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.