What the heck is a troll?

[hollyhawkz]

I am by no means an expert, this is not the end all and be all of troll information, but I can share what we tell our students when we caution them. I am absolutely not, I repeat not pointing the “ Look there’s a troll” finger at anyone! And above all, I am not trying to elicit debate.

What the heck is a Troll?

The abbreviated term troll as applied to modern day society is a term used to describe a person that is out trolling web sites, blogs, boards and just about anywhere they can get into get attention and cause trouble. Trolling is a style of fishing where you dangle bait through the waters hoping for a bite.

There are regular trolls, the most common anyway, and oh how they love to create drama. They like to get into places where they can stir the pot. Often they will get members fighting each other, one side sticking up for the person saying how rude and unjust the other side is, and the other side screaming are you all fools? This is a troll! Does that sound about right? The favorite thing that these people do is rip a board community apart. Everyone giving them the attention the want and they are now the center of everyone's attention.

Then there are the ranters. They will go on boards find out what a sensitive issue is then rant about it. I mean long rants….. sometimes they will pop back in to refuel the fight if it starts to die, but often you will just see the original rant from them. They like to watch their magic unfold while members begin to argue and divide about the subject.

Then there are malicious trolls, more often referred to as troglodytes. They like to get into a board, and fight, fight, fight. They will often use personal attacks and they will often use off colored language.

I’m sure, sadly enough, there are some people out there with more serious problems like OCD. For example if one of my students, who is OCD, got stuck on a subject they would spend ever second they could on a blog or web pages or forum, talking about that subject all day. They would create stories just to be able to continue engaging in the conversation.

There are dangerous money trolls as well that get in, stay for months, make friends and then bang…. Suddenly their world is falling apart and they need money, or they have a good friend that can help you invest… al they need is you credit card or bank information. Fortunately I have not heard of that happening here.

Some ways to recognize a troll…

Besides that feeling some of us get in our gut? Here are a few:

Sketchy, hard to believe identities. They will have a story line already created. To some the story will appear phony to others it will solicit sympathy. Once members take sides, the damage is done.

Repeating the same questions, sometimes in different forums.
It will look like they have an unwillingness to answer a direct question. Often they will side step questions, by whatever means are necessary, including creating “more” to their story, when they have been asked to justify something.

The compelling need to prove that they are intelligent. Some will brag how high their IQ is. Some will ask why people think they are so “stupid”, then go on to say they are not stupid. Some just try to dazzle you with their intellect.

Posts that seems off topic. Always best to answer in a matter of fact manner so as to not fuel any further discussion. And leave it, alone if they continue.

Should you warn others if you think it’s a troll?

Absolutely not. PM a mod and let them know of your suspicions, but to acknowledge them as a troll. It gives them the attention they live for. They don’t care if it’s good or bad attention… it means your mind is occupied with them, or you would not be giving them so much consideration. You will be a fish wiggling on their hook.

Recommended ways to deal with someone you suspect is a troll…

Answer questions in a neutral, matter of fact manner, and end your response there. If the person asks for detail, fine… in case this is a genuine person, answer again in a neutral matter of fact manner.

If you find you are getting drawn into it, as all of us probably have at one time, (I know I have) start using that “ignore button”.

You will see that if everybody starts to ignore a particular thread, there will be a few last ditch attempts by the troll to re-stir the pot, sometimes with fresh bait. Don't bite.

hollyhawkz

[xafsmom]

[LovelySydney]

hahha Xafsmom, that pic took me back to my childhood. Remember the ones with the jewels in their bellie?? LOL

[Phenomenon]

Great post! Thanks for the reminder!

[hollyhawkz]

We are a unique, strong, educational community and I just hate to see anyone get the best of us!

[NotEnoughTime]

I often think we preach that we should *ignore* the behaviour of our fids when it is "bad" and reward the behaviour when it is good... So... When someone seems to be trolling isn't it best just to ignore the behaviour? That should reduce the frequency...

I also hate to see it when things get the better of us in the community - although I think there is room for heated discussion in some areas, it seems pretty clear when someone is promoting the heat... Personally I try to back-off at that point... Note the emphasis on try....

[hollyhawkz]

Originally Posted by NotEnoughTime

I also hate to see it when things get the better of us in the community - although I think there is room for heated discussion in some areas, it seems pretty clear when someone is promoting the heat... Personally I try to back-off at that point... Note the emphasis on try....

LMAO! It's soooo hard when you are a person who loves and honest, sensible debate! Some of these debates have become mind numbing arguments... how many different ways can they express one point of view? LOL

[slic102]

Don't you wonder why the hell people want to spend so much time doing this?? I just don't get it....very sad life they must lead!!

[Jag]

Originally Posted by xafsmom

OMG... I used to have one of those!! lol I knew people who collected them... had HUNDREDS!!

[Lori~D]

I never had a troll doll - sniff sniff