I don't necessarily expect it to be an effective persuasive tool. It probably is, but I haven't seen the numbers.

Did you mean, "Are you aware of the ad hominem logical fallacy?" Yep, I'm aware. But since my comment doesn't go to claims, by definition it's not an ad hominem attack.

Ad hominem attack: "The Epoch Times has lied many times in the past, therefore this article is all lies."

Not an ad hominem attack: "The Epoch Times has lied many times in the past, and it's good to keep that in mind."