95 Comments
Dec 10, 2021Liked by David Farrier

Thanks for looking into this David, and I hope you're feeling better :)

The thing that gets a wry smile out of me with right-wing bullshit-peddlers, is that they usually have to resort to *tricking* people into believing they're legitimate. This Dreaneen guy and his disinformation site is a great example of how, so often, there's subterfuge about who they really are - the Taxpayer's "Union" also comes to mind. I wish their followers would just pause to think about that for a second. If they have to lie and trick people right from the start, what does that say about them?

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Dec 10, 2021Liked by David Farrier

What is this wizardry. You wanted to write a story about a disinformation website, you wrote a brief pointedly passive-aggressive e-mail to the founder of the said website... and then old mate decided to write your article for you. Love it. That somehow seems like cheating.

Side-note - that argument about MSM NOT COVERING stuff is so frustrating. You can clearly point out how mainstream media does cover things and it just does nothing to the original accuser. Maybe 3 times, before I got sick of it, when I saw a claim like this I would quickly google and then paste in all the MSM sites which cover a certain topic. Each time, the moronic complainant would just be like... "nah". My rage would erupt and I would feel beaten. Just writing about it now annoys me. This was not a side-note. Thanks for another great read, so glad I subscribed.

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Dec 11, 2021Liked by David Farrier

Kia ora koutou, I know that most people reading Webworm don't need the nitty gritty scientific details to sensibly place their trust in the literally tens of thousands of health officials, doctors, scientists, and MPs around the world who are advocating for mRNA-based Covid vaccines, but as a scientist myself, who recently addressed some anti-Covid-vax sentiment in my own family, I feel like sharing the following documents might be helpful for others - if only as some background reading to prime you for similar conversations with your whānau.

Also - to the commenters below lamenting the representation of wāhine in science... boy could I tell you some stories.

I have a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry and a Ph.D in Mech Eng. and currently work as a research scientist in NZ. I do not work with immunology, RNA, or medical research, but as many commenters have pointed out below, anyone with a high-school level understanding of biology should be able to follow this stuff.

In the case of addressing the anti-mRNA vaccine sentiment in my family, I found that my loved ones were scared of the vaccine because they had heard the (common, and stupid) argument that it can 'get into your cell nuclei and alter your DNA'. They also claim that 'we just don't know the long-term effects' because we haven't had it long enough (which is a lol argument given that we DO know the long-term effects of Covid-19 and that has also only been around a very very short while). Among other alt-right media (a story for another day) they had been 'following' a guy called Dr. Robert Malone (somewhere, I presume YouTube) who claims to have invented the mRNA vaccines and is now (in official capacity as medical doctor) saying only vulnerable people should get vaccinated. However, in more 'comfortable' media outlets where he can really let the crazy shine, his claims are far more extreme and dangerous.

A few hours of reading up, mainly this article https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02483-w, made it clear to me that this Dr. Malone has been spreading harmful messages about mRNA vaccines because he feels like he is owed money. Classic. He was one of hundreds of researchers who helped develop them but feels it is his right, and his alone, to claim patent rights (and thus financial benefit) to the mRNA vaccines. Unfortunately for him, any legitimate claims to patent rights are now expired or have been sold off years ago, so he's pissed off he can't make money from it and is thus parading around a bunch of Steve Banner's media outlets spreading bullshit, out of spite so no one else makes money (as far as I read it).

The Nature article linked above is awesome, interesting, very well written, well referenced, and I highly recommend it.

Another useful pamphlet to explain how they work can be found here https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/health/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine.html

Kia pai o koutou rā!

Sarah Fitzpatrick, Ph.D (University of Canterbury, Chch, NZ) now AgResearch Limited, NZ.

(these views are my own (educated) deductions and I do not claim to represent my employer or educational institution in an official capacity)

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Dec 10, 2021Liked by David Farrier

Good timing, I am knee deep in a FB argument with a Texas anti vaxxer on a mutual friend's FB page. The rants & lists of "doctors claims" & videos from non MSM media this guy comes up with make him look a combination of paranoid, patronising and utterly deranged. Genuine Q, has anyone ever used the phrase "virtue signalling" who isn't a monumental asshat?

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Dec 10, 2021Liked by David Farrier

Do you know what's been extremely funny to me this whole year is that anyone who remembers a bit of high school or college biology knows that mRNA exists in *every cell* in your body. Your cells cannot replicate without it. These people are just too ignorant to figure that out. Hopefully there's a reader here who can expand on the purpose of mRNA, because I really do only recall a bit from high school.

Next little thing that amused me: Mr. pontyboy on Twitter says how dangerous big tech is. Sir, you have posted this on your public Twitter account. That's just a good little laugh.

I also love how these dudes see that they are clearly being looked into by an *investigative journalist* but they don't even bother to Google you! Or they'd know that most of this stuff ends up here these days and not in, I dunno, AP wires! And they would see the considerable hell you've rained down on other scammers (that's meant as a compliment). I just think that's funny. They're so reactionary.

And just to be fair: It isn't *only* men who threaten you with litigation. We can't forget about about Anna Whatsherface (or maybe we can, because I don't even recall her last name.)

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Dec 10, 2021Liked by David Farrier

Once again, another Webworm that coincidentally aligns with my recent thoughts. Stop hitting my zeitgeist so damn accurately David, it's getting creepy.

Basically, I've been thinking a lot about disinformation/misinformation and the spreading of it.

For example, I used to be a big fan of The Joe Rogan Experience. Joe has always been a big meathead with questionable views, but they were largely innocuous (moon landing was faked etc). But he went through a shift a few years back where he became more inquisitive and curious. His show became big enough to get a lot of interesting guests, and Joe was a deceptively good interviewer. His idiocy made him a good avatar for the audience, getting very smart people to dumb stuff down enough for the layman.

But then covid hit and he's gone off the fucking rails. His lack of critical thinking skills are on full display and he's allowed a raft of right wing grifters to come on his site and poison his brain with bullshit.

He's become a cliche of a Fox News watching, meme sharing, Facebook boomer conspiracy theorist. It's been kind of nuts to watch happen in real time. I've stopped watching his show completely, but I watch clips online in fascination as the car crash keeps unfolding.

Recently I saw a clip of him talking about Seattle. "It's a war zone! It's like a third world country! They literally have masked antifa thugs guarding the streets and asking you for your papers! It's crazy!" All of which is obviously not true.

There were people in the comments actually from Seattle, all of whom were saying that Joe is out of his fucking gourd and lying his tits off. Now, I don't think Joe was "lying" as such, because he probably believes what he's saying, but the fact is, he's spreading absolute bullshit to his audience of millions.

And it just... Happens. He says something absolutely untrue to millions of people... And that's it.

And I find that very odd. Surely they're should be some sort of consequence to that... Right? Just spreading absolute drivel to an eager audience of millions. Surely that shouldn't just happen.

I have no idea what an appropriate consequence should be, but it's something we need to work out. Because of course Joe is a very prominent example but we are all aware what a gargantuan problem this is. The Daily Telegraph being another perfect example.

We need to work out a way to actually deal with all the bullshit invading our lives.

The more I think about it, the more I realise it may be the most pressing issue of our times. Yes, even bigger than climate change or covid, because the disinformation issue affects EVERYTHING.

So... If you could come up with a solution for us, that'd be awesome.

Thanks David.

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Dec 10, 2021Liked by David Farrier

"A simple Google search". One of the things that never ceases to bemuse me about all these people who are down their various rabbit holes, is why, apparently spending most of the day on the Internet, they never do a simple Google search for themselves. Now Google can lead you down a few rabbit holes, too, which is why I prefer to cross reference with Wikipedia, but I just cannot understand why these people don't come up for air occasionally and look at other sources of information.

May I may a plea, at this point, for people to donate to Wikipedia. I give them $20 a year and they do need some funds to keep operating.

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Great morning read thanks David. These sites just prey on sad, worried powerless people. It’s the worst side of the internet in my opinion. But luckily, the good side is held up with great writing and investigation from you. Keep up the great work. Really enjoying the subscription.

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Dec 10, 2021Liked by David Farrier

The AI artwork is spot on. Thanks for uncovering this extraordinarily deceptively named site and exposing it for what it is. Your boss should be happy!

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Dec 10, 2021Liked by David Farrier

This is a bit tangential, but my OH managed to convince a neighbour that it might be an idea to get jabbed yesterday by a respectful conversation. He's pretty agile in a debate, so he did well.

Old guy: yeah, well, I'll wait until it's a bit closer

Second old guy: isn't Green Lake Hut close enough to be concerned? The truth is, you might pass anyone's in the street who's infectious, no matter where you are.

Old guy: so you've been jabbed, what side effects did you have?

Second old guy: week, my arm was sore for a few days, just like with any other vaccine.

Iong pause.....

Old guy: you, well, I might just go and get that done, then.

Probably low hanging misinformed fruit on the anti vax scale, but still, worth it.

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Dec 10, 2021Liked by David Farrier

Thank you for outing yet another textbook example of a white, male, hysterical “snowflake” - the only thing that term would apply to more is a literal snowflake. WTAF this cockwomble really should have googled you before writing this hit piece on himself for you 🤦‍♀️

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Thank you! I loved this! Yea let's push back. I am 'friends' with a fairly well known musician and he just this morning sent me a hideous rant about the PM on FB messenger. I responded with an expose piece about the racist RW arsehole and told him to check his fear metre and apply his brain. For every utter mad load of conspiracy theory crap he sends, I now have access to good logical responses, thanks to you and people like you. X but this stuff still breaks my heart on a daily basis.

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Dec 11, 2021Liked by David Farrier

Great read, and happy you're back to feeling yourself. How lovely to see a Coyote in the early hours.

Malcolm triggered my sleaze radar, especially with his last note "I spent 13 years as a litigator and miss the ‘argey argey’ of the bar from time to time", that must have had you quaking, lol. I'm so curious by his family dynamic, he certainly gives the impression of a typical child of parents that had to work hard to get where they are and had enough success to raise a spoiled prat that takes too much for granted. His parents are vaccinated yet he decided it wasn't for him. His Dad, too rightly, didn't want the family name to be associated with Malcolm's drivel and I just can't help wondering what his father thinks of all this now? Malcolm seems thrilled he is getting enough attention that he can flex his argey muscles but I can't imagine his father is impressed? I agree with RachelB, gross that these types use the guise of legitimate media to reel in readers, but shame on those that stay and feel the desire to donate.

Thanks for the read.

I was so excited to book tickets to fly into LA for work, arriving on New Years Eve, but realise I arrive a few hours too late and will miss your show at The Wiltern with Dax and Monica. Sure it will be an awesome one :)

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Dec 10, 2021Liked by David Farrier

Glad to hear you’re feeling better, David. I’m reading this in bed (Saturday morning here) with one cat sitting on my pillow and the other directly on my chest glaring at me to put the phone down and get them breakfast. I should probably go and do that, but just wanted to say thanks for the read!

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Dec 10, 2021Liked by David Farrier

Great read over my morning coffee, thanks David. Sites like these make me yearn for the sudden demise of the internet. But then....saved by the AI art tool! (Hope you are feeling better).

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Dec 10, 2021Liked by David Farrier

Main stream media most definitely covering Ghislaine Maxwell. Front page of NY Times most days right now. These idiots are very wearying.

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