NationStates Jolt Archive

I've given a lot of thought to this and I have come to an inescapable conclusion: Trolling is not the fault of the "trolls."

A quick glance of this forum will show anyone that many many people who post here are self-righteous idelogues with absolutely no sense of humor and a very limited perspective on life. What's more many of them are like broken records with only one recurring theme, that they hammer away at to the exclusion of all else. (This is not the majority by any means, but they do exist).

From personal experience, I know that this is like having a big red button marked "do not push." You know you shouldn't, but you have to anyway.

The result? Well you post something trollish or flame baity - with the full knowledge that what you have just said is so ridiculous that no-one in their right mind would even consider it for a second - in response to the latest "point" they are making, and away you go.

What's worse is it's addictive, as you get more assine, people actually seem to get more angry and start taking you more seriously. Twenty pages later, they proudly declare victory because they have "won" the argument - usually after attacking your intellect, your family, you sexual orientation, choice of bedroom furniture and showing "sympathy" for your "ignorance"; meanwhile your laughing so hard beer is coming out of you nose.

Even funnier are those who "critique" your "trolling" skills after wasting two hours arguing with you.

But it gets better. Everytime you insult a trolls intelligence, you look kind of stupid. He knows what he's saying is moronic and mostly made up, but the person decrying the lack of intelect seems geniunely confused as to whether or not it could be true. (Why else get so angry).

At the end of the day then, you can't blame the troll. It's like locking a drunk in a beer cellar. If people could town down the pompous, smug, self assurance, and develop a sense of humor, then trolling would dissappear overnight. Imagine a forum where someone posts something like "homosexuals: work of the devil", and the only response is, "LOL you are silly: instead of "WTF you ignorant asshole, I bet your twelve years old and you farther is you mothers brother slack jawed yokel.... and the rest."

It will never happen though, because these same people that feed the trolls will never admit the possibility that they take themselves far too seriously. But don't blame the troll, blame the person who has difficulty with reality.

Discuss (or flame away as you prefer).

You didnt do my xfiles idea :(

You didnt do my xfiles idea :(

The time is not yet right, and now you've given the game away.

The time is not yet right, and now you've given the game away.
Nah no one will suss- for gods sake you pulled off the rigged world war 2 thread.

I'm sure you are correct. But, did you ever wonder if one or two of these trolls actually believe what they are saying? <shudders>

I'm sure you are correct. But, did you ever wonder if one or two of these trolls actually believe what they are saying? <shudders>
Nope its all BS :D

I'm sure you are correct. But, did you ever wonder if one or two of these trolls actually believe what they are saying? <shudders>

No they don't. I know this because I am a goodly percentage of them.

No they don't. I know this because I am a goodly percentage of them.

tsk...tsk....at least you're honest. For the life of me though, I can't figure out how xfiles can be related to this...unless the trollers are actually aliens.

tsk...tsk....at least you're honest. For the life of me though, I can't figure out how xfiles can be related to this...unless the trollers are actually aliens.
When it happens it will all become clear:D

tsk...tsk....at least you're honest. For the life of me though, I can't figure out how xfiles can be related to this...unless the trollers are actually aliens.


I can't help it. Certain people round here make me do it. They are so damn rude and self righeous to other people sometimes, I just have to goad them.

If only they could learn manners it wouldn't happen.

I can't help it. Certain people round here make me do it. They are so damn rude and self righeous to other people sometimes, I just have to goad them.

If only they could learn manners it wouldn't happen.

Ah. Responding to bad behavior with bad behavior. I can't say that I like it, but I understand why you do it.

I can't help it. Certain people round here make me do it. They are so damn rude and self righeous to other people sometimes, I just have to goad them.

If only they could learn manners it wouldn't happen.

I try to employ gentle persuasion. Please let me know if I incite your ire and I'll go do laundry or something.

I try to employ gentle persuasion. Please let me know if I incite your ire and I'll go do laundry or something.

No, see your reasonable. We could disagree, but you probably wouldn't fly off the handle or call someone a moron for it unless they personally insulted you first. So no probs there. Also you can discuss more than one issue.

I do it because (as another persona) I once pointed out that Milton Freidman considered economic freedom a pre-requisite for a truely deliberative democracy, and I was told I was so stupid it's amazing I could breathe, and at any rate I should choke on my own vomit.

Then Lacadaemon was born, and I declared fatwah on Micheal Moore.

The rest is history: I'm even in a sticky as an example of a troll. Now I can't stop.

No, see your reasonable. We could disagree, but you probably wouldn't fly off the handle or call someone a moron for it unless they personally insulted you first. So no probs there. Also you can discuss more than one issue.

I do it because (as another persona) I once pointed out that Milton Freidman considered economic freedom a pre-requisite for a truely deliberative democracy, and I was told I was so stupid it's amazing I could breathe, and at any rate I should choke on my own vomit.

Then Lacadaemon was born, and I declared fatwah on Micheal Moore.

The rest is history: I'm even in a sticky as an example of a troll. Now I can't stop.

Maybe we should start an NS troll support group?

Maybe we should start an NS troll support group?

Nah, people would show up and be rude.

You should put a poll in this thread.

You should put a poll in this thread.

About what. Abortion? That usually packs the place with the usual suspects.

About what. Abortion? That usually packs the place with the usual suspects.
Yeah sounds good- but whatever the question in the poll is the options should be you and Gary Coleman.

Yeah sounds good- but whatever the question in the poll is the options should be you and Gary Coleman.

Okay.

Okay.
Use thread options in your first post.

Of course its not the troll's fault :eek:

it si naturally, the Three billy goats. They should ahve known better then to try to cross at taht bridge, and then. because of their ignorance, and the troll trying to defnd its territory, the goats MURDERED the Troll!!

I say we take to the next level:

NO GOATS!!

Poll up. Vote early, vote often.

tsk...tsk....at least you're honest. For the life of me though, I can't figure out how xfiles can be related to this...unless the trollers are actually aliens.

Remember, "The truth is out there"

On principle, I have several problems with this thread. They start as follows:

A. I don't get it.

B. Why goats?

C. It turns out that I do understand, therefore have no problems

D. Point C (See above) has just made this reply a waste of time.

I pity those that read this reply.

If nothing else, I have a good idea who's going to take the con in Star Trek next.

Lets see, you can either be a troll, or a stuckup intellectual snob, I'll take the

former then.

Lets see, you can either be a troll, or a stuckup intellectual snob, I'll take the

former then.

You forgot the Gary Coleman option.

You forgot the Gary Coleman option.
But *you* forgot Poland!

Anyways, when I see a troll I ususally reply in a non-trolling intelligent manner (but I do troll sometimes), or sarcasm

You forgot the Gary Coleman option.

No thanks, hes a nutjob.

Trolling about trolls being trolls and the trolling trollish stuff they do is hilarious.

I've given a lot of thought to this and I have come to an inescapable conclusion: Trolling is not the fault of the "trolls."

...self-righteous idelogues ... no sense of humor ..very limited perspective.... broken records ... recurring theme..

.. having a big red button marked "do not push." You know you shouldn't, but you have to anyway.

...meanwhile your laughing so hard beer is coming out of you nose.

... It's like locking a drunk in a beer cellar.

..develop a sense of humour..

It will never happen though, because these same people that feed the trolls will never admit the possibility that they take themselves far too seriously. But don't blame the troll, blame the person who has difficulty with reality.


Have a beer, friend! You hit it on the nose!

:)

I'm sure you are correct. But, did you ever wonder if one or two of these trolls actually believe what they are saying? <shudders>
There is a subtle difference between trolls and zealots.

Trolls will say outrageous things just to watch people get mad. Zealots will say outrageous things because they actually believe it.

I can't help it. Certain people round here make me do it. They are so damn rude and self righeous to other people sometimes, I just have to goad them.

If only they could learn manners it wouldn't happen.
Don't goad them. If they're rude and self-righteous, then they're eventually going to cross the line into Mod-actionable behavior. If you want, you can try to reasonably refute their points, but don't let them pull you down to their level.

Discipline*. Patience. If you can master these two things, then they'll serve you well.

* Self-control might be a better word, here.

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation
"Think about it for a moment."

Hooray for Gary Coleman

There is a subtle difference between trolls and zealots.

Trolls will say outrageous things just to watch people get mad. Zealots will say outrageous things because they actually believe it.


Don't goad them. If they're rude and self-righteous, then they're eventually going to cross the line into Mod-actionable behavior. If you want, you can try to reasonably refute their points, but don't let them pull you down to their level.

Discipline*. Patience. If you can master these two things, then they'll serve you well.

* Self-control might be a better word, here.

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation
"Think about it for a moment."


I can't help it. Like I said, its the big red button marked "do not push". What's worse, is that some of them, in threads I haven't posted in, and when I haven't been around for a while, suddenly refer to me for no reason at all (usually in a very rude manner.)

That only eggs me on. I mean come on, how insanely funny is that?

Hooray for Gary Coleman

Mr. Coleman rules.

There is a subtle difference between trolls and zealots.

Trolls will say outrageous things just to watch people get mad. Zealots will say outrageous things because they actually believe it.



So, what is the clue to knowing with which you are dealing? They sound alike to me.

So, what is the clue to knowing with which you are dealing? They sound alike to me.
Trolls say things that are offensive(if taken seriously) but not personally offensive, zealots are the ones that end up claiming your argument is wrong because you are into fucking horses or something like that.Or that your argument means you are stupid//sociopathic etc.

Mr. Coleman rules.
thats Captain Coleman :D

What you talkin' about, Willis?

Trolls say things that are offensive(if taken seriously) but not personally offensive, zealots are the ones that end up claiming your argument is wrong because you are into fucking horses or something like that.Or that your argument means you are stupid//sociopathic etc.


That is an excellent analysis. A real troll prides himself on provoking anger solely through holding ridiculous opinions, and will feel no need to stoop to personal attacks. (Unless it would be really funny at that moment).

Then Lacadaemon was born, and I declared fatwah on Micheal Moore.

That was a quality thread. I was amazed by the number of people who thought you were serious.

But yes, trolling is the fault of the troll. No matter what kind of enabling behavior the rest of the board participates in, one must make a conscious decision to troll.

That was a quality thread. I was amazed by the number of people who thought you were serious.

But yes, trolling is the fault of the troll. No matter what kind of enabling behavior the rest of the board participates in, one must make a conscious decision to troll.

Yes, I even had Unfree People going for a while.

This thread must not die. At least not until Gary Coleman is the undisputed winnar.

I've given a lot of thought to this and I have come to an inescapable conclusion: Trolling is not the fault of the "trolls."



Aren't trolls those big ugly creatures. You know, like on Hary Potter, or LOTR, or in any number of fantasy books, movies and games. *little kid voice* trolls are scarry. *shudders*

i voted for all of them

Lacadaemon, I forgot you were the one that started that 'fatwah on michael moore' thread. That pissed so many people off...you are my hero! Please sensei (spelling?) teach me the ancient arts of trolling and smartassery so that I too may take pleasure in causing males and females alike to spontaneously suffer cases of PMS/sand in vagina no matter the time of month!

So, what you're saying is that you're a giant ass?

Of course not. A giant ass wouldn't have the organs to survive...O you meant in the figurative sense. Maybe, are you an ass if you like to piss off idiots but treat normal people with dignity?

Of course not. A giant ass wouldn't have the organs to survive...O you meant in the figurative sense. Maybe, is it being an ass when you like to piss off idiots but treat normal people with dignity?

There's nothing wrong with being a giant ass (in the figurative sense). I'm a giant ass. I just wondered if Lacedaemon was actually admitting it.

There's nothing wrong with being a giant ass (in the figurative sense). I'm a giant ass. I just wondered if Lacedaemon was actually admitting it.

Yes, but it's not my fault. People provoke me with their sanctimonious behavior and I end up reverting to a giant ass. Like the hulk, but not so green.

It basically is a admittance of being an ass. Nothing greater for the smartass than trolling, which is something Lacadaemon is encouraging with pride. Asses unite!...form of...

Yes, but it's not my fault. People provoke me with their sanctimonious behavior and I end up reverting to a giant ass. Like the hulk, but not so green.

I just want you to admit you're a giant ass. It's okay if you are. Like I said, I'm an ass, and I think most people on NS and in my real life would agree completely.

*trolls*

From what I've read on this forum, I would say it's the fault of people like you Lacadaemon... :)

isnt patronizing self righteous grammar correcting intellectual snobbery itself a form of passive-aggressive trollery? the responses to trolls isnt just enabling its trolling too--theyre just trolls who try and get a false facade of the moral high ground by having someone else start the trolling

isnt patronizing self righteous grammar correcting intellectual snobbery itself a form of passive-aggressive trollery? the responses to trolls isnt just enabling its trolling too--theyre just trolls who try and get a false facade of the moral high ground by having someone else start the trolling
we were all hoping you would blame trolling on Bush, or at least Cheney :(

But I love trolls! It's well known fact in real life that I'll argue with a fence post. Who better resembles a fence post than some of the trolls?

But I love trolls! It's well known fact in real life that I'll argue with a fence post. Who better resembles a fence post than some of the trolls?


The people who insult them?

And Gary Coleman is still in the lead. (Excellent).

we were all hoping you would blame trolling on Bush, or at least Cheney :(
Bush doesnt have the intelligence to troll and Cheney is too busy salivating over the fact that people are dying while hes making money

Bush doesnt have the intelligence to troll and Cheney is too busy salivating over the fact that people are dying while hes making money www.democracynow.org
fixed.

fixed.
:D :D :D

Keep those votes for Gary Coleman coming in folks- if he gets a 100 votes max barry is making him head mod for this forum.

...these same people that feed the trolls will never admit the possibility that they take themselves far too seriously. But don't blame the troll, blame the person who has difficulty with reality.

Ahh, I still have a warm spot in my heart for Catese. If ever there were a master baiter...

Bumped to allow More adoration of Gary Coleman.

I am sometimes tempted to troll myself...or even create an alter ego to do nothing but deflate egos...but I don't know...

You see, some of the people who might be trolls sound awfully like real people with real (weird and/or extreme) views. It's not always easy to tell the nuts from the trolls.

I agree people need to tone it down...I try hard not to attack people personally...but I'll attack their arguments. I find however that sometimes even doing this attracts trolls...I mean, if you aren't interested in actually debating something, why bother posting? The thread strays completely from the topic and rarely can get back on track. That's true even when the posters NOT trolling the thread aren't being extreme. (of course, your opinion on what is extreme likely varies from mine)

So, while I too am tempted by people who fly off the handle, I don't particularly appreciate being in a thread that gets hijacked. I don't see the point.

I gotta say though...I'm awfully tempted to hijack this one.....

I am sometimes tempted to troll myself...or even create an alter ego to do nothing but deflate egos.
I gotta say though...I'm awfully tempted to hijack this one.....
Why not turn this thread about trolling into a temple of gary coleman? Its what Lac would have wanted :(

You see, some of the people who might be trolls sound awfully like real people with real (weird and/or extreme) views. It's not always easy to tell the nuts from the trolls.

I gotta say though...I'm awfully tempted to hijack this one.....

I wonder, am I a nut or a troll ;)

That is an excellent analysis. A real troll prides himself on provoking anger solely through holding ridiculous opinions, and will feel no need to stoop to personal attacks. (Unless it would be really funny at that moment).
Is this some sort of troll code of honour? I'll keep it in mind...what do you do with the trolls who stray into the forbidden area of personal attacks....oh wait, you say that's allowed...ok, you lost me...

Does it just have to be funny to you?

I wonder, am I a nut or a troll ;)
The nuts are the people who take the trolls seriously ;)

Is this some sort of troll code of honour? I'll keep it in mind...what do you do with the trolls who stray into the forbidden area of personal attacks....oh wait, you say that's allowed...ok, you lost me...

Does it just have to be funny to you?
He cant answer you :(

He cant answer you :(
But you're kind of a troll, aren't you? Don't you have some answers?

He knows what he's saying is moronic and mostly made up, but the person decrying the lack of intelect seems geniunely confused as to whether or not it could be true. (Why else get so angry).

Because stupidity, even supposedly "fake" stupidity, pisses me off. I can't speak for everyone else..

But you're kind of a troll, aren't you? Don't you have some answers?
Sure but I doubt you want to hear them ;)