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LinuxToday Editor Apologizes For Astroturfing

Posted by Hemos on from the have-to-come-clean dept.

Thanks to Dean Pannell (and Paul Ferris for the initial head's up) for pointing out the apology and statement of fact from Kevin Reichard, the Executive Editor of LinuxToday. I think the argument that people would know that "George Tirebiter" was merely a contrivance is weak, but whatever. You can read the previous stories in the astroturf [?] ing saga.

3 of 226 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Circular reasoning anyone? by _xeno_ · · Score: 3, Informative
    A Slash editor who is logged in (editor accounts are separate from user accounts, but most /. editors seem to use the same name) has infinite moderation points, plus the ability to delete posts.

    And yes, they do moderate: I remember Hemos telling the WPI ACM that they spend time moderating down the trolls after a story goes live.

    --
    You are in a maze of twisty little relative jumps, all alike.
  2. Can't Stand the Heat by Seanasy · · Score: 2, Informative

    Apparently Kevin didn't want ot stick around to see how his apology goes over.

    I will be on vacation through August 13. If this is an urgent matter, please contact Gus Venditto (gvenditto@internet.com) at internet.com.

    --
    Kevin Reichard
    Executive Editor
    internet.com
    http://www.internet.com
    -----
  3. Moore == Kiersky == ??? by cpeterso · · Score: 1, Informative

    Notice how "Mike Moore" and "Eric Kiersky" both mispell Kevin Richard's name as "Reichard" (as do some other talkback posts). Moore and Kiersky also both omit numerous apostrophes. Moore == Kiersky == ???

    Mike Moore posted this under the subject of "Excellent":
    It takes a lot to admit this. I still dont believe astroturfing is anything to ruffle your feathers about, we all do it dont we? But I salute Kevin Reichard for taking this stance and explaining matters. This shows the maturity of Linux Today and the opensource nature of all their undertakings. Cheers.

    Eric Kiersky writes with subject "Kevin shouldnt apologize":
    I dont believe Kevin should have been preassured into apologizing about this. As I understand this pressure came from an individual who was fired from LinuxToday. I felt that individual's articles were more revenge based than anything to expose ethics on astroturfing. Kevin is an excellent individual and his work on Linux Today is second to non. I hope everyone takes a deep breath and just think before posting anymore slashdot induced flames on Mr. Kevin Reichard.

    --
    cpeterso