The Byrd Effect - A phenomenon surrounding internet news message boards wherein parties related or known to a perpetrator of a crime or person otherwise at fault in a situation will post rambling long-winded digressions and excuses for the behavior of their friend or relative.
Frequently involve use of poor grammar and punctuation, insults, and attempts at virtual psychoanalysis of other critical posters. Also, may include unsubstantiated allegations of media or
authoritative subterfuge and claims of knowing vital
perspective altering
information, which is inexplicably never shared.