfully pretending to be someone you are not - i.e. trolling - so against talk guidelines.

A socky is one person answering themselves with another username. Many usernames are allowed but socking is not. Bannable offence.
Sometimes inadvertent socking occurs, and can be sorted by a simple email exchange with HQ.

No, it's someone who name changes in order to agree with themself. Literally as the name suggests it's transparently pretending to be another person when in fact it's just a sock on your hand.

You can usually spot them because they tend to pop up on threads where there is almost unanimous disagreement with the OP, eg

bridezilla99 AIBU to tell all my bridesmaids to bind their feet so they can wear the shoes I've got them in the John Lewis sale?

generalMN of course you are, you total loon

JessicaRandom YANBU, OP, I bet they were a real bargain and the only shade of blue which totally goes with the dresses you've got. Shut up, haterz!

bridezilla99 [immediately after post] THANK YOU, JessicaRandom, at last someone here who sees sense

Yes, it's easily done by accident on a very long-running thread or resurrected zombie if you forget you posted previously under a different username.

I think I know the thread that prompted this question. I really thought the poster was genuine and feel like a right idiot now. I wonder if genuine posters ever sock puppet or if it's just something trolls do.

Perfectly illustrated!