Nick Schultz’s computer hates the Oregon Commentator
On this website, we are usually very accepting. During this past winter, we allowed members of the Pacifica Forum to post their thoughts as they pleased. Although this website is privately run, and therefore not subject to laws regarding the First Amendment, we allow private visitors of this blog to say what they please.
Having said that, this blog has a moderation function which allows the Oregon Commentator to identify people by IP address. On that note, a comment was posted (see above picture) by “Demic Tipitino” on April 10th that read:
“Reality Check (RC) = Republican Coalition (RC)
Fuck all you conservatives!”
Although comment-ers often deal in anonymity, we find posing through the identities of others is disingenuous, and therefore not allowed on this blog. There was no doubt that the comment was not from Tipitino, so it was removed.
Later that night, “Demic Tipitino” posted again, this time from another IP address. It read:
“Censoring blog posts now? I’m glad to see the Commentator is upholding its commitment to freedom of speech.”
If you click on the images provided here, you will find that there is a commonality between the photos. The IP address is shared by Sen. Nick Schultz’s posts.
Due to the nature of static/dynamic IP addresses and ISPs in general, it is entirely possible that the IP addresses were assigned at different times to Schultz’s computer(s) multiple times, and also to the individual posting as “Demic Tipitino”.
There is no way to definitely prove that Schultz is posting as Demic Tipitino. When the Commentator contacted Schultz about it, he denied doing so. Additionally, we would like to point out that in all of our interactions with Nick, he has been more than friendly. Additionally, all of Schultz’s previous comments has been more than constructive, and this pattern does not seem to be his style.
Having said that there is no doubt that someone from the ASUO or its related social network is using this website for tomfoolery. It is not the first time, and it will not be the last time. However, we do believe that hiding behind an anonymous handle on the Internet to make ad hominem jabs at people is a sign of true cowardice.
When the angry ASUO children would like to join the adult table, please let us know. Until then, you will remain with your siblings at the Playskool table.
We, meanwhile, will be at the bar.
Regarding Evan’s April 12 statement on the posts, Comcast addresses can vary across town, 71.236.x.x. being one example.
Tracking down a location based on ip address can generally work, but it won’t be very accurate. There are mapping tools that will indicate the general location though.
Oop. You’re right. Qwest is only 71.220-230.
BTW, both of those IPs are from Comcast.
You guys forgot about network address translation (NAT). It is entirely possible for more than one computer to share a single externally visible IP address while occupying “private” internal addresses. This is usually employed by any of the “consumer”-level routers from Linksys, D-Link, etc. and you’ll find it employed at most places offering Wi-Fi.
If Nick and “Demic” were using the internet at the same Starbucks or something, it’s entirely possible they’d show up from the same IP.
Random capitalization is My favorite Thing to read on Internet blogs.
“However, we do believe that hiding behind an anonymous handle on the Internet to make ad hominem jabs at people is a sign of true cowardice.”
I’m sure there are some Students who will be very Concerned that you made this statement.
I won’t make a claim either way. But, what’s known is that these posts were likely made from 2 different home computers. UO uses a dynamic IP in the 128.223.x.x range. Eugene qwest uses the 71.190-230 range. And Eugene comcast uses 20.24.x.x.
So it’s likely two different people based on the two differen’t ISP’s.
When Sudsy is done sorting all this out I want trade him a 12 pack of Pabst to investigate out who is impersonating me at Facebook (or just destroy them). Actually, I will make it a 24 pack.
BRAAAAAAAIIIIINNNNSSS
hum. pretty big coincidence.
I’m everywhere!
Andrew,
Actually I will address that. I noticed that “my” IP address was tied to the posting of “Common Sense.” I am really sorry that such comments were made about you, but the fact is that I did not make those postings. To be frank, there is no way to prove or disprove that I did anything. But I give you my word that I would make no such comment. That is just despicable and cowardly.
Sincerely,
Nick Schultz
Does the Commentator have any interest in disclosing the IP address in the anonymous posts insulting me in the same thread?
Dear OC,
Thank you for what I would consider to be a very fair and impartial account of this situation. I only have one thing to say regarding a posting under the name “Demic Tipitino” originating from “my” IP address:
I do not have an explanation for why such a posting was traced to “my” IP address. All I can say is that I did not make such a comment under Demic’s name, and I do not know who could have done so. At the time of the posting, I was working the HOPES Conference at on campus. I spent the rest of the day out shopping with my girlfriend. My laptop was left unattended at my apartment. Again I think it childish and cowardly to post under other people’s names. I hope everyone understands that I have nothing but the utmost respect for Senator Tipitino and I hope that whoever made such a comment will come forward immediately.
Thanks for your time. Keep up the good work! And GO BLAZERS!!!
Sincerely,
Nick Schultz