Crowdsource

For politicians who lack an enthusiastic support base, the practice of hiring fake crowds is a powerful tool to create grassroots “buzz” for promoting a political message. It can generate media coverage and potentially broaden a candidate’s support base. But the benefits of creating buzz through fake crowds extend beyond the political realm. Best-selling author, filmmaker and radio show contributor Davy Rothbart signed up for a gig as a fake “selfie guy” with LA-based “crowds-for-hire” company Crowds on Demand to find out firsthand about this questionable line of business. getAbstract recommends Rothbart’s eye-opening observations to public relations and media professionals.