The gaming (gambling) industry employs workers who pose as "players", sitting at, or standing by, Blackjack tables, Roulette Wheels, Craps Tables, and the like. Their purpose is to "generate" bystander interest in the game they are playing, "draw" them in, so to speak. It's a dog-eat-dog industry, no doubt, and any form of "advertising" which works is likely permitted. Such "house" employs are known as "SHILLS". I detected them many years ago, after reading Edward O. Thorpe's account of Blackjack playing in Nevada. Downtown Vegas one night, I saw obvious unveiled signs, illegal, but who cared, where the dealer extended stacks of chips to a player, who did not buy them, paid off losing hands, and such other moves that could not be denied.
Having known that for 40+ years now, and here I'm REALLY going out on a limb:
Would Talk Forums employ shills?
Think about it. See what could be gained from "outsider" information? Better control of the forum, it's flow, it's indiscretions, more member info, etc.
Now, the Management knows that, given a sudden post inflicted, depending on time of day (more or less), many hundreds, or even thousands of individuals might get to see a "disparaging post" before they can eliminate it. This I see as one of the more difficult positions placed on the "Admin's Plate". To get rid, or allow. That is the question.
Now, I meant to do no harm in posting this. A general question pertaining to absolute generalities. If my tenure here is valued to some certain degree, Admin will understand. Or, even as you read this, I may disappear. These are questions which are of importance to an "Imp".
Having known that for 40+ years now, and here I'm REALLY going out on a limb:
Would Talk Forums employ shills?
Think about it. See what could be gained from "outsider" information? Better control of the forum, it's flow, it's indiscretions, more member info, etc.
Now, the Management knows that, given a sudden post inflicted, depending on time of day (more or less), many hundreds, or even thousands of individuals might get to see a "disparaging post" before they can eliminate it. This I see as one of the more difficult positions placed on the "Admin's Plate". To get rid, or allow. That is the question.
Now, I meant to do no harm in posting this. A general question pertaining to absolute generalities. If my tenure here is valued to some certain degree, Admin will understand. Or, even as you read this, I may disappear. These are questions which are of importance to an "Imp".