0 the practice of a company creating positive comments about their product or service or paying for them to be published, when these appear to come from ordinary members of the public:
Analysts could be considered astroturfing, since they often cover their own clients without disclosing their financial connection.
Political media consultants may also opt for astroturfing techniques, which simulate wide popular appeal for a candidate's platform.
Bentsen is also known for coining the term astroturfing.
It has been called an example of an astroturfing organisation that disguises as an independent thinktank.
However, astroturfing operations are frequently detected if their profile images are recognized or if they are identified through the usage patterns of their accounts.
Astroturfing businesses may pay staff based on the number of posts they make that are not flagged by moderators.
Bloggers who receive free products, paid travel or other accommodations may also be considered astroturfing if those gifts are not disclosed to the reader.
There is no agreement within the industry on where to draw the line on issues of disclosure, astroturfing and censorship.
