The Flat Earth Society

Other Discussion Boards => The Lounge => Topic started by: Saddam Hussein on July 26, 2010, 04:37:50 PM

Title: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Saddam Hussein on July 26, 2010, 04:37:50 PM
I've noticed that apparently almost all of the Internet outside of this site uses the term "sockpuppet" to describe what we refer to as "alts".  Why?  That term sounds so immature and sophomoric, I can't imagine anyone over the age of twelve using it seriously.  I'm not arrogant enough to expect that everyone use FES terminology (although I do think that "alt" is a much more logical term to use than "sockpuppet"), but "sockpuppet"?  Seriously?  IRL, a sock puppet is a toy for little kids.  Why couldn't they have coined a word with a more mature connotation?  Like, say, a regular puppet?

Note that my concern here isn't that people are being immature on the Internet.  I don't give a shit if little kids on the Internet say "sockpuppet" to describe alts, and "meanies" to describe trolls.  What I don't like is the fact that such a stupid name is now the official term to describe alternate accounts all across the Internet.  Wikipedia and Encyclopedia Dramatica, for example, have articles about them and refer to them as "sockpuppets".
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Parsifal on July 26, 2010, 04:39:24 PM
Get the fuck over it.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Ichimaru Gin :] on July 26, 2010, 04:40:07 PM
The first time I encountered the use of sock puppet was on sodahead.
It's quite dumb and I just have a random feeling that uncool older adults on forums created the term/made it more widely used
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Blanko on July 26, 2010, 04:46:34 PM
Here's a fucking troll:
(http://i32.tinypic.com/2q99c7r.jpg)

That term is immature and childish, Saddam, maybe you ought to stop using it.

EDIT: HOLY SHIT 2000 POSTS AM I COOL OR WHAT?
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Crustinator on July 26, 2010, 04:50:47 PM
EDIT: HOLY SHIT 2000 POSTS AM I COOL OR WHAT?

You are momentarily cool. Once you hit 2001 you will return to banality. For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. Verily.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Benjamin Franklin on July 26, 2010, 05:37:49 PM
It's a stupid term, used by stupid people. /thread
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: EnglshGentleman on July 26, 2010, 06:17:58 PM
I think the difference between sock puppets and alts is that an alt is usually created by a person who is already a regular of that community, making it just for funnsies. I think sock puppets are used more for malicious purposes such as spamming or trolling a board. Or on youtube for example, sock puppet accounts are used to make vote bots to either vote up or down a person. Usually to vote down.

So pretty much alts are created by a regular just to entertain them self while sock puppets are created by people with no actual interest in the board and are there to troll or flame, but keep getting banned so they have to keep making new "sock puppets".

I've heard of the term alt on another forum too. (Terroja.com before the forum got taken down.)
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Benocrates on July 26, 2010, 06:57:41 PM
Get the fuck over it.

A response so elegant in its simplicity I might as well sig it.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Saddam Hussein on July 26, 2010, 08:06:33 PM
Here's a fucking troll:
(http://i32.tinypic.com/2q99c7r.jpg)

That term is immature and childish, Saddam, maybe you ought to stop using it.

Actually, you're wrong.  The term "trolling" is a reference to the fishing technique, not the mythological creature.  And certainly not to those toys.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: markjo on July 26, 2010, 08:20:01 PM
Sorry Saddam, but the internet doesn't need your permission or approval.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Saddam Hussein on July 26, 2010, 08:32:47 PM
Sorry Saddam, but the internet doesn't need your permission or approval.

...when did I ever say it did?  I'm just talking about a minor pet peeve of mine.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Raist on July 26, 2010, 09:15:08 PM
All I can imagine is some guy staring at two sock puppets on his hands while trapped in a fallout 3 style bunker. It seems fitting, though I wouldn't use the term and usually associate it with 12 year olds.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: PizzaPlanet on July 26, 2010, 11:07:24 PM
I like the term.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Blanko on July 27, 2010, 04:22:19 AM
Here's a fucking troll:
(http://i32.tinypic.com/2q99c7r.jpg)

That term is immature and childish, Saddam, maybe you ought to stop using it.

Actually, you're wrong.  The term "trolling" is a reference to the fishing technique, not the mythological creature.  And certainly not to those toys.

The term "sockpuppet" is a reference to nuclear bombs, not the actual sockpuppet.

Yeah, I can claim things without any evidence to back them up too.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Crustinator on July 27, 2010, 04:43:11 AM
I think the difference between sock puppets and alts is that an alt is usually created by a person who is already a regular of that community, making it just for funnsies. I think sock puppets are used more for malicious purposes such as spamming or trolling a board.

My understanding is that "sockpuppets" are created on serious discussion boards to give the impression that there are many people that support your stance.

Eg,

Popefather212: Abortion is wrong, it hurts babies and makes women into whores.
CrusifX: "Popefather212" that was a well informed response and backed up with relevant information! You are correct once again.
Popefather212: Why thankyou "CrusifX" it's great to hear from someone who can actually debate with facts.

Since this place is a troll den and no one really cares or needs to have someone to back them up, "sockpuppets" are uncommon here, although they do crop up every now and then. "Alts" however, made for teh lulz, are ten a penny. They're also often 17/f/ny.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Taters343 on July 27, 2010, 05:38:45 AM
They're also often 17/f/ny.



Hey, woah! I'm 17/m/ny!
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Benjamin Franklin on July 27, 2010, 07:38:23 AM
Actually, you're wrong.  The term "trolling" is a reference to the fishing technique, not the mythological creature.  And certainly not to those toys.

The term "sockpuppet" is a reference to nuclear bombs, not the actual sockpuppet.

Yeah, I can claim things without any evidence to back them up too.
It's the fishing technique. The child's toy doesn't actually make sense.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: markjo on July 27, 2010, 08:51:09 AM
Sorry Saddam, but the internet doesn't need your permission or approval.

...when did I ever say it did?  I'm just talking about a minor pet peeve of mine.

One of my pet peeves is people whining about their pet peeves, but you don't see me carrying on about it.  Besides, "sockpuppet" refers to a specific type of alt, so get over it and consider this learning something new about discussion boards.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Benocrates on July 27, 2010, 09:19:34 AM
Actually, you're wrong.  The term "trolling" is a reference to the fishing technique, not the mythological creature.  And certainly not to those toys.

The term "sockpuppet" is a reference to nuclear bombs, not the actual sockpuppet.

Yeah, I can claim things without any evidence to back them up too.
It's the fishing technique. The child's toy doesn't actually make sense.

lawl, uve been troll'd
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Saddam Hussein on July 27, 2010, 09:22:41 AM
Sorry Saddam, but the internet doesn't need your permission or approval.

...when did I ever say it did?  I'm just talking about a minor pet peeve of mine.

One of my pet peeves is people whining about their pet peeves, but you don't see me carrying on about it.  Besides, "sockpuppet" refers to a specific type of alt, so get over it and consider this learning something new about discussion boards.

Why are you reacting like this?  This is supposed to be a lighthearted thread that I just created on a whim.  To be honest, I don't really care about it all that much, I just thought it was an interesting thought to share.  Are you the one who invented the term "sockpuppet" or something?  Am I hurting your feelings?
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: PizzaPlanet on July 27, 2010, 09:48:34 AM
Why are you reacting to his reaction like this? I bet it was supposed to be a lighthearted response he just created on the whim. I sincerely doubt he cares about whether you like the "word" "sockpuppets" or not. Are you the one who made this thread or something? Oh... wait.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Benjamin Franklin on July 27, 2010, 09:52:26 AM
Why are you reacting to his reaction like this? I bet it was supposed to be a lighthearted response he just created on the whim. I sincerely doubt he cares about whether you like the "word" "sockpuppets" or not. Are you the one who made this thread or something? Oh... wait.
Why are you reacting to his reaction to markjo like this? I bet it was supposed to be a lighthearted response he just created on a whim. I sincerely doubt he cares about whether you like his response or not.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: PizzaPlanet on July 27, 2010, 09:54:51 AM
Why are you reacting to his reaction to markjo like this? I bet it was supposed to be a lighthearted response he just created on a whim. I sincerely doubt he cares about whether you like his response or not.
Why are you reacting to to my reaction to his reaction to markjo like this? I bet it was supposed to be a lighthearted response you just created on a whim. I know for a fact that I do care about your opinion, though. I also fancy your eyes. Say, are you busy tomorrow at 8:00PM?
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Crustinator on July 27, 2010, 09:55:16 AM
Why are you reacting to his reaction to markjo like this? I bet it was supposed to be a lighthearted response he just created on a whim. I sincerely doubt he cares about whether you like his response or not.

Why are you reacting like this?! You don't even know Saddam like I do so don't even pretend to. This was a light hearted thread created on a whim. Get over yourself.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Benjamin Franklin on July 27, 2010, 09:59:01 AM
Why are you two reacting like this? I made that lighthearted response on a whim, and now you sincerely care about whether or not I like PizzaPlanet's lego hair, which is wonderful.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Crustinator on July 27, 2010, 10:00:57 AM
Why are you two reacting like this? This has nothing to do with Pizza's lego hair! How can you even dare to bring that up! We discussed this before and decided universally that this was inappropriate.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Sean on July 27, 2010, 10:01:27 AM
I always the impression that Saddam is seriously whining about stupid shit like this. But I could be wrong.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Taters343 on July 27, 2010, 10:07:25 AM
You are, Saddam doesn't whine, he is a tough guy.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Saddam Hussein on July 27, 2010, 10:29:43 AM
You are, Saddam doesn't whine, he is a tough guy.

I am.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: frostee on July 28, 2010, 04:35:56 AM
Crustinator is Saddam's sockpuppet. Prove me wrong

Also I think the generally agreed term is doppelganger   :D
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: markjo on July 28, 2010, 08:28:17 AM
Why are you reacting like this?  This is supposed to be a lighthearted thread that I just created on a whim.  To be honest, I don't really care about it all that much, I just thought it was an interesting thought to share.  Are you the one who invented the term "sockpuppet" or something?  Am I hurting your feelings?

I'm a senior officer in the Sockpuppet Liberation Army, so watch your step buddy.  >:(
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Guessed on July 29, 2010, 12:38:52 PM
This is the best thread ever made.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Space Cowgirl on July 29, 2010, 01:31:14 PM
Why are you reacting like this?  This is supposed to be a lighthearted thread that I just created on a whim.  To be honest, I don't really care about it all that much, I just thought it was an interesting thought to share.  Are you the one who invented the term "sockpuppet" or something?  Am I hurting your feelings?

I'm a senior officer in the Sockpuppet Liberation Army, so watch your step buddy.  >:(

 :o
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Raist on July 29, 2010, 08:47:11 PM
They're scary, their voting power is in the thousands, and they all have the same IP address.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Parsifal on July 30, 2010, 04:20:52 AM
They're scary, their voting power is in the thousands, and they all have the same IP address.

It is possible for a single host to have multiple IP addresses.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Taters343 on July 30, 2010, 07:03:51 AM
They're scary, their voting power is in the thousands, and they all have the same IP address.

It is possible for a single host to have multiple IP addresses.

Yes, but is it possible for you to hear a joke without you nitpicking it apart?
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Sean on July 30, 2010, 07:22:22 AM
They're scary, their voting power is in the thousands, and they all have the same IP address.

It is possible for a single host to have multiple IP addresses.

And?
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: markjo on July 30, 2010, 07:30:27 AM
They're scary, their voting power is in the thousands, and they all have the same IP address.

It is possible for a single host to have multiple IP addresses.

Yes, but is it possible for you to hear a joke without you nitpicking it apart?

You're new here, aren't you?
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Sean on July 30, 2010, 08:38:57 AM
The joke still works, though. ???
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Vongeo on July 30, 2010, 10:06:56 AM
Saddam Sure had a lot of sockpuppets.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Parsifal on July 30, 2010, 03:25:15 PM
They're scary, their voting power is in the thousands, and they all have the same IP address.

It is possible for a single host to have multiple IP addresses.

Yes, but is it possible for you to hear a joke without you nitpicking it apart?

Thanks for granting me the response I was fishing for. :-*

And Sean, too.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: markjo on July 30, 2010, 03:42:56 PM
They're scary, their voting power is in the thousands, and they all have the same IP address.

It is possible for a single host to have multiple IP addresses.

Yes, but is it possible for you to hear a joke without you nitpicking it apart?

Thanks for granting me the response I was fishing for. :-*

To put it another way, no.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Raist on July 30, 2010, 08:34:02 PM
They're scary, their voting power is in the thousands, and they all have the same IP address.

It is possible for a single host to have multiple IP addresses.

It is possible, but it is simply not the reality of the scenario I described. Thank you for your irrelevant fact of the day.
Title: Re: "Sockpuppets"
Post by: Parsifal on August 04, 2010, 04:37:38 AM
It is possible, but it is simply not the reality of the scenario I described. Thank you for your irrelevant fact of the day.

np