Again, sometimes this can border on trolling. Being very serious: taking a more serious line on a question, but actually going off on a tangent. Usually there is no need: if the OP said something sensible, useful, true–that should be able to stand up on its own merits.Ĥ. There are such occasions–very rarely–though usually this really isn’t worth the effort, unless it’s a life and death situation: like not buying prescription drugs online without a prescription. The impression of posses may best be thwarted by restraining yourself from 2nd-ing, unless you have something to add, or if adding “weight” to their case might help. You’ll look like a yes-man, part of a defensive circle around the original poster. Remember: put yourself in the prospective troll’s shoes. But if you’re an insecure sort of person, it’ll look that way. 2nd-ing what certain people say, and not others: this suggests that there are factions, gangs, and cliques. Yes, even if you’re a genuine multitasking genius…ģ. Being on the board a lot, popping on and off it all the time, weighing in with a comment on everything you know about or have a view on (or anything at all): careful. Unfortunately, the other specific characteristics that get picked on, that would draw you to the attention of a troll–or a troll-board– may be harder to manage.Ģ. I’ve seen that annoyance on the BB discussion board, and it is, to my mind, valid criticism.Īvoiding pissing people off might help to avoid being hand-picked for trolling. Especially to someone who is depressed, fragile, angry, paranoid, belligerent, stupid (but smart enough to spot non-stupidity in others), jealous, and generally out to hate on others. Be that assumed or not, it can come across as arrogant. (b) a short snappy answer implies authoritativeness, and thus authority. I was going to add “disrespectful”–but respect isn’t given, it must be earned–so “discourteous.” Some answers don’t change (facts, stupidities).īut I also understand how that annoys other people: It’s the nth time the same question has been asked & same answers given. Especially obvious on a discussion board that’s about information and advice, like MUA. I understand why: having been guilty of this myself. I’ve seen plenty cases over the years where old-timers give short answers (often curtly). Wild poppies, various sorts TROLL-AVOIDANCE: TEN COMMANDMENTSġ. Because trolling is a disease, and it’s contagious. So: the best defence against trolls is avoiding interaction with them. You’re in danger of turning into a troll yourself… If MUA and thread-watching become disruptive, intrusive, obsessive: be careful. Remember, though: the purpose of anti-trolling must remain philanthropy, solidarity, and protection. Whoever’s got the fastest trigger-finger from email to board, and a flag, wins the round.ĭecent computer, decent email alert system, maybe a couple of bots: and this can be dealt with out of the corner of your eye, with next to no interference with work: provided that you can actually maintain focus on work (or whatever you’re doing online). Do nothing else: apart from telling the moderators why you’ve done what you’ve done, because that’s polite, good form, and The Rules. If the troll jumps on someone, jump fast and flag. If you figure out that a troll has taken up squatters’ rights under that particular bridge, and is waiting for people to cross it/her. Thread-watching isn’t too hard–tick a box to get email updates whenever there’s activity on it. Or you’ll be falling into trap, lose moral higher ground, and lose points in the game that is virtual political life.īut: there’s nothing in the rules against setting a counter-trap. Remember: main rule: don’t feed the trolls. Even if they say “chicken” or play chicken. –like poppies IRL, also exists in ginger/orange form Some use and abuse the “letter of the law” approach, and therefore flag anyone else who’s OT. They’re aware that games have rules, and that where one can’t cheat, one tries to bend them. With as much spectacular gore as possible. It’s just like fox-hunting: a sport, whose aim is to seek out, hunt down, torment, and tear to shreds. Picking, picking on, stalking, and in some cases grooming appropriate victims. Targetting specially-selected individuals. This game is deliberate, malicious, cruel.
And there’s meta-counter-trolling: with intent to convert and reform trolls, so as to learn from them and from why they’re trolling, making the internet a better place, and spreading peace, love, tolerance, and other hippy lefty greeny gynocratic shizz. Well: there’s more than one game or a game with levels, some of which flow into and through each other.
The only way to play this is by the rules.