Are "Trolls" Really Bad? ..... (An Open Discussion)
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your attempt to evoke a response whether it be positive or negative IS what makes you a troll.
So is that a good thing or a bad thing?
It's an attention-whoring thing!0 -
While some are pretty horrible, there are some that openly say what we are all thinking anyway, and people don't want to hear/see that.
The Simon Cowell from American Idol Effect. Everyone "hated" him, yet most people completely agreed with his statements.
And you are WAYYYYYYYY too serious!
lol................personally, I think trolls are kind of fun - I like to poke at 'em and give 'em some crap, and watch them scream and play their silly games!0 -
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your attempt to evoke a response whether it be positive or negative IS what makes you a troll.
So is that a good thing or a bad thing?
It's an attention-whoring thing!
So is that a good thing or a bad thing?0 -
Trolls are just a-holes who want attention and post just to get some kind of reaction.
Their aim is to hurt - not help.0 -
I am enjoying the trolling occurring in a thread about trolling....well played.0
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Anything to justify your behavior on this forum as of late, eh?
How about explaining the definition of an asshat?
A colloquial cliche' overtly utilized by individuals with devastatingly low self-esteem that constantly, and continuously vie for attention by "calling-out" those they consider superior and a subsequent threat, from the safety of a computer, a fake picture and an anonymous screen name.
Yeah. Ouch.
Next.
Oh, I love how you think you've turned my argument back around on me. However, I pointed out your low self-esteem several days ago when you decided to make some random statement belittling men who take pictures of themselves in the bathroom mirror with their shirts off on what would have otherwise been an excellent post!
Now, I shall be "calling you out" as a hypocrite. And while some "brutal honesty" doesn't make you a troll, your attempt to evoke a response whether it be positive or negative IS what makes you a troll.
This is exactly what I was talking about in my post earlier! :-)0 -
Anyone that posts on any forums, anywhere, has likely heard the term "forum troll." Anyone that posts on any forms with any regularity has likely been called a "troll" by someone who didn't like what they had to say.
Disambiguation of the word "Troll"
First, let's educate everyone on the term "troll." The word "forum troll" does not reference big, green monsters from mythology, despite all the inane pictures people like to post in forum strings.
The term was originally coined to describe an individual that posts proactive topics in a form to evoke responses from other forum members.
The term references a verb, not "green monsters." Specifically, the act of "trolling." Trolling is an angling (fishing) term. It is the act of slowly dragging bait behind a boat to attract fish.
"Trolling" in a forum works the same way. The individual attempting to evoke a response from forum members by posting a topic or statement that will evoke an emotional response from others.
Accusations of being a "Troll"
Calling someone a "troll" has become the go to, automated response for many forum participants when they either don't like what another poster said, and/or don't have an effective response.
There are two different ways of viewing this particular issue.
Theory A: Everyone is a "troll." -- Everyone is posting information in a forum to evoke a response. Otherwise, why would you post in the first place?
Theory B: Trolls are those that deliberately and exclusively post "off-topic" subjects that are SPECIFICALLY designed to hurt other people emotionally.
Examples:
- "I hope all grandmas die from rabies" = Troll... because grandmas are not a standard topic, and their demise is sad.
- "All Michigan girls smell like ham" = Troll... because MI girls are not a standard topic, and most do not smell like ham.
I personally subscribe to Theory B.
Someone posting an opinion you don't like, does not establish them as a "troll."
Someone hiding behind the safety of a computer and anonymous screen name trying to hurt other people in an effort to fill the massive void in their self-esteem... is a "troll."
All that said, are "trolls" by either definition, inherently bad?
Trolls get people talking.
Trolls rally opinions and form bonds between other posters.
Trolls put other topics into clear perspective.
Thoughts?
I don't have a problem with people posting opinions with which I don't agree. I do take issue with it, however, when they do it in a way that is mean spirited or antagonistic. Unfortunately, the latter is all too often the case here on MFP. There is no need to post an opinion in a manner which tears other people down. There is no need to use a condescending tone. There is no need to make fun of and belittle people who may or may not know as much about certain topics as you do. They are here to learn. If you really, sincerely want to help people, the best way to do that is to answer their questions in a patient and courteous manner. Name calling, sarcasm, and bad attitudes are simply uncalled for.0 -
Yes, it's the inception of trollingI am enjoying the trolling occurring in a thread about trolling....well played.
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your attempt to evoke a response whether it be positive or negative IS what makes you a troll.
So is that a good thing or a bad thing?
It's an attention-whoring thing!
Correct.
Trolling is an attempt to provoke a negative and extreme response for the sake of it without any necessary belief in the statements being made.
Good grief, if you want to see real trolling try /b/ of 4chan. Don't know who Cracky Chan is? Then you're probably not a troll...0 -
I always thought trolls were the guys that show up to bars during last call in the hopes of "picking up" some random drunk chick and taking her home without having to shell out for beer or liquor?
^^That0 -
your attempt to evoke a response whether it be positive or negative IS what makes you a troll.
So is that a good thing or a bad thing?
It's an attention-whoring thing!
So is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Good or bad is subjective.
I will however admit that I find it quite annoying. But then, I'm feeding this particular troll.
You may all form a line now for my public flogging!0 -
Whew!!!! Thank you google!
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Yes, it's the inception of trollingI am enjoying the trolling occurring in a thread about trolling....well played.
THE TROLL IS COLLAPSING!
I can't see your pictures due to work filters.0 -
Yes, it's the inception of trollingI am enjoying the trolling occurring in a thread about trolling....well played.
This is so full of awesome!0 -
Oh, I love how you think you've turned my argument back around on me.
I did. Watch....
I said...A colloquial cliche' overtly utilized by individuals with devastatingly low self-esteem that constantly, and continuously vie for attention by "calling-out" those they consider superior and a subsequent threat, from the safety of a computer, a fake picture and an anonymous screen name.
You then said...
Way to show the hundreds of people that will read this thread that you're not really vying for attention by "calling-out" those they consider superior and a subsequent threat.However, I pointed out your low self-esteem several days ago when you decided to make some random statement belittling men who take pictures of themselves in the bathroom mirror....
Which hurts more? Reading that? Or knowing that you can't go back and delete your posts on this string.
Thanks for playing. Here's your t-shirt.0 -
What a great read!
Personally, I think the internet needs trolls, like you said, OP. They are an essential ingredient in the soup of the internet. They offer exciting humor to read and sometimes have compelling arguments, if they are eloquent enough. The ones that I feel bad for are the ones that get trapped in a troll's web. That take everything so offensively and feed their fire until it becomes unfunny.
So, no. Trolls arent bad in my opinion. But it is based on individual expirences. I have never let myself become attacked to the point of anger with a troll, others break down in fury because of trolling. So I imagine their answer would be a loathe for trolls that the internet can do without.0 -
Trolls are just a-holes who want attention and post just to get some kind of reaction.
Their aim is to hurt - not help.
This. Exactly.
To OP...Everyone is entitled to an opinion...but an opinion can be lost by the wayside if it's delivered in a condescending, rude, and tactless way. Whatever happened to...treat people kindly every now and then?
A bit of character and knowledge and respect of others go a long way.0 -
your attempt to evoke a response whether it be positive or negative IS what makes you a troll.
So is that a good thing or a bad thing?
It's an attention-whoring thing!
Correct.
Trolling is an attempt to provoke a negative and extreme response for the sake of it without any necessary belief in the statements being made.
Good grief, if you want to see real trolling try /b/ of 4chan. Don't know who Cracky Chan is? Then you're probably not a troll...
dont encourage these innocent people to go to 4chan!! They will become scarred!0 -
Oh, I love how you think you've turned my argument back around on me.
I did. Watch....
I said...A colloquial cliche' overtly utilized by individuals with devastatingly low self-esteem that constantly, and continuously vie for attention by "calling-out" those they consider superior and a subsequent threat, from the safety of a computer, a fake picture and an anonymous screen name.
You then said...
Way to show the hundreds of people that will read this thread that you're not really vying for attention by "calling-out" those they consider superior and a subsequent threat.However, I pointed out your low self-esteem several days ago when you decided to make some random statement belittling men who take pictures of themselves in the bathroom mirror....
Which hurts more? Reading that? Or knowing that you can't go back and delete your posts on this string.
Thanks for playing. Here's your t-shirt.
Yes. But I asked you to define the term 'asshat' in which you decided you would generate a perceived description of me with which to answer with. However, that really isn't turning the argument around on me. That's just deflecting.
Seriously, man, find something better to do. I personally have gotten bored with you. So I will let someone else "call you out" on your douchebaggery!0 -
Jesus christ rule one and two
Also rule 34 on MFP0 -
I am enjoying the trolling occurring in a thread about trolling....well played.
I try.0 -
Oh, I love how you think you've turned my argument back around on me.
I did. Watch....
I said...A colloquial cliche' overtly utilized by individuals with devastatingly low self-esteem that constantly, and continuously vie for attention by "calling-out" those they consider superior and a subsequent threat, from the safety of a computer, a fake picture and an anonymous screen name.
You then said...
Way to show the hundreds of people that will read this thread that you're not really vying for attention by "calling-out" those they consider superior and a subsequent threat.However, I pointed out your low self-esteem several days ago when you decided to make some random statement belittling men who take pictures of themselves in the bathroom mirror....
Which hurts more? Reading that? Or knowing that you can't go back and delete your posts on this string.
Thanks for playing. Here's your t-shirt.
Yes. But I asked you to define the term 'asshat' in which you decided you would generate a perceived description of me with which to answer with. However, that really isn't turning the argument around on me. That's just deflecting.
Seriously, man, find something better to do. I personally have gotten bored with you. So I will let someone else "call you out" on your douchebaggery!
If only that were true.0 -
I could be wrong, but i imagine coming to someone's post (on trolling of all things) specifically to start an argument with them would in fact be considered an attention-whoring troll kinda thing to do.
But, like i said, I could be wrong.0 -
I could be wrong, but i imagine coming to someone's post (on trolling of all things) specifically to start an argument with them would in fact be considered an attention-whoring troll kinda thing to do.
But, like i said, I could be wrong.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:0 -
I could be wrong, but i imagine coming to someone's post (on trolling of all things) specifically to start an argument with them would in fact be considered an attention-whoring troll kinda thing to do.
But, like i said, I could be wrong.
You aren't lol0 -
Jesus christ rule one and two
Also rule 34 on MFP
And in this case, Rule -1.0 -
I could be wrong, but i imagine coming to someone's post (on trolling of all things) specifically to start an argument with them would in fact be considered an attention-whoring troll kinda thing to do.
But, like i said, I could be wrong.
She's been extremely busy the last few days repeatedly making sure that I know that she's ignoring everything I say, and giving me the silent-treatment. On all of my forum threads. Constantly.
My next thread topic is going to be "Irony: It can be so ironic sometimes."0 -
I like this discussion! I would add that I have seen two types of "trolls" on the MFP forums, or any forum in general:
1) The obvious "troll" - the one that starts a topic, never to return again to that topic. Just like the one that began this morning, the dude that started it was on his first ever forum post (under that username) and never returned again (under that username). The "trolls" are easy to spot because they throw out a bomb and never return and let the forum self destruct to lock out. The only entertainment value is the reactionaries going ballistic and then you lose the thread once it gets locked out and removed...:ohwell:
2) The hidden "troll" - This is a professional. They are frequent posters, may only rarely start the topic, but are willing to put in the work to keep kindling the fire. They may not throw a huge bomb, only a little one, and continue to feed it with patience and hard work to keep it going. They rarely ever let it get too out of hand so that it gets locked, but sometimes it happens, usually not even by their own posts, but by the ones that are responding to the fire they have kindled. These are very interesting threads, and very easy to fall prey to.
Just my opinion! No haters!! < this is sometimes also a trademark of a troll, but not always!0
This discussion has been closed.
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