"Open Positions" - What's real and what isn't in hiring?

The US Government's monthly jobs report is one of the most closely watched barometers for the overall economy. Gross jobs added, lost and nets of both are available, broken down by industries.

The last 20 years has seen revolutionary change in the amount of data available with HR record systems going electronic, and now many companies are entering their second or even 3rd decade of electronic record availability. The ability to quickly post a job to multiple job boards and geographic locations is instant for organizations.

However, there are is a number of "open" jobs that are ethereal;

*Jobs that were posted that were cancelled but not taken down.

*Jobs that are duplicate postings in different areas or cities but could be hired anywhere.

*Jobs that are called "Evergreen", as they are never taken down and just trawl for applicants in hard to fill/staff positions where there is (almost) always a need.

*Jobs that are posted by organizations trying to signal things to applicants, investors or other important audiences.

Do you notice ghost jobs? Have them become more common?