Astroturfing in Texas
As you might have noticed, I usually try to stay away from talking about politics, religion, abortion, and other topics on this site. Basically, I don’t think one person’s opinions will change anyone’s views; I’d rather stick to the topics I value more for this blog.
That said, FARK picked up a January story today from The Inquirer. The topic? Seems that the same letter to the editor appeared in the exact same wording in a bunch of different newspapers (note, though, that the “a” and “different” ones are the same letter, written to the same paper, a week apart by two different people). Turns out this was generated as a form letter from GOPTeamLeader.com, a Republican National Committee site, a practice called “astroturfing” by those in the biz.
Democrats took this and ran. “Why can’t people take the time to customize the letter if they truly believe what they’re sending?” “That’s not much leadership in itself.”
I don’t particulary agree with that criticism. As a member of the EFF, I’ve sent letters to senators and representatives before using their form mail generator. They even sent it to the proper people. The Internet, once again, allows people to voice their opinions at a higher volume and to more people than ever before, and I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing.
Don’t stop reading, though – taken at face value, the practice isn’t a good one. Before sending any sort of form letter, the sender should research the topic and attempt to put the letter in their own words. I’d say a form letter is a pat on the back urging support of an issue; a thoughtful letter is the thing that will really change a person’s mind. Blindly using words written by someone else is not only dishonest, but dangerous as well.
Once again, technology allows the use of a great service. Unfortunately, it can once again be used in a good or bad way.
(Note: I believe the EFF’s letter includes a link to their site, giving them proper credit for their writing. The RNC letter offers no such link.)
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