Internet Trolls

[Plavt]

Seems I made a mistake joining the expats group as the decent people seem to know each other and might consider me an oddity. Here's something for the decent folk (ie: registered members) As for me perhaps I had better run.....


The term derives from "trolling", a style of fishing which involves trailing
bait through a likely spot hoping for a bite. The troll posts a message, often in response to an honest question, that is intended to upset, disrupt or simply insult the group.

Usually, it will fail, as the troll rarely bothers to match the tone or style of the group, and usually its ignorance shows.

Why do trolls do it?
I believe that most trolls are sad people, living their lonely lives vicariously through those they see as strong and successful.

Disrupting a stable newsgroup gives the illusion of power, just as for a few, stalking a strong person allows them to think they are strong, too.

For trolls, any response is 'recognition'; they are unable to distinguish between irritation and admiration; their ego grows directly in proportion to the response, regardless of the form or content of that response.

Trolls, rather surprisingly, dispute this, claiming that it's a game or joke; this merely confirms the diagnosis; how sad do you have to be to find such mind-numbingly trivial timewasting to be funny?

Remember that trolls are cowards; they'll usually post just enough to get an argument going, then sit back and count the responses (Yes, that's what they do!).


How can troll posts be recognised?
No Imagination - Most are frighteningly obvious; sexist comments on nurses' groups, blasphemy on religious groups .. I kid you not.
Pedantic in the Extreme - Many trolls' preparation is so thorough, that while they waste time, they appear so ludicrous from the start that they elicit sympathetic mail - the danger is that once the group takes sides, the damage is done.
False Identity - Because they are cowards, trolls virtually never write over their own name, and often reveal their trolliness (and lack of imagination) in the chosen ID. As so many folk these days use false ID, this is not a strong indicator on its own!
Crossposting - Any post that is crossposted to several groups should be viewed as suspicious, particularly if unrelated or of opposing perspective. Why would someone do that?
Off-topic posting - Often genuine errors, but, if from an 'outsider' they deserve matter-of-fact response; if genuine, a brief apposite response is simply netiquette; if it's a troll post, you have denied it its reward.
Repetition of a question or statement is either a troll - or a pedant; either way, treatment as a troll is effective.
Missing The Point - Trolls rarely answer a direct question - they cannot, if asked to justify their twaddle - so they develop a fine line in missing the point.
Thick or Sad - Trolls are usually sad, lonely folk, with few social skills; they rarely make what most people would consider intelligent conversation. However, they frequently have an obsession with their IQ and feel the need to tell everyone. This is so frequent, that it is diagnostic! Somewhere on the web there must be an Intelligence Test for Trolls - rigged to always say "above 150"

[dot dot dot]

The reaction of the troll to Plavt's posting is the proof of what he is saying:

The troll can't wait to respond and try and ridiculize Plavt's posting, but in trying to do so, he fails simply because it is so obvious that there is not any substance in the troll's post. It is like a wacko trying to intervene when a group of friends are discussing. The troll pulls shirts, screams at the group, while jumping around them, but nobody cares. Nobody pays attention, althought the troll believes that he made an impact.

It is like that roll trying to tell me all the time I spend too much time on this forum. I post when I want, spend time when I want on this forum. The stalking troll's compulsive behaviour makes him scan the forum for my postings non stop, in order to offend and talk shit. 24/7 job it seems.

You are right Plavt, the trolls show themselves so obvious, whereas they believe they can stay anonymous. One doesnot need to know a troll, one will simply recognize them the second they cry out their pathetic need for attention.

Eric

[ksl]

Seems I made a mistake joining the expats group as the decent people seem to know each other and might consider me an oddity. Here's something for the decent folk (ie: registered members) As for me perhaps I had better run.....


The term derives from "trolling", a style of fishing which involves trailing
bait through a likely spot hoping for a bite. The troll posts a message, often in response to an honest question, that is intended to upset, disrupt or simply insult the group.

Usually, it will fail, as the troll rarely bothers to match the tone or style of the group, and usually its ignorance shows.

Why do trolls do it?
I believe that most trolls are sad people, living their lonely lives vicariously through those they see as strong and successful.

Disrupting a stable newsgroup gives the illusion of power, just as for a few, stalking a strong person allows them to think they are strong, too.

For trolls, any response is 'recognition'; they are unable to distinguish between irritation and admiration; their ego grows directly in proportion to the response, regardless of the form or content of that response.

Trolls, rather surprisingly, dispute this, claiming that it's a game or joke; this merely confirms the diagnosis; how sad do you have to be to find such mind-numbingly trivial timewasting to be funny?

Remember that trolls are cowards; they'll usually post just enough to get an argument going, then sit back and count the responses (Yes, that's what they do!).


How can troll posts be recognised?
No Imagination - Most are frighteningly obvious; sexist comments on nurses' groups, blasphemy on religious groups .. I kid you not.
Pedantic in the Extreme - Many trolls' preparation is so thorough, that while they waste time, they appear so ludicrous from the start that they elicit sympathetic mail - the danger is that once the group takes sides, the damage is done.
False Identity - Because they are cowards, trolls virtually never write over their own name, and often reveal their trolliness (and lack of imagination) in the chosen ID. As so many folk these days use false ID, this is not a strong indicator on its own!
Crossposting - Any post that is crossposted to several groups should be viewed as suspicious, particularly if unrelated or of opposing perspective. Why would someone do that?
Off-topic posting - Often genuine errors, but, if from an 'outsider' they deserve matter-of-fact response; if genuine, a brief apposite response is simply netiquette; if it's a troll post, you have denied it its reward.
Repetition of a question or statement is either a troll - or a pedant; either way, treatment as a troll is effective.
Missing The Point - Trolls rarely answer a direct question - they cannot, if asked to justify their twaddle - so they develop a fine line in missing the point.
Thick or Sad - Trolls are usually sad, lonely folk, with few social skills; they rarely make what most people would consider intelligent conversation. However, they frequently have an obsession with their IQ and feel the need to tell everyone. This is so frequent, that it is diagnostic! Somewhere on the web there must be an Intelligence Test for Trolls - rigged to always say "above 150"

To be quite honest with you, I find that everyone on this forum fits the description of trolling, I must admit, it is quite unavoidable at times, becuase while one is discussing, there is always one or two that disagree. and that will lead to trolling.

Personally it doesn't bother me so much, I'm so used to being insulted, that it goes through one ear and out of the other, it's like water off a ducks back. The main thing is to take all the valid points in a discussion and evaluate the information to come to ones conclusion.

Trolls trailing are obviously wanting you to stumble over their bait, to lead you into their way of thinking, it may or may not work.

It is quite entertaining to read all threads, and see who is trolling, and who is being challanged, I have nothing against trolling providing it remains constructive, after all everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and if new information is available, to challenge the opinions, of others the person being challenged should reply, and give his opinion on the new information.

He, Plavt may call this trolling, with bait, the fact of the matter is, how he came to his conclusion in the first place, and with new information available, which contradicts his opinion. and Plavt don't take it so hard, your posts are valued in a persons opinion.

[shaana]

The reaction of the troll to Plavt's posting is the proof of what he is saying:

The troll can't wait to respond and try and ridiculize Plavt's posting, but in trying to do so, he fails simply because it is so obvious that there is not any substance in the troll's post. It is like a wacko trying to intervene when a group of friends are discussing. The troll pulls shirts, screams at the group, while jumping around them, but nobody cares. Nobody pays attention, althought the troll believes that he made an impact.

It is like that roll trying to tell me all the time I spend too much time on this forum. I post when I want, spend time when I want on this forum. The stalking troll's compulsive behaviour makes him scan the forum for my postings non stop, in order to offend and talk shit. 24/7 job it seems.

You are right Plavt, the trolls show themselves so obvious, whereas they believe they can stay anonymous. One doesnot need to know a troll, one will simply recognize them the second they cry out their pathetic need for attention.

Eric

And of course we can rely on good old Eric from Nobrainlands to respond to the cry for attention every time. As for talking shit, Eric seems to be making a speciality of it.

Well said Just because one happens to be a registered member does not mean they don't have tendencies or intentions for trolling..does it???

I can always tell when one o the RMs is posting under the disguise of a so called and much loved 'troll'

[sundaymorningstaple]

Plavt,

We don't all know each other. It's just some of the regulars have met while other have not. But, regular posters do tend to get familiar with other regular posters. The trolls are also familiar only in-so-much as they are predictable in their responses. They also have fantasies about their favourite regulars, hence Eric's troll and now Eric's troll's troll. They are harmless but they just make us use up time sifting through the garbage for the nuggets not covered by maggots.

So Trolls, it's time to take a look into the mirror again.

sms

[sundaymorningstaple]

Sometimes it just fun to bait them as well! especially on a slow sunday afternoon.

[sundaymorningstaple]

I rest my case....

[seraphim]

LOL Good call sms!

To the OP, thanks for putting it up!

[Anglican]

Go in peace

[Strong Eagle]

I'm back in town. I'm tired of the trolls. I shall whack the troll posts at my own personal whim.

[Guest]

I'm back in town. I'm tired of the trolls. I shall whack the troll posts at my own personal whim.

Ok dude this Town aint big enough for the two of us! So I challenge you to a dual! I'f i'm not there start without me.

[Guest]

Here comes another troll basher....heeheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeha

[Guest]

I'm back in town. I'm tired of the trolls. I shall whack the troll posts at my own personal whim.

Welcome back SE We have really missed you and where have you been all this time??? Did you have a nice holiday?

I have really suffered as a troll at the hands of your buddies They have made my life a misery I tell you. I never had to suffer so much abuse and character assasination in my entire life until I became your persona troll big time, SE Please, sort these idiotic buddies of yours like Bafana and Jpotakal out once and for all, so I can send you my friendly messages to you which are full of humour, admiration and joy

SE, please be kind to me. I have always been your faithful troll ever since I joined this forum, and you know it I have always been here supporting and defending you whenever our 'enemies' attacked you for saying something which did not agree with them

SHOW SOME MERCY UPON ME AND DON'T LET THE 'TROLL BASHERS' GET THE UPPER HAND OVER HERE, MY FRIEND

[Guest]

What an *assl.....*

StrongEaggle, surely you don't buy this idiocy??? You are a person of a very high calibre and to see something of this nature is just soooooooooooo insulting

[Strong Eagle]

What an *assl.....*

StrongEaggle, surely you don't buy this idiocy??? You are a person of a very high calibre and to see something of this nature is just soooooooooooo insulting

God clearly made some interesting people when she made internet posters... my personal troll is proof of this. It's all in jest.