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17. Writing that sounds like a sales pitch. (one sided and persuasively phrased. Infomercial-speak.)
18. You infer a hidden motive or agenda. (Political mud slinging.)
19. Absence of obvious questions that an objective author would raise and answer.
20. Absence of independent sources and externally verifiable fact patterns. No references.
21. Use of a false name or handle to obscure author's identity and avoid accountability.
22. Extrapolation of a peripheral issue to discredit or embellish a core issue. (The sexual behavior of a judge or authority as evidence to question his competence in law.)
23. Anecdotes as evidence of a generalized truth. ("My cousin got the flu after he was vaccinated.")
You will find plenty of examples on Fox News, and regrettably, in much of what is available from internet blogs and similar sources. My list is by no means complete, and I invite you to contribute your own items -- send me a message here on OEN.
-- Richmond Shreve, Senior Editor OEN
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