Wikibooks:Sockpuppets

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Sockpuppets are many user accounts created by a single person for different reasons. The main account of the user is called the puppet master. There are a few good uses for sockpuppet accounts, and some Wikibookians have sockpuppet accounts for good reasons.

Good Sockpuppets

Some good uses of sockpuppetry include:

  • Creating a second account to act as a "bot" account.
  • Creating account names that look similar, to prevent dopplegangers.
  • Creating a second account to "escape" from hassles, stress, and harassment.

Bad Sockpuppets

There are some ways of sockpuppets that are not allowed. This is a partial list:

  • Creating another account to go around a user block.
  • Creating multiple puppet accounts to cast additional votes in discussions.
  • Using multiple accounts to be uncivil, disrupt processes, or abusive in any way.

Single Person Accounts

A single person account is an account that is only used for one person. For example a user might create an account to only vote at request for adminship or at Simple talk. Use the template {{spa|username}}. Remember that users have to start somewhere and that the account might not be a single purpose account.

Violations

Sockpuppets that are created or used in bad faith can be blocked forever, and the owner of those accounts can be seen as violating Wikibooks:Assume good faith, which may come with some penalties.