just don't confuse someone that has a different opinion on the matter with a paid shill, i see this lately
Although there are some instances of "paid shills" I believe them to be far and few-in-between.
I think the overwhelming majority of the time, a "paid shill" or a "sockpuppet" is simply someone who does not agree with a certain viewpoint, and instead of attacking the viewpoint, someone will simply claim they are a "paid shill" or a "sockpuppet" -- this is not unlike an ad hominem attack. (there are a lot more instances of people using sockpuppets then there that of "paid shills" although not all sockpuppets will vouch or side with their "owner")