2 ms·

I don't really understand the evidence being promulgated. Anyone care to explain? In particular I'm confused at the distinction between 'astroturfing' and 'gras

I don't really understand the evidence being promulgated. Anyone care to explain? In particular I'm confused at the distinction between 'astroturfing' and 'grassroots'. The chief complaint seems to be that a 'corporation' is behind the campaign as if this stands in opposition to a group of concerned individuals being behind it. Last I checked, any group of people can start a corporation, apply for non-profit status, and register a domain name. Shouldn't the criteria for distinguishing between astroturfing and grassroots involve more than just seeing if a corporation is behind the campaign? Shouldn't we have to look into which corporation is doing it, their history, etc? And if it is just another NGO/non-profit, which shouldn't the be allowed to campaign on behalf of their donors? I'm just confused honestly, and have never understood astroturfing. Help me hacker news.

ryanianian 7y ago
Perhaps your comment was directed at a different post? This post is about spreadsheets.
- dang 7y ago
  I'll move it. Edit: done.
- recursive 7y ago
  Perhaps your comment was directed at a different post? This post is about a twitter hashtag.
mpolichette 7y ago
I think the main idea distinguishing grassroots vs astroturfing is the idea that grassroots campaigns are about individuals deciding to self organize around and idea. It's ok if that idea came from somewhere else, but the organization and push is coming locally. Astroturfing, on the other hand, is when an outside influence is actively trying to organize spread out groups to make it look like a grassroots campaign.
- tathougies 7y ago
  How can the 'outside influence' be a group of citizens starting an organization to organize a campaign? What does it mean to 'self-organize'? If someone posts an event on facebook is that a 'coordinated effort'? Or is the only valid protest one in which dozens of people literally decide upon showing up in the same place at the same time without any communication? Why is this the standard to which valid protesting is held? Why is it wrong for one to be influenced by outside people? Gandhi in India inspired MLK in America. Nelson Mandela gives speeches all around the world encouraging the locals to seek what he sees as a just society. Why is that bad? I don't get it.,

ryanianian 7y ago

Perhaps your comment was directed at a different post? This post is about spreadsheets.

dang 7y ago
I'll move it. Edit: done.
recursive 7y ago
Perhaps your comment was directed at a different post? This post is about a twitter hashtag.

mpolichette 7y ago

I think the main idea distinguishing grassroots vs astroturfing is the idea that grassroots campaigns are about individuals deciding to self organize around and idea. It's ok if that idea came from somewhere else, but the organization and push is coming locally. Astroturfing, on the other hand, is when an outside influence is actively trying to organize spread out groups to make it look like a grassroots campaign.

tathougies 7y ago
How can the 'outside influence' be a group of citizens starting an organization to organize a campaign? What does it mean to 'self-organize'? If someone posts an event on facebook is that a 'coordinated effort'? Or is the only valid protest one in which dozens of people literally decide upon showing up in the same place at the same time without any communication? Why is this the standard to which valid protesting is held? Why is it wrong for one to be influenced by outside people? Gandhi in India inspired MLK in America. Nelson Mandela gives speeches all around the world encouraging the locals to seek what he sees as a just society. Why is that bad? I don't get it.,