A
movement that is meant to
appear to be a
grassroots movement, but is
created by an
organization instead of the
people. It tries to make it
appear to be something being
run by people, showing
support of an
idea,
person, or the like. Or at least an
illusion of that support.
An example would be the Freedom to Innovate Network. It was created by Microsoft, supported by them, funded by them, and the web site is registered to Microsoft. It tries to create the appearance of an organized effort supporting them, without being seen as being part of them.
The NRA and tobacco industries have both done this sort of thing before. In fact, the people setting this up for Microsoft are the same ones that set up their astroturf organizations.