Creating the impression of public support by paying people in the public to pretend to be supportive.
The false support can take the form of letters to the editor, postings on message boards in response to criticism, and writing to politicians in support of the cause.
Astroturfing is the opposite of "grassroots", genuine public support of an issue.
The false support can take the form of letters to the editor, postings on message boards in response to criticism, and writing to politicians in support of the cause.
Astroturfing is the opposite of "grassroots", genuine public support of an issue.
Mike, admit you just got caught astroturfing. You're just pimping your own blog.
Microsoft didn't have grassroots support, so they created astroturf support.
Microsoft didn't have grassroots support, so they created astroturf support.
by holloway August 17, 2004
Get the astroturf mug.Pretending to be a grassroots movement, when in reality the agenda and strategy are controlled by a hidden, non-grassroots organization. In this manner, a faux show is presented, consisting of robotic individuals pretending to be voicing their own opinions.
Moms Demand Action is astroturfing for Bloomberg and all of their followers are clueless housewives with too much wine.
by That-Guy-You-Know May 2, 2014
Get the Astroturf mug.Related Words
v. The technique of using boiler plate text to advance a political agenda. "Astroturfing" is typically done by sending the same letter to every newspaper one can find. A certain number of newspapers will be duped into thinking that the letter is original and heartfelt when it is neither.
Many newspapers were astroturfed with the pro-Bush letters posted at the pResident's web site. Many newspapers were convinced that a number of soldiers worship Bush as the Messiah incarnate.
by fugitive October 9, 2004
Get the astroturf mug.by Urbane Gorilla June 20, 2005
Get the Astroturf mug.by Rossy boy August 9, 2006
Get the astroturf mug.1. Grass cut into small squares and sold at nurserys. Commonly used to lay grass where no grass exists and growing grass would be difficult.
2. A manufactured grassroots movement in which a small group fakes their numbers to gain attention.
2. A manufactured grassroots movement in which a small group fakes their numbers to gain attention.
"That astroturf will blend in nice"
"In 2003, a group of letters from "soldiers" in Iraq were printed in newspapers across the country, which touted the successes of the war. Every letter was exactly the same, except the "soldiers'" names. This was an attempt to counter grassroots movements with astroturf."
"In 2003, a group of letters from "soldiers" in Iraq were printed in newspapers across the country, which touted the successes of the war. Every letter was exactly the same, except the "soldiers'" names. This was an attempt to counter grassroots movements with astroturf."
by Captain Neatoman October 17, 2004
Get the Astroturf mug.(n.) Plastic grass for those too lazy to do any real gardening.
(n.) false hair, such as a wig or someone on "re-gain for men", or a dumbass hair thickening spray.
(n.) false hair, such as a wig or someone on "re-gain for men", or a dumbass hair thickening spray.
by Kung-Fu Jesus May 1, 2004
Get the astroturf mug.