Question from member wishing to remain anonymous

[Scott Riemer]

I remember a particular incident in the Mexico forum where someone from a rival dive operator appeared to have created an account for the purpose of criticizing another operator. The second operator was open and honest that they were a business. I'm not certain if anybody ever proved that the poster was in fact from the competing shop, but, once it was suggested, that person disappeared.

In that case, I saw nothing wrong with what the second person was doing as they were not trying to pose as anything other. If the first person was indeed another shop operator pretending to be just another "regular" member for the purpose of trying to wreck the other shop's credibility, then I think that's unacceptable.

 

[fairybasslet]

There is another scuba related board whose TOS forbids sock puppets. Yet the mods and owners of that board have sock puppet identities to use when answering posts that are negative about that organization or to say all positive things about them. They pretend to be another member defending the organization. Then, when you answer their attacks, they send you a PM telling you you violated TOS!!! How can you violate TOS when you're talking to a sock puppet? What a bunch of bull. I am so glad I quit that place. Time is too short to waste on idiots, liars and phonies

 

[Rick Inman]

Can I just have a sock puppet? That will make it much easier.

A smart person wouldn't use their real name for there screen name, Phil.

 

[300bar]

He just did.

Sofar i've NOT recieved a PM from this complainee.
Gonna sent a PM again.

 

[Thalassamania]

Is it just my impression or is this is all getting a bit weird? Could someone explain what is actually going on?

 

[HowardE]

A smart person wouldn't use their real name for there screen name, Phil.

You can say that again.

 

[The Chairman]

To be sure, there are certain policies in place when this happens. However, I am with Ann Marie here... I would like to hear what my fellow ScubaBoardians would like us to do with these individuals when they are ferreted out.

 

[300bar]

I'm all for the mod input on this,but this poster is just not responding. 2 PM's
I want to give him to 12.00 GMT after that.....he's a troll or just a......

 

[Jrock1062]

If there is a person who is intentionally and wrongly harming the reputation of another that is slander. If they do that while posting on this board then they do a disservice to everyone on the board and challenge the credibility of the information here.I would think, here on this board ,the exchange of idea's and information is a key reason for a number of members. Once credibility or confidence is lost and you don't know if you will be getting accurate advice or help it a reflection on all of us here. At that point I believe you may lose members. I am new here, I came for Information and help I have gotten both, it is a great board. In my opinion Do what ever you need to, not to let that person either post or be a member. There are many good people here looking for honest advice, most people believe they are getting that.

J

 

[Missdirected]

There is another scuba related board whose TOS forbids sock puppets. Yet the mods and owners of that board have sock puppet identities to use when answering posts that are negative about that organization or to say all positive things about them. They pretend to be another member defending the organization. Then, when you answer their attacks, they send you a PM telling you you violated TOS!!! How can you violate TOS when you're talking to a sock puppet? What a bunch of bull. I am so glad I quit that place. Time is too short to waste on idiots, liars and phonies

Fairy, Am I to assume you don't think the SB mods have sock puppets? :huh: