On the subject of Trolls

Schwarzd354 · 08-02-2008

To me, a troll, a lurker, etc. Is someone who intentionally writes their posts in a way to get the strongest reaction. Sometimes these reactions can be for the good, but all too often people are upset and offended. If it ended there, I think most issues of trolling would be resolved.

Unfortunately, it doesn't end there. What always seems to follow is the thread degenerating into the troll stating that they were joking, or that they were in their right to state their opinion so everyone else is in the wrong. And on the other side people continue to react with more fervor to the troll's comments. Each side rallying supporters to their cause.

For the joking, I'm all for humor, but it is damn hard to convey through text. Tone of voice and body language are removed, making it harder for people to realize the humor. For stating your opinion, everyone absolutely has that right. But there is a time and a place and people don't always seem to acknowledge when it is appropriate to state their opinion, or to phrase it a certain way. A lot of comments could be shifted away from seeming negative if they were written with less confrontational language.

Personally, I find it rather aggravating that this happens so often. And obviously, not just on this website. I deal with enough obnoxious people in real life, I'd like to have a chance to get away from them for a while. Instead, I see the same self-absorbed arrogance.

An example would be fanficiton. I write and read fanfics, using www.fanfiction.net as a resource. There are some exceptionally talented authors out there. But there are also some horrid ones who put no effort into their stories. Even ignoring grammar and format, these authors put no effort into plot and character development, proper characterization, narrative flow, etc. And when they don't receive the praise they believe they deserve, they become offended and blame the audience. It's the same attitude I see in forums.

08-02-2008	#1
Schwarzd354 Process Fan Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 35	On the subject of Trolls To me, a troll, a lurker, etc. Is someone who intentionally writes their posts in a way to get the strongest reaction. Sometimes these reactions can be for the good, but all too often people are upset and offended. If it ended there, I think most issues of trolling would be resolved. Unfortunately, it doesn't end there. What always seems to follow is the thread degenerating into the troll stating that they were joking, or that they were in their right to state their opinion so everyone else is in the wrong. And on the other side people continue to react with more fervor to the troll's comments. Each side rallying supporters to their cause. For the joking, I'm all for humor, but it is damn hard to convey through text. Tone of voice and body language are removed, making it harder for people to realize the humor. For stating your opinion, everyone absolutely has that right. But there is a time and a place and people don't always seem to acknowledge when it is appropriate to state their opinion, or to phrase it a certain way. A lot of comments could be shifted away from seeming negative if they were written with less confrontational language. Personally, I find it rather aggravating that this happens so often. And obviously, not just on this website. I deal with enough obnoxious people in real life, I'd like to have a chance to get away from them for a while. Instead, I see the same self-absorbed arrogance. An example would be fanficiton. I write and read fanfics, using www.fanfiction.net as a resource. There are some exceptionally talented authors out there. But there are also some horrid ones who put no effort into their stories. Even ignoring grammar and format, these authors put no effort into plot and character development, proper characterization, narrative flow, etc. And when they don't receive the praise they believe they deserve, they become offended and blame the audience. It's the same attitude I see in forums.