Successful smear campaign

[Happypants]

Apologies in advance.  I'm afraid this post will be rather vague due to the very specific circumstances that surround the situations I've found myself in relating to smear campaigns.  I'm just curious as to others' thoughts on this.

Has anyone noticed specific changes in the behaviour of those whose smear campaigns have been successful?  By "successful" I mean the creator of the smear campaign receiving feedback, validation and, in some instances, a sense of community with others *against* the so-called 'villain'(or scapegoat).  By "specific changes in behaviour" I mean something that seems to go beyond narcissistic supply.  It's more like a very general change in demeanour (generally happy), almost like a burden has been removed and all's good with their manipulated world (directly proportional to things getting worse in the target's world).  And off the back of that successful smear campaign, they begin taking an interest in how you're doing (you being the target), how you're feeling, generally treating you like a human being again.  Is it because they are happy and are then able to genuinely experience empathy, even for their target?  Could it be a form of guilt?  Is it a form of gaslighting?   

[Blueberry Pancakes]

I have noticed changes in behavior of those I believe 1) initiated the smear campaign, and 2) were on the listening side of the smear campaign. 

I think mostly the purpose of a smear campaign is for the one who initiates it to indeed gain a sense of community with others against the target / scapegoat. It is a mechanism by which they feel validated. I also think it helps ostracize the scapegoat which makes the instigator feel more powerful. 
 
Being VLC and NC with my FOO however, means I only get glimpses of the effects of a smear campaign when I accidentally run into those associated with my FOO. From those on the "listening" or receiving side, I have experienced them actually walking away from me. That is when I knew the smear campaign was 'successful' and was for sure occurring. From those who I believe initiated it, they approach me in public places acting overly "nice" and not mentioning the rather ugly interaction that triggered me going NC a few years ago. They have also told me how great things are going for them, and how "life is moving on" as though they are doing so well without me and I am missing out on their greatness. I do believe it is all manufactured. I just shrug.

Ironically, I believe the opposite is actually true. My life is going better than ever without the constant drama and havoc they created. I believe they however would never know that or accept it.

[Call Me Cordelia]

Yes, I've noticed a revolting show of arrogance after a "successful" smear campaign. There has not been a fake niceness to the target, rather I've experienced a smug smirk and strutting behaviors. Toward others, more gregarious seeming behavior, oh look at me I'm so charming. Yes like he'd scored a big win and was doing a victory dance in the end zone. Over putting down his own little girl, but yeah, it made him fairly dance with glee.

Fortunately for me, I do think other people noticed it and certainly as a teenager I'm sure it undermined his own campaigns against me. Like why are you crowing about your daughter having a hard time, dude? 

[Happypants]

Sorry for not responding sooner - in a sense I've been trying to see what how things played out now that the significant event is over before replying. 

Blueberry pancakes - Thanks for your insight.  It's interesting that you mention the behaviour of those on the "listening side".  It's one of the things that tipped me off on a subconscious level without realising.  My GC brother made a comment insinuating that I'd said something about him (which I didn't) and that he'd caught me out, all this while my mother was in the phase that I've alluded to in my original post ie lovebombing, concerned, relieved of a load herself, being "overly nice" as you mentioned etc.  I'd never noticed before but they seem to operate in tandem  Unfortunately, I don't have enough distance feel that my life is better, but I have taken a further step back since everything has returned to "normal". 

Call me Cordelia - Sorry for what you've experienced, and to gloat over putting down a little girl, I have no words.  I can sympathise with witnessing the arrogant behaviour that surfaces when they're all together and the ostracism begins.  Somehow, it all falls under the radar of others which is difficult to accept or understand.  I'm glad you had people around you who were switched on when it comes to smear campaigns.