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I would take it at face value for now. I think astroturfing can be emmergent and dangerous regardless of political execution or oversight.

• ashtonkem 7y ago
  Astroturfing by its definition cannot be emergent behavior. If it’s emergent, then it’s grass roots and not astroturfing.
  • scollet 7y ago
    You are right. I suppose I am too loose with my understanding of action as a byproduct of external influence versus direct sponsorship. As an example, the former would be a vague cultural sublimation of influence from a position of power, and the latter would be an immediate demand from a position of power.
    • ashtonkem 7y ago
      The hallmark of a good AstroTurf is that it looks spontaneous, even though it isn’t. It’s the subterfuge that makes it astroturfing.
      • jointpdf 7y ago
        >It’s the subterfuge that makes it astroturfing. One might call it subturfuge. Sorry I’ll delete my account.