Thread

1. rithdmc · 1790604029 · focus · HN ↗

   I think the items listed under "What astroturfing would look like" were a pretty narrow scope. If I were designing a ~spam system~ astroturfing solution, I'd engineer out these four simple indicators as soon as I could.

   * Those accounts naming one brand almost every time they name any. * Thin accounts: few comments, low scores, no real standing in the subreddit. * Young accounts, or accounts with histories that are hidden or wiped. * Links to a store or an affiliate page.

   1. iamnothere · 1790607771 · focus · HN ↗

      It may be that the people most likely to blindly follow astroturfed suggestions don’t pay attention to these indicators. In which case volume is more important than camouflage.

      1. JimDabell · 1790670453 · focus · HN ↗

         Camouflage is a requirement for volume in subreddits with effective moderation.

         1. iamnothere · 1790672738 · focus · HN ↗

            As long as the mods/admins aren’t friends with the people running the bots, true.

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