Daily Kos Stuff

If you’ve read enough science fiction, you’ve no doubt read about a warlike alien race or two that nearly decimates humanity at first contact, only to be pushed back at the last stand and subsequently defeated by those ingenious monkeys (read: humans). Well, I think in this case, we’re the humans and Kossacks are the alien race bent on assimilating the known universe.

It’s worth appreciating that our little foray into the Kos’ psyche probably doesn’t even warrant a footnote in their virtual war annals. Truth of the matter is we’re just the latest in a long series of rational and not so rational interlocutors who’ve taken an interest in poking this very peculiar animal with a stick. What history I know of involves Kos’ evil twin RedState, the equally silly Pirate Armada lead by our very own Bluto, and finally a refreshingly rational dissection, the likes of which I’m sure has been done ad nauseum.

So, really, we’re not making news here. That said, I find the only worthwhile exercise left is that of not underestimating Marcos. Why would he allow his minions to behave so badly? He’s certainly not powerless, and I doubt very much he suffers the same complex that blinds his little army of Napoleons to their true motivations for occupying their days finding ways to spending their TR stipend.

My answer: Marcos knows he’s just not that interesting. If he were, well, he wouldn’t need an anthill attacking every strange and curious visitor who dares test the waters. What’s worth more to Marcos, a loyal lockstep reader, or a pissed off visitor who, once silenced on Daily Kos, takes their complaints and posts them elsewhere? Clearly the latter. Clearly, we’re doing Marcos a huge favor by dissecting his little fiefdom. We’re spreading his legend. Because Marcos knows better than anyone that he too often fails to generate interest on his own, and although it’s second best, his success owes more than he’ll ever admit to the bad publicity of the likes we’re giving him right now.

That said, you do have to wonder who does Marcos respect more? His loyal followers whom he’s bought by giving them the power to disappear those they disagree with, or those who find his trusted user bribe not only valueless, but insulting? Something tells me Marcos’ TU’s would be devastated to learn what he really thinks about them.

It’s brilliant really. Just as there are dumb people in the real world who will gladly surrender themselves to an institution that tells them they’re special, there are dumb people on the internet ready and willing to wall themselves in the second they find a place that will cater to their delicate and feeble egos. It’s plain to see. They’ll not leave the security of Daily Kos, and to be honest, god help Marcos if they ever did. Because there is such a thing as bad publicity, and you’ll recognize it if Marcos’ army of halfwits ever makes the mistake of venturing outside fortress dKos en masse.