If I was interested in manipulating upvotes, it would much more easy for me to create sock puppets or have volunteers/virtual assistants create sock puppets than have people take their time to introduce themselves and engage with Less Wrong.
“That’s not how I would do it” generally is not the best way to respond to something you take as an accusation. Especially when you include a novel element in your protest, namely, the “have volunteers/virtual assistances create sock puppets” piece.
Firstly, because you don’t want to share those kinds of ideas. Secondly, because you’ve added details to a story you’re trying to repudiate, making it seem more likely.
If I was interested in manipulating upvotes, it would much more easy for me to create sock puppets or have volunteers/virtual assistants create sock puppets than have people take their time to introduce themselves and engage with Less Wrong.
“That’s not how I would do it” generally is not the best way to respond to something you take as an accusation. Especially when you include a novel element in your protest, namely, the “have volunteers/virtual assistances create sock puppets” piece.
Firstly, because you don’t want to share those kinds of ideas. Secondly, because you’ve added details to a story you’re trying to repudiate, making it seem more likely.
Good points, upvoted. I fall into this trap too often. Thanks for the helpful suggestions!