Comments on: Social Media Optimization Assets : The Fake User

By: VMOptions

VMOptions — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:47:52 +0000

I’ve seen cases where fake users actually trashed a company’s image. While conversing with yourself can be productive, there are destructive methods to this technique as well.

This is a lot of work, and if the ROI is good it can be worthwhile.

By: chineseguy

chineseguy — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:42:39 +0000

Yes I agree with you – creation of artificial user is quite labor-intensive process, and maintaining them is a headeck, besides sooner or later the anti spam means of that particular system will catch you.

By: chuck norris dude

chuck norris dude — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:23:19 +0000

This is an oldie, but goodie. It does take some work, but the benefits are definitely there.

Considering the ethics…it’s a gray area. It all depends on how far you push it.

By: Justin

Justin — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:44:39 +0000

I’ve done this before in the past with great results. I’m not talking about just spamming out comments/friend requests. I’ve built a few very nice looking profiles and had a lot of natural traffic and communications come through the profile. There is a point of taking it too far, but a few profiles here and there never hurt anyone…

By: James Duthie

James Duthie — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:47:44 +0000

Hmmm… Should we really be promoting this type of behaviour? Looks like another hit to our collective reputation as online marketers. Is it any wonder most social media users hate us?

By: Paul McIntosh

Paul McIntosh — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:23:57 +0000

I look at the alias, sock puppet, alter ego debate like this.
Being involved in this business means doing research into a lot of areas, which in turn makes us all a touch closer to the multiple personality disorder diagnosis.
So using a number of personalities and molding them for a specific niche is a handy thing.
Not that this is bad. It allows a deeper understanding of a variety of business models to be able to handle a wider and more diverse client base.
This is a good thing from where I sit.
I consider the use of the alter ego, when used with a modicum of respect to be a very useful tool.
Writers have been using effectively for centuries.
I must confess though I hadn’t broken it down to this extent before. Thanks for taking it to the next level for me.