To think that Mumsnet is being targeted by bad faith posters?

[CircleofWillis]

I am naturally a suspicious person so generally try to keep my paranoia under control. Recently, however I am feeling that there has been a rash of first time posters who start a thread which is quite emotive, post just enough to get people invested and then disappear with no resolution. I know no-one owes anyone an update but it is beginning to feel a little... strange... anyone else been feeling the same prickle or AIBU?

About any topic in particular?

It's always been like that.

They are usually easy to spot and hide, there's a particular air about them.

That sort of thing happens all the time on here. Nothing strange about it really. Trolls are all around.

I've been wondering the same lately, there seems to be quite a few traditionally "troll-y" topics which I eye with suspicion.

Meh, what do I know. I just watch with interest to see either a) breathlessly speedy updates or b) no return to the thread by OP but general frothing amongst the rest of us.

Both are equally entertaining, I just don't believe everything I read.

I'm probably not experienced enough to spot them yet.

throughthick this already dangerously close to being a taat so don't want to mention a particular thread.

Ah ok. I never spot them,, my troll radar is rubbish.

*this is

There are so many of them!

I've been around for yonks and normally can spot them a mile away but there are a few topics when I'm just blind to it.

It's not a new thing.

throughthick
Ah ok. I never spot them,, my troll radar is rubbish.

Mine too!

TBH, sometimes the subject is worthwhile regardless, but it depends which ones you mean.

I think many post about particular topics to prove a point.

I remember a while ago there were two threads running at the same time, I’m sure it was the OPs were both annoyed with the SAHP. Both threads genders reversed and the difference in the responses were very ‘double standards’ (a couple of the same posters had replied on each with opposite opinions).

Every time I see a thread that ticks certain boxes, and the OP hasn’t come back or it gets deleted I think they were probably just making a similar point.

Cole
TBH, sometimes the subject is worthwhile regardless, but it depends which ones you mean.

I suppose that is why I'm wondering if it is targeted messing with Mumsnet. There just seem to be a lot in different areas.

I think that there has been quite a few threads started recently by Op's with an agenda, designed to cause outrage. I may be wrong of course, but their subsequent replies just seem a little 'off' to me.

You mean concern trolling?

The problem is that you can not be so ceretain they are new posters due to the name change fucntion.

Using the "interesting first post OP [hmmm]" is often used by some because they want to close down discussion etc.

Some of them state themselves that they are new to Mumsnet.

This has always happened. It’s nothing new.

I don't think it's just a MN issue, forums are easy targets. I work on the theory that most threads on here are trolls, and only disclose info I'm happy to share on the front page of the local paper. It's basic internet safety, really.

Yes it’s always happened OP, quite a large proportion of them are PBP and/or trolls ime. Anyone posting a dramatic first thread always makes me wary.

Yes it’s always happened OP, quite a large proportion of them are PBP and/or trolls ime. Anyone posting a dramatic first thread always makes me wary.

There is a reason why mags like take a break etc and the daily mail side bar of shame exist, the problem isn't that its easy to concern troll, its the audience that laps it up, this "investing" narrative is shifting the blame.

I'm sorry if this seems stupid but why would that be a problem? As long as it's not actively unkind, if people want to involve themselves in it why not ?

TBF, @longwayoff , it can get to be a problem if, ahem, "insincere" people get to feel at home here. Because periodically, you end up with MNers sobbing over cancer stories, or donating to fundraisers, sending care packages and clothes, going on dates etc, with people who aren't telling the truth.

Thanks cole (great name, keep that box safe), that's helpful. I don't read those threads and didn't realise people can become over-invested to such an extent. That's not good.

I keep tapping it in my pocket