15 replies to this topic

[Harold]

"Members are also reminded that the use of multiple posting names is allowed under our Rule No.3, provided they are not registered or used as a device to attack, impugn or harass other posters."

That was a remark made by MOD 1 a few days ago, in requesting that the members not get involved in the posting of any more unsubstantiated rumors about goings on in Sunee Plaza. The remark obviously implies that someone may have been using multiple posting names in violation of that rule on this board.

I get the impression that the use of multiple posting names is more frequent that some care to admit. There are a few notorious fellows on Sawatdee Gay Thailand that seem to raise the hackles there from time to time, get banned but seem to come back with other names. One is even claimed to have faked his death to come back with a new posting life. If they're on one board, my guess is that they on most all.

What puzzles me is why some moderators want us to beieve that it's difficult to detect these multiple posters, when each computer has its own identifying IP number when any post get posted. That's got to show up with most multiple posts. I am beginning to think that this multiple poster thing is just a game that some like to play and some like to complain about, but don't really care, as long as it's entertaining .........and they're not the target.

[Dick]

Multiple handles are as old as literature itself, except they were called pseudonyms, or "false names" in earlier times, when it was common for writers to use made-up names in newspaper articles and letters to the editor of newspapers, especially if they were writing on controversial issues. There's no reason to think things are any different now, especially with the ease of anonymous posting that the internet allows on boards like this. I don't have any problem with the concept so long as it's not abused.

[moe]

What puzzles me is why some moderators want us to beieve that it's difficult to detect these multiple posters, when each computer has its own identifying IP number when any post get posted. That's got to show up with most multiple posts. I am beginning to think that this multiple poster thing is just a game that some like to play and some like to complain about, but don't really care, as long as it's entertaining .........and they're not the target.

The hydras little helper.

Most home internet connections do not have a static (fixed) I.P address number,each time you turn on your computer it is automatically assigned a random I.P number by your internet provider, if you disconnect from the internet and then reconnect you will receive a different I.P number.

Business users and websites use a static I,P

[Kirkland]

Most home internet connections do not have a static (fixed) I.P address number,each time you turn on your computer it is automatically assigned a random I.P number by your internet provider, if you disconnect from the internet and then reconnect you will receive a different I.P number.

That's only partially true. If you press "restart" on your computer or turn it off completely and go back on line, you are likely to see the same IP number as you had before. I'm not sure how long it takes, but you have to stay off line for some period of time in order to get a new randomized number.

If you click on the link below, you will be given your IP number. Then, turn your computer off and go back online and you'll probably see the same IP number again on this link. At least that what happens to me, going on line in Pattaya. It seems to take several hours or even overnight to get a new IP number assigned.

http://whatismyipaddress.com/

[Bob]

I'm not sure about the IP numbers always being the same and/or how long it takes before the same computer offline would be assigned a new one. If you're on a cable modem back in the states (I had one there), I do know I always had the same IP number. I suspect the same with a dsl or asdl service. Those using computers in public shops, of course, would have a different IP number each time they came online.

The hydra wars, I remember them well. While it was obvious a few did use multiple handles (oftentimes to either respond to their own posts or simply to annoy somebody), I guess I've always considered it a sign of an unbalanced personality versus just being a little fun. Some (Hedda included) was seriously upset about what they perceived to be the practice although I never understood how one could be so sure about which handles were the so-called hydra handles.

One thing I've noticed as of late (again, not a common occurrence) is a poster using a new handle to give themselves the "freedom" to launch an attack (and/or some wierd notion) while protecting the "reputation" of the handle they normally use. That, at least to me, is rather bizarre and cowardly. If you felt something needed to be said, a normal adult, I would think, would simply say it without resorting to slipping an anonymous note to the world.

I've never used a different handle (at least on any of the gay boards) other than the one used here (guess I was lucky or unlucky enough to be around from the beginning so I could grab my own first name or nickname). I can't fathom why any message board would allow the practice although maybe it's done because they either can't catch the offenders and/or don't want to spend the time trying to catch them. Hell if I know.

[DOLLY]

I can't fathom why any message board would allow the practice although maybe it's done because they either can't catch the offenders and/or don't want to spend the time trying to catch them. Hell if I know.

My impression as a posting veteran is that there's money to be made on commercial boards whose banners and advertising rates go up with the number of hits. Controversy and fights among serial posters and trolls help boost traffic and keep that cash register ringing. But I have no idea of what kind of money we are talking about. My impression is that it's peanuts on small commercial boards.

[moe]

[quote name='Bob' date='Feb 16 2010, 03:29 AM' post='30798']


The hydra wars, I remember them well. Some (Hedda included) was seriously upset about what they perceived to be the practice although I never understood how one could be so sure about which handles were the so-called hydra handles.

Happy Days.



Heddas blog

[UncleSam]

My real name is not Uncle Sam, although I do have nieces and nephews. I have used other names, but never to attack, impugn or harass other posters.

hehehe.....

[Bob]

Whoa, Moe, I didn't know those comments were posted (or, possibly, I simply don't remember). Hedda slamming me for being "slavishly loyal" to GP? Wow. Yes, indeed, I was loyal to GP as he was a very nice guy, a true gentleman who was true to himself both on and off the boards. And quite an intelligent man too (and one who didn't crave the need to make himself the center of attention by hiding behind a computer keyboard to create some private, twisted, persona that never existed in the real world). Ah, the old days (I don't miss them a bit).

[Bob]

Not surprisingly, then,
that you are widely known in posting community as "Brown-nosed Bob".

Oh well, the short respite from the moronic element wasn't bound to last.

[Danny]

Whoa, Moe, I didn't know those comments were posted (or, possibly, I simply don't remember). Hedda slamming me for being "slavishly loyal" to GP? Wow.

Has something been deleted from this thread ? I can't find any comments by Hedda about Bob or anyone else.

[moe]

Has something been deleted from this thread ? I can't find any comments by Hedda about Bob or anyone else.

Heddas Blog

[Finian]

If you want a peek into the dreaded "Hydra War" at Sawatdee Gay Thailand, take a look at Hedda's Blog in the link in Moe's post above. It really lays out the history of the brouhaha at Sawatdee a few years back over the question of whether the moderators were covering for what was claimed to be a malicious gang of "hydra" posters which preyed on other posters. I had no idea that the poster calling himself The Colonel, who some claim died last year, was so involved in the affair. Regardless, it's one of the classic cases of internet board wars that you're likely to find anywhere. Just how people can get so excited about a posting board is beyond me.

[GayTroller]

Sock puppets, which is what multiple handle posters are called in the trade, are as common as dog shit at a kennel, as most owners and moderators of boards know. Most people who get labeled as trolls are usually sock puppets too. What's generally overlooked in the debate over preventing or banning them is that they are usually the spark plugs that make a board dynamic and/or fun to read. The people who complain the loudest about them are often the people who couldn't write a well written, interesting or provocative post if their life depended on it. Try and run a good board with only the complainers posting.