IdleRich
IdleRich
this is what spendy is doing on dissensus, so you know
I don't doubt it, however, based on his actions, compared to the guys in the book, he seems to be a lot more professional, making sure he doesn't skew the results by skilfully avoiding voicing any opinions or demonstrating enough charisma to have any possibility of affecting the group. Also at times he cleverly gives the impression that - unlike the agents in the book - he views us almost as proper people, with actual worthwhile feelings and thoughts, though of course he is careful never to develop - much less exhibit - any actual feelings of affection towards any members of the test group.
I guess that, as is to be expected, the field of sinister and patronizing anthropology has advanced over the years somewhat.
And let me say, if observing me in my natural habitat without my knowledge can help sociologists gain a deeper understanding of a much maligned and feared demographic - ie that small group of internet geeks who are stupid enough to still care enough about stuff like books and music to consume them and discuss them - and help them integrate into normal society and maybe one day even make some kind of useful contribution, then I am quite happy to be exploited in that way.