TBF's "Troll" trouble

[SFG75]

Do you think we have a problem with trolls here? Do we have people who start threads to only to pick fights with others? Do we have folks who just argue for arguing's sake and who seek to spread their contentious nature around on this place? Are there some people who when you see that they post, just make you shake your head?

*Please-NO SPECIFIC MENTIONING OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS. this is for those who have mostly observed without saying a thing. Here's your chance. Have fun.

 

[KristoCat]

I haven't been here for terribly long but I come every day and I think people for the most part are fairly open-minded around here, or at least civil with their opinions and mostly respectful of others. The only exception I can think of was the Books and Intelligence thread, which got a little nasty, but other than that, angels and harps all the way. Rock on

 

[sirmyk]

Other than the occasional "I am smarter than you" tantrum, or the seldom insult-by-not-straight-forward-insult kind of post, or even the often "I'll just say something absurdly clever" (don't worry bobbyburns, I won't mention you here) remark, this forum seems relatively tame, you troll-bashing ****! Just kidding (see the smiley?)

 

[Ya Krunk'd Floo]

I too have only been here a twinkle, but I think it's important to recognise the difference between a blunt rejection of a particular view-point and an act of 'trolling', ie. arguing just for argument's sake.

Also, it is a truism that not everyone debates or discusses in the same manner; some do so light-heartedly, some furious with rage and some as stoic as a mountain, but as quiet as a mouse. All these types are engaged in the same act, but are contributing in different styles.

Sometimes, the greatest acts of 'trolling' are committed by the ones who call foul of others. They are unable to comprehend the fact that people behave differently, so they resort to immature name calling as they lack the ability to confront and debate with someone who doesn't conform to their prescription of 'debate/disscussion'. Those are the most trolling of trolls.

 

[mehastings]

I think we've had a few moments where trolling seems to be an issue. I've seen statements directed at myself or others made by people with very low post counts that made me think. There have been a couple usernames pop up that I've thought were trolls. I'll admit though that the latest public "troll spotting" I came across didn't set my little tinglers off. I don't really know that there is anything that can be done though.

 

[Shade]

I agree with Ya Krunk'd Floo. I've been in heated disagreement with other members as much as anyone, on the aforementioned Books and Intelligence thread and others (Mainstream Blockbusters etc.), but there's never been any descent to the personal or name-calling, nor can I think of any examples where people have apparently started threads just to argue (if that's what 'trolling' means). This is what debate and discussion is all about.

I would be more concerned about spamming and the general lack of in-depth book discussion on the Book Forum.

 

[Motokid]

Censorship....a word that brings the hackles up on so many people who enjoy books, reading, art, and music and.....

Be careful what you ask/vote for here. As long as people are not advertising/spamming or attacking a member personally, or getting too political or religious then we are within the scope of the forum. Self-policing in the form of simply ignoring obnoxious posts is really the best way to combat something you don't like here.

Labeling some post, or some member as a problem simply because of the text within is too subjective, and kinda dangerous if you ask me.

 

[Zolipara]

I have never used it but there is a ignore feature on the forum. Perhaps you should use it if there is certain posters you have trouble with.

 

[francesca]

The level of so called trolling that we see on here is more within the realms of provoking debate and discussion, I have only really seen one example of what I thought was deliberate provocation and when I saw the low amount of posting done by said person, it kind of made me think Troll. But really it's nothing and I think we are all able to deal with it in the time honoured way - by ignoring it. If you want to see some real trolls pop over to IMDB or one of the huge public forums, it makes your hair stand on end.....

 

[Motokid]

I realize that the 5, who've so far voted that "something should be done" , may not feel comfortable enough to publicly come forward, but I have to question what that "something" should be. It's one thing to point to a post, or a member, and call it/them a problem, but quite another to offer a resolution. What exactly are "you" thinking should be done about the so called trolling?

 

[novella]

I agree with Ya Krunk'd Floo. I've been in heated disagreement with other members as much as anyone, on the aforementioned Books and Intelligence thread and others (Mainstream Blockbusters etc.), but there's never been any descent to the personal or name-calling, nor can I think of any examples where people have apparently started threads just to argue (if that's what 'trolling' means). This is what debate and discussion is all about.

I would be more concerned about spamming and the general lack of in-depth book discussion on the Book Forum.

Ditto. To the casual observer it may appear that certain regular posters have troll-like tendencies, but over time they've proven themselves to be interested in deep discussion. You can't judge a longtime poster based on the two or three comments you happen to see.

On the other hand, what kind of person would come to a book forum and post something like "what should I read?" or "would you rather read standing on your head in the back of a car or sitting on a train in Amsterdam eating fried chicken?" That stuff is pointless.

 

[francesca]

Ditto. To the casual observer it may appear that certain regular posters have troll-like tendencies, but over time they've proven themselves to be interested in deep discussion. You can't judge a longtime poster based on the two or three comments you happen to see.

On the other hand, what kind of person would come to a book forum and post something like "what should I read?" or "would you rather read standing on your head in the back of a car or sitting on a train in Amsterdam eating fried chicken?" That stuff is pointless.

I totally agree with you on this, there is no meaningful debate if people cannot express themselves and their opinions in their own way. There is no point in pointing the finger and shouting Troll Alert just because someone has a certain way of expressing themselves that doesnt match other posters' ideals, here of all places individuality should be celebrated not castigated.

 

[Kenny Shovel]

Wow, an intelligent discussion on trolls, is this an internet first?

 

[ruby]

I havnt been here that long myself but i find people are open minded with the way they express there opinions,thats not trolling! Thats having your right to say what you think! And if things do turn nasty usually a mod will step in and calm it down!

 

[jenn]

get rid of them all so we can go back to talking about.......what were we talking about?

i will admit that when i first signed up i was really put off and intimidated by troll like behaviour and also by some of the aggressive debating. it's not my style in daily life. however i have grown to appreciate and love it. i girl cannot live on spam alone, i have tried. i may not always contribute but i do enjoy reading it. i guess the only time i would say a line has been crossed is when a comment is meant solely to inflame and shock, and has no context within the debate. i know it is meant to amuse the poster, but it gets boring after a while. it reminds me of a party that is going really well and then someone comes in with an asinine joke that no one thinks is funny except the person telling it. while he is killing himself laughing the rest of the group is trying to figure out what they were talking about before. i've never understood that kind of person.

 

[Robert]

I have never used it but there is a ignore feature on the forum. Perhaps you should use it if there is certain posters you have trouble with.

Excellent! Thanks, Zolipara, I was unaware of this feature.

 

[novella]

Excellent! Thanks, Zolipara, I was unaware of this feature.

I hope you're not going to ignore me, Robert!

 

[Stewart]

The biggest problem with the Ignore feature is that you can't put the moderators that you would like to ignore on the ignore list.

 

[Robert]

I hope you're not going to ignore me, Robert!

Now why in the world would anybody in their right mind ignore you, novella?

 

[Ell]

The biggest problem with the Ignore feature is that you can't put the moderators that you would like to ignore on the ignore list.

Stewart, you're hurting my feelings.

Really, the best way to deal with troll-like behaviour is to ignore it. Trolls only thrive when people respond by taking their bait. The 'ignore' feature helps you avoid posts from those you find aggravating. The downside is that you might miss part of an interesting discussion.