Do you ever suspect that some threads are planted.

[notacooldad]

Sometimes I wonder why some posts have been posted and the real reason behind them.
Some may seem fairly innocuous but I often wonder if they are posted to gauge public reaction to things.
Eg posts like "my mum wants to meet up for a cup of tea but I think this is a bad idea.whst do you think?" Everyone piles in with "your mum is an idiot, you did the right thing to day no" type answers.
Maybe I've not explained myself well and have been listening to two many conspiracy theory podcasts!

Anything that ignites the formula/breastfeeding debate I’m sure is often planted by people working for formula companies.

Absolutely this. An astonishing number of threads about how awful breastfeeding is and how formula feeders are targeted or shamed, when it’s by far the norm in the U.K., but a great way to stir up anger at the “brestapo”, “breastfeeding mafia” who “whip their tits out” at any given opportunity while formula feeding is soooo much safer because you can measure what they’re taking and “dad can help to bond”. No one has these conversations in real life but they’re a boon for the formula companies. Endlessly fascinating if ever predictable.

I’ve probably been suspected of peddling products though, silicon strips genuinely did help my CS scar heal, and chiropody sponges genuinely make my feet baby soft, but I don’t have shares and genuinely want to share the love

@notacooldad so genuine question has this thread given you a satisfactory answer?

Often - think the Russian factories are working overtime at the moment!

that should be Russian Bot factories

I am convinced that both the government and media (not just tabloids) plant or feed stories to feel for likely responses. That is one reason why I am so heartily sick of the endless "when will the kids go back to school" bollocks.

The early attempts at infiltrating here to get product profiles up were hilariously awful. Please google Haliborange Kills Otters. Go on, then come back and tell me what the results were.

I do think that government 'influencers'/'anti-influencers' are posting on here, and have done for some time. I even find myself saying to DH that 'some people are really unhappy with X' and realising as the words come out of my mouth that my info is from a few posters on MN.

Journalists have long been using MN as story-fodder, I've known a couple of them!

Butterfly98

@notacooldad so genuine question has this thread given you a satisfactory answer?

I wasnt after a definitive or satisfactory answer. I was just pondering this morning when I saw a ridiculous thread and let my mind run away with me a bit.

The S and B threads have obvious plants. I have clicked on links and neatly wet myself at some of the suggestions (stand out candidates, as mentioned are Hush trousers and Salt water sandals)

Yes. I remember two very long threads with intricate plots that got people hooked and agitated.One named a particular soft drink and the whole premise was how desirable it was. the other named a particular brand of wellies, ads for which came up for a while on my banners. Also a particular brand of fake Christmas tree is always mentioned at a particular time of year. Very creative advertising. And apologies if those two were genuine threads; they were two that sprang to mind out of many.