DarkLinkage
Member
This could be completely fake. I mean, how do we know it wasn't a employee from Sony or Nintendo who wrote this?
Redditor claims MS employees monitoring Reddit; making positive posts about the Xbox1
- Thread starter zakislam
- Start date
Wolves Evolve
Member
Because it has been confirmed.
Arjen
Member
Doesn't suprise me one bit, awfull practice.
I used to frequent messageboards about raves a lot, and was quitte vocal about things i didn't like.
Got offered free entrance tickets a couple of times and then it was heavily implied i should leave some possitive comments afterwards. And they did this to plenty of people.
Seeing that was just small peanuts, i can imagine the budget MS must spend into this PR nightmare to spin it around.
I used to frequent messageboards about raves a lot, and was quitte vocal about things i didn't like.
Got offered free entrance tickets a couple of times and then it was heavily implied i should leave some possitive comments afterwards. And they did this to plenty of people.
Seeing that was just small peanuts, i can imagine the budget MS must spend into this PR nightmare to spin it around.
Wolves Evolve
Member
Oh and:
"This is the future."
They say that a lot too.
"This is the future."
They say that a lot too.
I'd consider a guy pointing a gun at my head saying "You'll be dead!" right before pulling the trigger a pretty good fortune teller.
"unduly", meaning "in an undue manner : excessively"
That's not a denial. That's an acknowledgement that they are doing it, but that they feel that this doesn't constitute "excessive" interference. That's not say that the average Reddit user would agree with them there though. I rather imagine that most Reddit users would feel that any behaviour like this, regardless of how "excessive" it was, was unacceptable.
+ http://techrights.org/2011/12/26/microsoft-and-nokia-astroturf/
*above is taken from the artcles comment section*
yup, it's pretty easy to spot the language and arguments. The current ones seem to be "so any postivie xbone stuff means I'm a shill right. I'm scared to post"
I'm so glad the xbone is such a total disaster so far, so much so that the shilling has become painfully obvious. Windows 8 wasn't the disaster bone is shaping up to be, so those guys weren't nearly as obvious.
There is sophisticated software that can create dozens of personae for a single marketeer, including real looking facebook pages etc. with automatic real looking updates and stuff. It's used by organizations such as the US military, as well as corporations. So getting a single person 70 reddit accounts or neogaf for that matter, isn't a big deal.
SolidChamp
Banned
Anyone wanting to see an absolutely shameless MS shill should head over to the Rotten Tomatoes General Video Game discussion forum and check out posts by a user named Dead Screen Sky. Especially in their XBone thread.
It's simply...mind blowing.
It's simply...mind blowing.
Nightstick11
Banned
Now this makes me wonder if shills had a huge hand in making some gamers think online paywalls were a-ok.
shinra-bansho
Member
Huh, so there are laws against it. Interesting.
Also, noticed this on the Wiki page:
I thought our esteemed game review sites often received the games they review for free or, iirc, are even invited on review junkets?
Also, noticed this on the Wiki page:
I thought our esteemed game review sites often received the games they review for free or, iirc, are even invited on review junkets?
ColonelColon
Member
I believe I heard a similar sentiment from certain members of the games media when the Xbox One's DRM scheme was first announced.
sonikokaruto
Banned
i wonder if the people who sasy stuff like "but it's just like steam!"
or
"better than nintendo!"
are schills
or
"better than nintendo!"
are schills
Journos aren't bloggers, those FTC rules are for bloggers. They aren't enforced anyway.
juniors doing damage control, thread derailment, obfuscation, etc just don't have the same impact that had 2 months ago. And people are starting to realize engaging with arguments like the above are playing into the hands of the marketers.
In MS threads, 'junior' is fast becoming a red flag.
ColonelColon
Member
I thought it was a foregone conclusion that this sort of thing happens. I'm sure political and special interest groups pay people to astroturf.
I really don't get why this sort of thing is surprising? I feel like people often think of companies as an uncool-trying to be hip dad. You know, the kind that says shit like, "I heard you kids like the skate boards and the Tony Hawks!"
When in reality? Companies like and including Microsoft are massive, and filled with some very bright minds who are paid solely to figure out new ways to advertise. They are extremely well versed in market strategy and manipulation.
If you keep that in mind, it really isn't surprising to see them doing this. It's smart social media marketing. Call them a shill if you want, but fact of the matter is? All advertising lies to the consumer. The significant difference here is you don't like the product they're trying to sell you so it's easier to see through the bullshit.
When in reality? Companies like and including Microsoft are massive, and filled with some very bright minds who are paid solely to figure out new ways to advertise. They are extremely well versed in market strategy and manipulation.
If you keep that in mind, it really isn't surprising to see them doing this. It's smart social media marketing. Call them a shill if you want, but fact of the matter is? All advertising lies to the consumer. The significant difference here is you don't like the product they're trying to sell you so it's easier to see through the bullshit.
JonathanEx
Member
While I wouldn't be surprised if it's happening, Reddit's attempts at guessing identities has gone SO WELL in the past that I probably wouldn't trust every guess they make about who are shills.
Miles Quaritch
Member
Yep, the whole Boston Bomber misidentification and witch hunt against Sunil is still a stain on the reputation on that site and deservedly so.
More Fun To Compute
Member
People who reply to "debunk with bunk" what I write are my favourites.
SolidChamp
Banned
It's fun to lurk...
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20497099&postcount=342
Here he is comparing Microsoft's new game registration policy to Sony's "online passes" and oldschool "CD keys":
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20497128&postcount=361
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20515940&postcount=663
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20501984&postcount=586
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20502413&postcount=594
And here's a nice little middle finger to NeoGAF:
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20516708&postcount=669
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20517099&postcount=681
The arrogance is palpable.
This guy seems to be no better:
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20516986&postcount=671
These are examples of the kind of gamers that will remain complacent and still open their wallets to M$. These are the gamers that will end up justifying all of this nonsense with their wallets.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20497099&postcount=342
Here he is comparing Microsoft's new game registration policy to Sony's "online passes" and oldschool "CD keys":
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20497128&postcount=361
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20515940&postcount=663
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20501984&postcount=586
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20502413&postcount=594
And here's a nice little middle finger to NeoGAF:
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20516708&postcount=669
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20517099&postcount=681
The arrogance is palpable.
This guy seems to be no better:
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showpost.php?p=20516986&postcount=671
These are examples of the kind of gamers that will remain complacent and still open their wallets to M$. These are the gamers that will end up justifying all of this nonsense with their wallets.
JonathanEx
Member
Seriously dude. I see hints of concern and uneasiness with regards to Microsoft's policies in some of those quotes but you choose to paint them as arrogant? This coming from a guy who still uses "M$"...
ThatGuy707
Member
Sorry for not just blindly assuming some poster in reddit is credible and bashing MS. This is exactly what I was saying was going to happen. Xbox users cannot even post without being called out as a "shill", "doing damage control", etc.
Pretty funny you accuse me of this but in my small post history I have made posts like:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=47782544&postcount=430
And
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=48053603&postcount=566
I know some posters aren't trying to make this a witch hunt but it definitely looks like it is starting to turn into that. People like the above aren't helping.
Oh hey, no amount of disappointment expressed towards Microsoft and their draconian DRM strategy is gonna matter because the moment you let everyone know you're going to buy an Xbox One despite all that, you become a cause for concern for some paranoid people (like that dude I just pointed out above)
You sound like you're not only okay with the practice, but defending it.
Everyone should be outraged by this, no matter how they feel about one company or another, especially when you realize they're in your community, your home, trying to twist the narrative. Even if it's rational to assume it's going on, it doesn't make it any less despicable when it's unearthed, and any less in need of purging as efficiently as possible.
This doesn't need to turn into a witch hunt, but it's very clear that it is going on. And something should be done about it, as efficiently and effectively as possible. But you're right, definitely not by everyone turning on each other and being suspicious of every third poster.
It should, and will, be handled by the mods. It's just shitty knowing it's going on, and not being able to rid yourself of the suspicion that someone might not just be arguing for the brand they enjoy, but to control the narrative in return for a paycheck.
littleworm
Member
This whole situation is pretty stupid. If Microsoft is doing what it is accessed of, then that is despicable. However at the same time, the response of "anyone who likes Microsoft and XB1 are shills" no saints themselves, as it stifles and constructive conversation that might be had.
And thats what happens when reputation managers poison the well.
Since we have seen so many viral marketers and their obvious tactics, anti-ms bias has arisen. This bias will be applied to positive MS posts, especially by new accounts. If you want to be angry about something, you can be angry about what reputation managers do to online communities.
Phat Michael
Banned
Lol great so now anyone who supports and wants a new xbox one is a paid corporate employee? genius.
also what happened to that thread which said the ps4 is now behind a pay wall, it seems to have just disappeared.
also what happened to that thread which said the ps4 is now behind a pay wall, it seems to have just disappeared.
Yeah, those rep managers sure have fucked this one up. Backfire.
The prevalence of forthcoming insider knowledge is both the best and worst thing that's happened to the industry in the last few years. On one hand, we've gotten some credible information well before its intended unveiling, and on the other hand, pretty much every single rumor in existence is taken at face value, especially if it piles on a preferred narrative.
Elaugaufein
Member
It's not really surprising. Corporations control the narrative to the point that I wouldn't be surprised if a corporation flat out killed someone who was inconvenient to their profit margin and someone showed up saying "Businesses have to make a profit". It not being surprising doesn't make it any less disturbing, repugnant, disgusting or morally questionable though.
ThatGuy707
Member
We have no evidence this happened though. We are getting worked up over a rumor. I know you pointed out the 'unduly' thing but it can also mean "inappropriately or unjustifiably". It seems you are grasping at straws. Regardless, they could be lying.
Is that really worth persecuting a whole section of users? Obviously it is to you. You made it clear that it is justified in your eyes but I am asking Gaf in general as well.
With your logic you must bash MS to be accepted at Gaf... I can only hope the rest of Gaf has bashed MS. Maybe it should be on the front page so newcomers won't get banned?
Lastly, in the event MS did do this, I would be mad at them but also you the persecutor. You aren't making Gaf a better place. You are making it worse. Just because some muslims committed terrorist acts doesn't mean you should treat all muslims as terrorists. I think we should just let the mods sort it out.
It would surprise me if he weren't aware of that, considering that 4 posts of his 15 post history are about defending Windows 8.
They either have enough fallback accounts to simply not give a shit, or they are as yet unaware that it's harder to keep shilling on GAF than elsewhere.
That's a nice-sounding idea, and a week or two ago I might even have agreed. But the shilling destroys the very foundation of honest argument. It repeats the same talking points across the whole forum, and the perpetrators cannot be convinced by any discussion, as they are not actually holding any views -- they simply regurgitate the script prepared for them in advance. It's despicable.
shinra-bansho
Member
Microsoft probably don't consider it inappropriate or unjustifiable.
Bishoptl isn't just banning people arbitrarily.
These people have social agency email addresses, with ridiculously lopsided and frankly irrational/illogical posting, registering at suspect times and essentially only here to damage control.
It is evidenced by their existence on here. They have been banned. There are still more of them. And I doubt they're only on GAF.
And because of them, other people, like yourself, fall under suspicion.
You may or may not be, despite a lot of your limited posting history seemingly in defense of MS. If you're not, you have nothing to be wary of.
Come on son, you're gonna have to do better than that.
DC1
Member
The Omega Man
Member
I always considered suspicious the guys that post: "I showed the XBOX One conference to a few a friends of mine and also let them know about MS DRM policies and they said wow that's not that bad I will be buying it day one"
Really? Casuals felt in love with the conference and are so delighted about the DRM policies that they decided they needed this so bad that they are buying day one.
LOL please
Really? Casuals felt in love with the conference and are so delighted about the DRM policies that they decided they needed this so bad that they are buying day one.
LOL please
I think people are just underestimating the tenacity of platform fandom. The rhetoric we're seeing from Xbox One supporters is no different than what we were seeing from Sony supporters in the infancy of the Playstation 3. People defend the shit they're personally invested in.
This rumor amounts to "I'm an intern at X, and overheard some things at Y," which used to taken with a grain of salt a year ago and prior. Is there some truth to these accusations? Probably, but I don't believe it to be corporate sanctioned. I think its a case of employees "defending their honor," which is fairly understandable, albeit highly unethical.
What people think is happening is honestly some Ready Player One shit Lol.
This rumor amounts to "I'm an intern at X, and overheard some things at Y," which used to taken with a grain of salt a year ago and prior. Is there some truth to these accusations? Probably, but I don't believe it to be corporate sanctioned. I think its a case of employees "defending their honor," which is fairly understandable, albeit highly unethical.
What people think is happening is honestly some Ready Player One shit Lol.
Well that was a weird segue into a terrorist attack comparison.
DC1
Member
Oh yeah its happening/happens all the time. There is a federal investigation around this type of behavior involving the Rappahannock Privately own jail in VA (Owned by a retired Judges..). In short a disproportionate number of cases were getting much higher convictions with hefty lengths of stay when associated with Rappahannock as opposed to other VA prisons.
I love that GAF has a defense force for this stuff. It makes this place that much more unique.
There is nothing like participating is a well articulated debate where there is an obvious break in logical progression that the 'shill' refuses to be acknowledged.
I think the redditor that made the post about ms employees is just as slimey. sounds like he does the exact same thing for a living. personally I think this is a terrible practice and hurts capitalism and markets. by this I mean 'debunking' others while not disclosing you are doing reputation management.
DC1
Member
The thread was supported by bad/unsubstantiated info and inadvertently misquoted Kotaku.
That's what they want you to think.