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Anti-Net Neutrality Astroturfer Exposed

Posted by kdawson on from the ghost-writing-101 dept.

I Don't Believe in Imaginary Property writes "Ever wonder about all those groups claiming Google had a 'search monopoly' (as if there are no other search engines), or worse, coming out against Net Neutrality? CNet has a story about a shady DC lobbying group called LawMedia Group, being paid by Microsoft and Comcast, that is behind many of these attacks. That said, it's a mystery why they weren't able to pay more authoritative groups than the American Corn Growers Association or the League of Rural Voters to weigh in on technical matters. As a computer geek from corn country, I wouldn't solicit their opinion on tractor repair, let alone Internet policy."

16 of 152 comments (clear)

  1. They know a lot by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    The American Porn Growers Association is very aware of the issues... oh, wait, you said corn, nevermind.

    1. Re:They know a lot by MadnessASAP · · Score: 5, Funny

      You act as if the two can't be combined, I would beg to differ.

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      I may agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to face the consequences of saying it.
  2. Shocked! by GodKingAmit · · Score: 5, Funny

    I for one am shocked by such behavior from such benevolent corporations - they always act in the public interest!

    1. Re:Shocked! by Original+Replica · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I am just as shocked as you, but I have to wonder "Why do Corporations have the same free speech protections as real people?" It has long been understood that disinformation is a powerful weapon. That's why the US Army has Pysop. Yes, propaganda that is disguised as a grassroots movement or the work of independent experts is disinformation, not advertising. Part of taking in information (like a product review or political statement) is accounting for the source of that information, ie you will consider the words of someone you respect more than words of someone you regard as a fool. So misrepresenting the source of information is a form of disinformation, and disinformation is weapon, weapons are used to control and destroy. Why are corporations allowed to control and destroy things like legislative process and public political awareness? Sure it's subtle damage, but over time it has done much harm to our society.

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      We are all just people.
    2. Re:Shocked! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      There was an attempt to limit disinformation campaigns by lobbyist groups but it was shouted down by vocal opposition from a large grassroots movement.

    3. Re:Shocked! by d34thm0nk3y · · Score: 5, Funny

      I for one am shocked by such behavior from such benevolent corporations - they always act in the public interest!

      In light of such an insightful post I would just like to point out that John McCain has a comprehensive economic plan that will create millions of good American jobs, ensure our nation's energy security, get the government's budget and spending practices in order, and bring relief to American consumers.

    4. Re:Shocked! by iminplaya · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Why are corporations allowed to control and destroy things like legislative process and public political awareness?

      Can you believe the Simpsons have been on for almost 19 years? That Bart, he's so funny... And the Cubs are still in first place! And that guy...what's his name? He might win 8 gold medals...

      Does that answer your question?

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      What?
    5. Re:Shocked! by GodKingAmit · · Score: 5, Informative

      Even though you've been modded troll, I still thought your post was funny. For those without a clue: John McCain's website has a list of quotes his supporters are supposed to use on blogs/forums. Parent's post is one of them. This was covered on /. (probably more than once)

    6. Re:Shocked! by NMerriam · · Score: 5, Informative

      Um, who do you think owns a corporation and decides on what to say regarding it?

      People who are not liable for anything the corporation says on their behalf?

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      Recursive: Adj. See Recursive.
  3. Conspiracy? by bigtallmofo · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but things like this make me understand a little bit more why someone would become one.

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    I'm a big tall mofo.
    1. Re:Conspiracy? by exley · · Score: 5, Insightful

      To me, this doesn't quite make the level necessary to be called "conspiracy." It's, unfortunately, just business as usual in both politics and the business world.

  4. More information on Law Media Group by linumax · · Score: 5, Informative

    can be found here and here.

  5. anti-astroturfing campaign by Presto+Vivace · · Score: 5, Interesting

    PR Bloggers against astroturf

  6. Re:Am I an idiot? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's really time to take a step back from posting when you get modded for trolling yourself.

  7. Re:color me naive by morgan_greywolf · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I believe that MS is still pro net neutrality. My understanding, and the summary is unhelpful to understanding, is that Microsoft is paying them for their attack on Google and Comcast is paying them for their attack on net neutrality. The same organization is paid for two separate jobs.

    Correct. That's what the article is saying. The summary, is, as usual, very useless in regards to representing the actual contents of the TFA. The timeline says it all:

    Timeline: Anti-Net neutrality, anti-Google lobbying efforts

    February 2008: Email apparently sent to Mel King providing him with text of his pro-Comcast op-ed.

    March 2008: Latino IT group sides with Comcast on Net neutrality

    May 2008 (PDF): Latino groups ask Justice Department to investigate Google's "search monopoly." Also see press release (PDF).

    June 2008: Latino IT group says it has "serious concerns" about a Google-Yahoo advertising deal

    June 2008 (PDF): Corn growers ask Congress to investigate Google

    IOW, no one is suggesting that Microsoft is anti-net neutrality except perhaps some poster here foaming at the mouth, as usual.

    In case anybody isn't paying attention: Net neutrality is in Microsoft's best interests as an OS maker and as one of the Net's top three search engine providers. It is not in Comcast's best interests as they can make money from a lack of net neutrality.

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    My blog
  8. I think this was supposed to be a joke by Jafafa+Hots · · Score: 5, Informative

    I don't think this guy was trolling, I think it was a joking reference to McCain's own astroturfing scheme where he gives points for swag to people who cut and paste his talking points into blog comments.

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