Infiltration

[Tracii G]

Do any of you feel that there are some members coming in that just seem to be here to gather information?
Almost like they are writing a thesis or a news article.
Some seem to want to draw out the kinky side or the more sexual aspects some have.
They want to discuss the bathroom bills and always say they are playing the devil's advocate just for the sake of the conversation.
Some say they have CD'd in the past but have no concept of the terminology like most of us that do dress.
Call me inquisitive or being on my guard but there seems to be some fishy things going on here.
What is their intent?
To discredit us? Too make us look foolish and unstable? To gather info for what purpose?
I don't trust people that come in here and right off the bat start asking questions that sound more like "hey I work for CNN and I want info".

[Kate Simmons]

Maybe so Tracii but bring 'em on. I'm happy to be myself whether they consider me good, bad or indifferent. As you say their own terminology will give them away. Even so, I'm all for education and maybe they will learn a thing or two in the process. :battingeyelashes::)

[Lauri K]

I encourage participation and want new members to feel welcome, but given the anti everything climate of things at the moment I feel like there is some fishing / trolling going on here and potentially there a some here who do not have our best interests at heart...........

So don't feed the fish and watch for baited hooks is my first thoughts here.

When I see that members here are not trying to come to unified voice on an issue, and the issue being discussed is one that affects everyone here my radar goes on high alert ........

Remember the infighting within the community is what the oppositions wants, they want to turn us all against each other and break us up

Don't be a victim of the sea, and beware of all life guards that look like sharks

[Sarah Doepner]

I wouldn't be surprised. I know in the past there have been trolls who have posted comments and questions that initially were treated as if they were legit but before long they were identified as agent provocateurs. If someone is a working journalist it could easily harm their credibility should they pose as something they aren't in order to get an outrageous response. They know the best approach is an honest one. However, someone like the fake journalists who did the Planned Parenthood videos will stoop to the lowest level to get what they want and then twist it to better serve their purpose.

We just need to be honest, cautious, but honest.

[Alexa CD]

Interesting thread, I quite like the topic here Tracii.

First of all, because I am new and active here I'll declare that no I do not work for any media outlet, NGO or government. Nor am I anti or not who I essentially say I am.

I personally think openness and transparency is a good thing when it comes to issues or things people do not understand. Questions should be asked and answered, if they are not there is risk of alienation, misinformation or even misrepresentation. That is why more people should become involved and contribute, as it will better represent the community. I haven't seen what you're describing but I have seen plenty of curiosities, arguments and debates. I think that is healthy and can be expected with a topic full of such diverse people and opinions.

Some people are clearly more kinky or sexual than others is what I would gather from that particular aspect you mention personally.

Those playing devils advocate are likely genuinely interested in hearing what has to be said, people want to hear others opinions and may present opposing opinions. Take that opportunity to create a strong argument, teaching is a great way to learn. You have to also remember all the people that are looking on and reading. Information, opinions and healthy debates and discussions are a good thing. Wanting to silence and or censor speech is not a good thing.

If they don't understand or know of the terminology to me that is not a big deal. For many it may be completely new, if they are interested teach them. Keep using the terminology.

[Nigella]

Considering that this, the TS and F2M forums are public, I doubt that there are many who join just to troll. There is enough contention between the members and publicly voiced that they only have to read.

[LilSissyStevie]

Drat! I will now have to report back to my Illuminati masters that they are on to us. This will need to be discussed at the next Bilderberg conference.

[Tracii G]

Nigella you and some others might think that and some here seem to live in a dream world and could be very easily used with out them knowing the true intent of the "other" person.
My radar stays on 24/7 and I guess I see things in a very different way than you do. Most people in the media and government do not like us at all and don't want to try and understand and would very much love to do damage to the movement.

[Alexa CD]

Honestly Tracii Nigella was right in a way, contributors here regularly get into arguments so there is near no need in creating them. I do agree with you that people should be cautious and keep their eyes open though. In terms of government and media, I personally haven't seen much opposition at all anywhere in the West.

I understood the part Suit said that many people will be using the forum as a sounding board to see what others are doing, feeling and thinking. Some sense was made.. Also instead of ruler, scale of kink would have made more sense.

[rachael.davis]

Hi Tracii
I suspect it's more a case of seriously conflicted / closeted individuals getting their jollies posting here. If a news source really wants a "bad example" all that's really necessary is to send a news crew with a camera to a demonstration, club, or "gay" district, and wait for the crazies to swarm - news cameras have a reputation for being (vulgarity) magnets.
That said - yes my guard relaxes very carefully, and rerely

[Lauri K]

Tracii,

CNN probably called it a day after they saw a few threads that went something like this.

"I think I will underdress today, made up my mind I am going to be wearing red lace panties under my jeans with my favorite bra, I hope no one can see them, but just in case I wore 4 men's shirts, but before I stepped out of the house I decided to put on men's underwear over my panties too. Still I worry if someone can see what I am wearing underneath, gee, I hope no one thinks I am gay."

[rachael.davis]

and then, after I was out of the house I remembered it was the day for my mandatory physical at work

[Lorileah]

I think we tend to catch those fairly quickly usually. Now when you say you dres...is that all day, once a week, once a year...

:)

I do see that some come on here with ulterior ideas and I think Nigella will agree we have noted and in most cases shut them down

[donnalee]

In defense of Traci "Sometimes paranoids are right - there IS someone following them."

[Tracii G]

Donnalee I am in no way paranoid just cautious who I deal with when conversing with them online.
I Have in the past been contacted by publications if I wanted to be interviewed about CDing.
One was a seedy publication out of the UK that had a habit of degrading gays and lesbians.
I'm not a conspiracy type or living in fear or anything like that I just know people can be very devious in their intent.

[reb.femme]

In defense of Traci "Sometimes paranoids are right - there IS someone following them."

On the money with that one :heehee:.

To be completely honest, I've seen a few a posts that seem unreal to me. I can't quite put my finger on it, but if I'm suspicious of intent, I just don't give a comment.


Becky

[Anne K]

Wow, Tracii, I have been thinking that for a longtime! I didn't want to stir up a hornets' nest or cast accusations, so I have never said anything. There have been a couple "new" members who have systematically made new postings that seemed to me to be used to gather information for a thesis, then they just disappear. I suppose there is no way to police that and in the long run does it really matter? If it helps to educate the public and helps members who may be working out issues, then I'm not worried about it. On the other hand, there have been a couple postings that seem to be crafted by a committee of mischievous people. I'm not sure that stuff helps anybody. Thanks for bring this up!

[Tina_gm]

It always happens on forums. I was a mod at a political forum. they might get away with a couple dozen posts if they are lucky. I have sometimes questioned those on here who say they are GG, and gush all over us and say we are as good or better than GG's. We are all so great.... I am not saying it would never happen that a GG would have this opinion, but I do think there have been a few who were faking their GG status. And yes, definitely there are some on here who may just be peepers, or perhaps the info gatherers. I don't think they are news types though. They can get all the info they need outside of a forum like this.

[Crissy Kay]

If there are anti's, or trolls here, it would be interesting to know if they are doing it on their own, or working for an organization. I should think it would be not worth the effort for pretty much no returns that I can see.

[Tracii G]

Yes Becky we do have the option not to respond.
If I responded to every weird ass post here how I actually felt I would have been long gone because some are really "out there" so I keep my mouth shut.
Oh and you can be sure there are anti trans and or gay people here in larger numbers than you may think.

[Sarah Louise]

Well I must be naive and too accepting as I've not thought this about any post. Maybe, I'm just too trusting.

In saying this, I do remember a new member starting a post about six months ago in which she soon got accused of being a troll. That member is now a very active member of the forum having posted over 500 times including regularly posting photos.

I suppose what I'm saying is don't be too quick to judge and give people the benefit of the doubt.

[Alice Torn]

Nothing surprises me, and it is not impossible that such happens. Privacy is going the way of the DODO Bird.

[Samantha_Smile]

I remember the days, years ago, when I was writing an article on CDing for a major UK publication.
I'd ask questions and people would respond because the internet gives anonymity, I guess.
Much simpler days.

Then I went native. I started using the information I got to transform myself into the woman I had longed to be.

:p :p :p

Just playing.
But on a serious note, if you put it in black and white online, it's usually a 'forever' kinda deal.
So be careful what you write.
Most of us here have pure intentions, and I know what you mean about things smelling a bit fishy.
But that's more often than not, when a user posts a constant stream of make believe stories ("nearly getting caught by the UPS guy", "went to the mall en femme - Yay!" - no pics... you know the type)

As for users with nefarious intentions and sharing your info, just use common sense if you don't want to be caught out...
Don't post identifiable info. Don't post pics of you as a guy. Simple.

[donnalee]

Donnalee I am in no way paranoid just cautious who I deal with when conversing with them online.
I Have in the past been contacted by publications if I wanted to be interviewed about CDing.
One was a seedy publication out of the UK that had a habit of degrading gays and lesbians.
I'm not a conspiracy type or living in fear or anything like that I just know people can be very devious in their intent.Sorry Tracii; this was meant to be somewhat tongue in cheek. I did not mean it in an accusatory way.
I am well aware that things, particularly on the web, are not always what they try to appear to be and deal with them accordingly.

[Tracii G]

I didn't take what you said in a bad way donnalee so its all good.
I figured I couldn't be the only one to notice this.
It seems to happen periodically and I'm glad the mods notice it too and act on it.

[docrobbysherry]

Sorry to crush your fantasies, Tracii. There's a reason why a number of media folks have, and continue to want, to interview me and photograph Sherry. And, why they don't most everyone else here.

You all r simply boring, everyday, CD's and TS's. While I'm a truly, unique, weirdo!:tongueout

Nigella pegged it. There's nothing going on here that's all that interesting to vanillas. If trolls want something to really grab regular folks, they'll have to make it up. Pretty much like they have with the restroom thing!:doh:

[reinasblack]

MI6 want to use the information here to black mail some political adversaries.
you think it will work?
are the adversarys deep in the closet?
does there religious and intolerant wife know?
intolerant churches out members who don't conform to social norms
.

these are just some of the questions.
is their a CD,TG agenda?

you know you can see peoples profiles from searches!

[Krystenw]

It wasn't long after I first signed on, that I started getting things from what was purported to be a young boy wanting information.
I told him he need to go and talk to his parents.
If you think your location is a secret, think again.
As soon as you sign on they have your IP address and know exactly where you are.
I'm sure there are people out there just waiting to find some scum bag trying do something they shouldn't.

[Judy-Somthing]

I think it would be nice to know how many guys actually cross-dress. since so many of us are in the closet the so called researchers have a had a hard time getting accrete info.

When I was about 16-17 I cross-dressed with three other friends, We grew apart over the years I can say I have no idea if they still Do It.

Well for you researchers I can't wait to put on my four new dresses!

[Tracii G]

Not that they would get accurate info anyway and it would be just here say in the end.
They would just be taking a shot in the dark if they were doing an article of some sort.

[marlacd]

Alright, I'm convinced- the next Black Helicopter that I hear flying over my house, I'm going outside and flash'em!:tongueout

[Tracii G]

See thats what I am saying you ask a question or try to convey something you notice and somebody wants to infer anyone that asks questions is some kind of conspiracy whacko.
Other people notice it and even the mods say it does happen yet here come the people with black helicopter wise cracks.

[Robin414]

I don't doubt there are a few of 'The Young Turks' staffers online here but they're our advocates so welcome, and drop me a PM, LOVE your youtube channel!!

As for genuine 'trolls' (I think that's the term), maybe, but having been here a while now I tend to put a lot of faith (ok, maybe 'faith' isn't the right word by definition given I have reproducible evidence) in the moderators to weed them out pretty quickly.

I genuinely feel 'safe' here, sure I'm still a little naive but I feel the moderators are a pretty darn good 'police force' for the enchanted forest!

That said I've honestly have never really experienced much negativity or been in a fight en femme yet so my pink fog glasses probably distort reality a little... mind you who would even try knocking the lipstick (chip) off my shoulder in public 😅

"Dude, I heard you were in the hospital, what happened?"

"I got hit by a...Ummm....bus, ya that's it now let it go...OK!? 😒

[marlacd]

All humor aside. I have to ask this question. What could they possibly gain by being here? Some insight to what and how we think, is my short answer. Suppose those asking questions, are just trying to understand why we do this. Perhaps they have a friend or loved one that is dressing. They want to know more. Or they feel the draw, themselves. How are people going to discover anything, if they don't ask?

I'll take any question on if they ask me. If I can give a satisfactory answer to them, great. If not, then I'll say I can't. There is a good chance that the public in general may accept us, and not care how we present ourselves. If that would happen, I'm all for it.

[Tabitha_Sinn]

Tracii, I have asked a few questions, only because I know we are all different individuals. I only know *my* experience, and want to know about others. I am not a journalist, but even if I were, what exactly are you afraid of?

Edit: But if you want me to walk around on eggshells, can I at least wear 6" heels? :-)

[Vickie_CDTV]

If one wants some juicy trans-incriminating material to use in a news story there are far better sites one can easily find and go to get it. Even at the most out there, this place is pretty G rated compared to plenty of other sites... seriously...

[heatherdress]

It is funny, Tracii, the questions that some of us will respond to. We should have more discretion before we invest time answering involved surveys that appear questionable or pointless.

[Jacqueline85]

Im with marlacd 100%. If someone is doing research and using us as a smple, being ourselves will only lead to the good of the community. If, on the other hand, they are looking to portray us in a bad light, well, the media has never needed facts to do that. They can make up bad stories without going through the trouble of going fishing.

[Tracii G]

Look I'm not asking anyone to walk on eggshells around here so lets get that straight.
I am not afraid of anything I say on here because I have no reason to be. I am "out" so its not like my friends don't know about me LOL.
Its just a feeling I had and I listen to my feelings and intuition. They have steered me in the right direction and saved my ass many times.
Maybe not many of you can feel your intuition I don't know. All I know is mine sure is strong at times.

[pamela7]

back to your OP, I feel "sometimes, but rarely", and i feel they stand out cos there's "something wrong" with the words / energy / request for info without personally divulging.

No need for worrying about conspiracies, heck perhaps the trans support laws are there to have us come out so they know who we are ;-)

[Sarah Doepner]

. . . .

You all r simply boring, everyday, CD's and TS's. While I'm a truly, unique, weirdo!:tongueout

Nigella pegged it. There's nothing going on here that's all that interesting to vanillas. If trolls want something to really grab regular folks, they'll have to make it up. Pretty much like they have with the restroom thing!:doh:

If they are out there attempting to use this forum as a source of their research, I would hope that this is the overall message they get. We are boring, normal, run of the mill, regular bill-paying, taxpaying citizens only wanting to be happy and not trouble our families, friends or society. Sherry can be the one in the spotlight and I thank her for that "sacrifice" on her part. The rest of us can stay in the background, just like we've been for the last millennia or three.

[mechamoose]

I don't think anyone wants to troll us folks for information. There are many easier targets

[Heidi Stevens]

If you are a reporter or educator and want a personal point of view, drop me a PM. If I feel safe, I'll tell you what you want to know, and probably stuff that will bore the hell out of you! If you're here to troll, sorry nicht Englisch sprechen!

[josrphine]

Hi Tracii, Trust people an the goverment. just ask the indian's. We are now in the spotlight, the news people that are coming on our site for a GOT YOU moment are in it for the glory, of saying they are this, an that. I am saying if you can stand the heat get out of the kitchen. Jo

[IamWren]

Do any of you feel that there are some members coming in that just seem to be here to gather information? Almost like they are writing a thesis or a news article.
Some seem to want to draw out the kinky side or the more sexual aspects some have.

I on occasion have been known to wear a tin foil hat (a pink one but foil hat nonetheless) and feed my inner conspiracy theorist. And I have DEFINITELY felt there are some members who join this site just for the sake of gathering information. I've seen thread starts that seem to entice the sexual-gratification /fetish dressers to respond.

I think it's completely plausible that there are people who temporarily join only to gather information and examples of sexual deviance.


If someone is doing research and using us as a smple, being ourselves will only lead to the good of the community. If, on the other hand, they are looking to portray us in a bad light, well, the media has never needed facts to do that. They can make up bad stories without going through the trouble of going fishing.
I couldn't disagree more. Like I said above, there have been thread starts that seem to have the sole purpose of enticing... almost begging, the fetish dressers to chime in. A large majority of the general public doesn't like us. So to be able to point to conversations from the publicly-visible side of this forum and say, "See! See the sexual deviance of theeeese.... these CROSSdressers?!?"

[Zooey]

I couldn't disagree more. Like I said above, there have been thread starts that seem to have the sole purpose of enticing... almost begging, the fetish dressers to chime in. A large majority of the general public doesn't like us. So to be able to point to conversations from the publicly-visible side of this forum and say, "See! See the sexual deviance of theeeese.... these CROSSdressers?!?"

I don't think any external help from infiltrators is necessary to give that opinion. I also think that focusing on "sexual deviance" in that regard is only part of the issue. I think that the version of womanhood/femininity that is so often described, promoted, desired, and illustrated by people here is equally problematic for community acceptance, especially from cis women. Perhaps even moreso than the "deviance" in the long-term, as that aspect is not limited to the fetish-oriented folks.

[LelaK]

Wouldn't it be funny if 99% of the members were fakes? But, if so, and if they plan to spring the trap on me or us, we can say hey, I was just faking this stuff too. But I think I'd rather be honest and admit that I truly am a girl in my heart and mind.

[Tracii G]

I love how you guys love to make fun of what could get very serious for all of us.
Then again there are always those that think Oh that can't happen.

[LilSissyStevie]

I've seen thread starts that seem to entice the sexual-gratification /fetish dressers to respond.

You mean like this one:

http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?240096-Sissy-moniker

LOL!

[NicoleScott]

Yup. That's what thread starters do - entice responses from those who have an interest in the topic, whatever it may be. Dressing for arousal is a legitimate topic - forum rules require keeping it clean.

[Judy-Somthing]

Back wen I joined six months ago I tied to come out to my wife and and thinks didn't go well, Some thought my events didn't add up, a forum member suggested I may be a troll.

I think that when people join here after dressing in secret for 10, 20, 30, years and then think they can relate to other CDers.

So far I've found that there's such a broad spectrum of CDers. and what drives them.

We're all different, I love it!

[marlacd]

I love how you guys love to make fun of what could get very serious for all of us.
Then again there are always those that think Oh that can't happen.

I hardly think that we're enemies of the state. But, weirder things have happened, so I won't drop my guard anytime soon. As far as my intuition, yes, I pay full attention to it, based on how many times I stepped on the brake waaay before I ever saw the cop sitting along the side of the road. (Amongst other close calls I've had. Thank you little small voice)

[Tracii G]

If one of them contacts me I will be asking the questions first.

[Teresa]

Tracii,
I do feel sometimes people have joined with a real gripe and just want to dish out venomous comments to wind people up, after a while they appear to move on , not unless mods pick up on it and expel them.
You may get some come here for curiosity sake maybe they do collect information, I try and guard myself by not saying too much on the open section but sometimes you get drawn into it, or maybe that's what you're talking about.

[Tracii G]

Teresa I too will watch what I say in response to them but I see so many just spill their guts without even thinking twice.
Some try to start trouble but are usually dealt with by the mods quickly.
Some people jump right is and sling venomous comments right back too.
What I'm saying is my radar picks up on odd anomalies in speech patterns so I'm just a cautious type I guess.

[Tina_gm]

Tracii, the ones that immediately spill all kinds of stuff are the ones who I wonder about. In some cases though, those are just people trying to fit in I think. At our jobs I am sure at some point we have seen someone new who started a full length discussion about all kinds of issues in their life. And I think to myself wtf? They are spilling stuff to people they do not really know and just met and only so because of work that I am still leery of spilling even to people I know quite well.

As a former mod of a political forum, I remember checking out the addresses, and found matches to previously banned members. Sometimes ones who would pretend to be an entirely different person. But, something would smell funny and a quick check and ta-da. That isn't always fool proof though, but it does catch some.

Some people probably are not so much fraudulent as they are just living in the internet dreamworld. The one where the guys (except here) all are well over 6ft tall. muscular, can and have totally kicked ass... have great jobs. traveled the world, and somehow manage to find a way to at least imply that they are far bigger than average in the genital department. Some on here I am just going to assume have stretched the wonderful life of their being transgender just a teeny tiny eeincy wincy bit.... Or maybe not so eiincy wincy. It tis the internet..... And yes plenty who just like to join a site and troll.

[abby054]

... If someone is a working journalist it could easily harm their credibility should they pose as something they aren't in order to get an outrageous response. They know the best approach is an honest one...

We just need to be honest, cautious, but honest.

You are right...we must be honest and cautious. Is there really such a thing as an honest journalist? More scarce than Sasquatch where I live. All of the journalists that I have met would sell out their own grandmother for print space half the size of an average want ad. As you can tell from my tone, I speak from experience. Be careful out there.

[Tracii G]

A lot of news I would call "yellow journalism".
I see it all the time with misleading headlines or a catchy headline then the body of the story is something totally different.
Its not above some news outlets to make up the news to fit the narrative or leave out the truth or facts entirely and report a persons opinion.

[Nikkilovesdresses]

Seems rather a paranoic view to me Tracii. Gathering information is what humans do, or at least those with any intelligence, and given that many here are to one degree or another stumbling in the dark, it's even less surprising that there are constant requests for advice and comparative viewpoints.

Surely that's the whole purpose of the forum?

[Stephanie47]

I'm sure there are researchers, lurkers, giggly girls and others who get their ten posts and enter the "World of the Cross-dressers!" It would not surprise me to find out there are non-accepting women who are also members of that site that hates men who wear clothes and come here to try to find their husbands.

I really hope there may be some researcher from Vanity Fair perusing these pages, specifically "What color panties are you wearing right now,? because I wish VF would bring back a vivid red panty in my style. If someone is really paranoid about IP addresses being tracked, then don't buy on eBay.

If someone wants to throw a big rock in the middle of the pond and see how the boats respond to the wave, then bring it on. I like a good debate. Just because we like to wear women's clothing does not mean there has to be a uniformity of thought.

The only thing that really is of concern to me is telling someone to tell his wife or friends he dresses or go out, etc without being around for the unintended consequences. Sometimes I really wonder if they are trolls trying to destroy someone.

[sometimes_miss]

Everything that's mentioned here in general is old news. What I do look out for, is people fishing for personal information. When they want to know my age, my job, where I live, what I look like, etc., that's where I draw the line. No one needs to know any of that to discuss crossdressing.

[flatlander_48]

Drat! I will now have to report back to my Illuminati masters that they are on to us. This will need to be discussed at the next Bilderberg conference.

Just be sure to discuss it sub rosa...

DeeAnn