Learn The Meaning of Astroturfing
Fake Grass-Roots Initiatives
The term "astroturfing" was invented by Senator Lloyd Bentsen to describe artifical grass-roots organizing. Basically, large companies, political parties, foreign governments, and other players try to create a movement by using what appears to be a spontaneous organization of concerned citizens. The new record for Astroturfing goes to China, who uses over 200,000 people to create positive press and make comments on blogs in favor of Chinese policies. Reportedly, their pay rate for each positive posting comes out to 50 cents, which leads them to be called "fifty centers" and other similar names.
Anonymous positive reviews on blogs, or sponsored blog postings, are another form of Astroturfing. Whether they are used to generate buzz or to manage online reputation, these blogs can have a net positive effect for the user, especially when they are seen by a lot of people. Social media campaigns on Twitter and Facebook may also be examples of astro-turfing if they involve the appearance of user-generated posts that are actually paid for by a larger organization.
Notes and Special Information
Special note: This site does not represent any kind of artificial turf. Astroturfing is prohibited by the Public Relations Society of America.