No doubt there are paid political activists, but as you mentioned, writing columns for a newspaper, magazine, radio speeches and blogs is one thing, but to spend time on this forum is a waste of time and money. Too small, too few and very unlikely to change a RWNJ into a Democrat or a LWL into a Republican.There is, but don't blind yourself to the facts there are paid political posters. And they do hit nationwide, or in the case of a congressional seat, in the area they will serve, be it newspaper comments, local forums, etc. just because you don't think it happens, doesn't mean it doesn't. It is no different than paying protesters for different causes, which is done regularly.There's "disinformation" all the time on this forum including this thread, but I think that's just individuals either being assholes or deluded. Drawing a conspiracy out of it seems a bit far fetched. Sure, can try to influence it like the Russians, but unless it's a nation wide campaign, I fail to see how spending hours on a single forum can change more than a few votes, if any at all.Having been on political forums for many years now I have seen how around election time disinformation can change the casual viewers opinions or at least start questioning themselves. On another forum years ago we would out them quite frequently. Even found out one account/Id had multiple people posting under it. If you really pay attention, when certain subjects or political figures are mentioned the same id's show up shortly with their responses all coordinated.Thanks. I see nothing about trolling on political forums for a group seeking to protect American rivers.Some are paid by the hour, or salaried. Others by the post. And they receive their talking points daily. How much? It varies.
Just an example of one offering-
Director of Online Strategy - Headquarters, WA - Indeed Mobile
How much does it pay to sit around and goof off?
No doubt groups use the Internet to get out their message, but sock puppets and trolling aren't very effective means of conveying that message.
The actions you mentioned on this forum are just as easily accomplished by volunteer trolls, of which we have plenty.