This is exactly the situation Kickstarter should be on top of. Imagine someone was going to make a hugely disruptive project and some BigCo PR firm hires a bunch of astroturfers to post 400 comments about how the project leader is a fraud.
Now we know the astroturfers don't even need to ward off backers, they can just get Kickstarter to shut the project down. Megaupload song vs. UMG sockpuppets anybody?
> Now we know the astroturfers don't even need to ward off backers, they can just get Kickstarter to shut the project down.
We do? Again, I ask, where is the proof of what we know?
What we do know is that you can make a post on a blog making claims about a popular company saying they did something bad, get it on HN, and people will start demanding said company respond and handle it without waiting for proof.
Yes, the accusations are serious. Yes, if true, it should be handled, but knee-jerk reactions like this are just as bad the charges laid against KickStarter.
Let's use reason and intelligence, not anger and emotion.
I'm confused what exactly you're asking for. What kind of 'proof' would satisfy you?
Screenshots of the original emails? I'm sure they could be spoofed. Screenshot of the page of comments? Same. Statements from other people who were backing her?
Really, I don't understand what you're asking for.
Edit: seems there's more to this story about the individual involved but that doesn't change anything about how Kickstarter reacted (assuming, of course, that the events played out as described).
Edit2: Please note. Edits to the parent post now make this comment appear out of context (and therefore unhelpful). Decided to leave it up though.
Something more than italicized text. Yes, screenshots of the emails, with headers would be better. Something more than a mere rant. I'm not suggesting that anything displayed would hold up in court, but all anyone here seems to care about is italicized text. Here, let me demonstrate.
amirmc,
The post on my website is a lie.
Truly,
Rachel
There. Case closed.
> What kind of 'proof' would satisfy you?
What kind of proof would satisfy you? Italicized text? A blog post?
> I don't see how anything here is particularly knee-jerk.
Unsubstantiated claim is made. People here are already assuming KickStarter is guilty.
Don't misrepresent what I'm saying. No where am I suggesting indisputable proof must be provided. I'm merely saying that nothing has been offered up.
> What kind of proof would satisfy you? Italicized text? A blog post?
I try not to take any of these things as 'proof'. Also you say that "nothing has been offered up" which isn't true. Someone wrote a post and copy/pasted emails into it. Sure, you can question the veracity of the post but it isn't really fair to say that nothing was offered. It's just that what was offered doesn't seem sufficient to you (which is fine, btw. I'm not saying I believe it all just because of a blog post).
Yes, an accusation was made with some italicized text. People may be giving the OP the benefit of the doubt. You are not. Why aren't both of those ok? I doubt anyone here is going to start a picket outside Kickstarter's offices nor start flaming elsewhere on the net. They might post their displeasure at Kickstarter here.
Your issue isn't really with the post but how folks here seem to be reacting to it. I get that, but isn't it always going to be the case with David/Goliath-type stories?
If her story turns out to have any chinks in it then she'll lose all credibility with this crowd and if not, then Kickstarter should have something to say about it. In a couple of days this will have either been resolved, forgotten or a 'proper' news story (ie more than just a HN submission).
Edit: More downvotes? If I'm missing something please let me know what.
That's a fair question. I'll explain, but first, you should explain this:
Jason,
Sorry about my comment. You are absolutely right. I cannot admit to being wrong in public, however. I'm, in fact, the poster of the original blog post, and it is all made up.
Sincerely,
amirmc
Now you are required to answer this accusation. And everyone attacking KickStarter and assuming guilt should not attack you for making up the post.
I'm sure you understand exactly what I mean, and what I'm saying (and in case someone else misses the point, the above email is not in fact an email).
When I say nothing has been offered up, I mean beyond the blog post (obviously). My issue with this is it places the burden on KickStarter to prove their innocence. And this, I firmly believe, is wrong.
> Your issue isn't really with the post but how folks here seem to be reacting to it.
Exactly. =)
> I get that, but isn't it always going to be the case with David/Goliath-type stories?
Doesn't make it right. I don't believe that the little guy is always in the right. And I'd like to think we strive to rise above this. Tis better to be calm and rational about situations like this then break out the pitchforks and torches.
Yes, some people want to believe everything they read on the internet. That doesn't make it right.
