Yesterday was proof positive that there are indeed people on the DKOS, but what is the logical response?
My initial response yesterday upon finding out that a member of the Paul campaign yesterday was trying to sway opinion against donating to his opponent was that we should revise the community standards. After all, I had thought, if we could accuse someone of being a shill, then it would be a lot easier to know who I should or should not be paying attention to. The problem with this is that it creates a culture of paranoia (yes I realize that's a laugh coming from me but humor me here). Liberals and progressives in particular need openness and the light of day. That's hard to do when you have to wonder who you can or can't trust and nothing is going to piss someone off more than a false accusation.
Nevertheless, for some of us, we cannot escape the knowledge that there are indeed people out there trying to change our opinion under false pretenses. But isn't that part of the price of using the internet? I think on one level it is simply wise to take anything anyone says with a grain of salt. I've certainly learned that in the last 8-9 months. I don't trust my leaders any more, not unconditionally.
But I also understand the power and purpose of community. There is strength and power in numbers and you need to be able to have a culture, not just a mob. There are certain rules that have to be maintained, which is why you have the community standards. I accept that.
One idea that might work would be the inclusion of a third button, one that is not publicly visible to anyone but the admins, to make a person of suspicious activity. This is not a 'hide' but it is a 'paid shill' link. After all, the intruder yesterday was caught because they were basically stupid. Someone who had a much more sophisticated method of persuasion would not be so easily caught. By creating a 'Concern' button to the Hide and Recommend list, it might make it easier for the admins to ferret out those who are trying to persuade us through lies and deceit.
Just a thought anyway.
Update: It seems the general consensus is 'No we don't.'....but with logical reasons why not. Thank you for your input.