The Definition of a TROLL

fear4freedomfear4freedom Posts: 920
edited October 2012 in A Moving Train
The definition of a TROLL!!!!!

I am not copying and pasting here....this is just how I see it. I have done no research on this either....so if you have...you surely should add a nice thought or two here for everyone to read.

Trolling is done for various purposes and reasons. In the blogo-sphere arena we have many platforms in which discussions, conversations, arguments, debates, posting are done. We all know too well that there are tactics involved in how to change the topics, meanings and contexts of those messages.

People who have an agenda to change the topic, the meaning, the context of the posting are considered trolls. Trolling is in response, usually to a post, in which "the troller" disagrees. They will do anything to de-construct the original meaning and content of the post. They will post many responses in order to "bully" their way to change the context or original meaning. In the process, they limit the full potential from other people to join in. This process keeps others from joining in and enjoying it. The result leads to people walking away from it altogether. It also stifles any learning that may come from it.

Sometimes "the troller" wont even know they are "trolling" as they are blind to their own actions and words. This form of bullying is many times not fully understood from those who practice it. Many times they will use forceful words, foul language and certain tactics to change the conversation's meaning and full potential of what it could have led to. If they change the course of the conversation to their favor, they believe that they win. If they dont know they are doing it, they are ignorant, inept and selfish.

Usually this tactic comes with personality and attitude. One who cannot read anothers opinion without responding or getting angry, is lacking empathy! They should be able to understand others opinions!
Trolling is when someone surfs blogs, posts, sites and seeks out opportunites to implement thier ideology, opinions and tactics whenever they can. They will use multiple names, accts, etc. to remain anonymous in some situations.

A Troll will find an event for opportunities, such as atteding a political event that contains %80 or more from one side. A troll usually finds an arena in which they are outnumbered by a very large margin. They consider this "ideal territory" to have a big influence. A good example of this might be when a liberal person attends a Tea Party and tries to make a video that depicts someone doing something bad or mean. The influence of that video can be a powerful thing. Another example could be when a conservative person finds a liberal blog on the internet and RESPONDS to all the posts on there in a way that is aggressive, antagonistic and dishonest. The purpose is to anger the members on the site, just as the purpose of the liberals video is to mislead and anger the opposition.

Question is.....is AMT a "liberal blog site", or is it a place for both sides to be equally heard? If its supposed to be equal, then the only trolling done here would be that of one who "sabatoges" posts with multiple responses. If AMT is non-partisan, then no one side owns this page! If AMT is non-partisan, then we all should be able to post according to the rules without being persecuted by management or sabatoged by other members. We should also be able to post anything, within the guidelines, from any site out there! Its up to us as individuals to do our homework and find the truth. Who's to say that their sites and resources are the truthful ones? Who makes that determination? You do! So from here on out, there should be no favorites played by anyone from all sides.

So the only one Trolling around here should be KAT to investigate you....in a fair way for both sides!

You can read a post you disagree with and not respond.....you can take some time to think about it and have empathy for others. You can also take some time and thank the other side, as it has taken both sides together, to build this great nation!
Theres no time like the present

A man that stands for nothing....will fall for anything!

All people need to do more on every level!
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments

  • comebackgirlcomebackgirl Posts: 9,885
    A few thoughts on this...

    I don't really see many "trolls" on here. While there are quite a few threads that end in chaos and veer totally off topic, I think that's more due to communication issues and styles than "trolling." I say that because I haven't seen anyone consistently seek out and thwart threads that differ from their own views; maybe I just haven't been on here long enough. I do see people post fairly consistent views from thread to thread; this is a good thing.

    In terms of threads veering off topic and devolving into nonsense, I think this happens for a few reasons. One reason is topic overload. When you have numerous threads on the same page that are basically focused on the same issue with slightly different headlines, well....people are going to have trouble maintaining that focus. As human beings we have limited attention spans and we need uniqueness to maintain focus. So if your topic isn't unique, there's an increased chance this will happen.

    The more important issue I think is the tone of the original post. I think of this as kind of the introductory paragraph to an essay, or thread in this case. If the post is well thought out and lends some direction to the discussion, and if the OP shows some investment to the topic by staying involved in the discussion, I think the thread is more likely to stay focused. Sometimes threads have a fairly provocative opening post, with little guidance for discussion, and then the OP all but disappears, or doesn't engage in dialogue with other posters, but may post an occasional monologue throughout. This feels like "thread bombing" to me. I think these are the threads that devolve. If it's a serious topic to the OP, then a serious tone to the original post will help maintain that tone throughout the thread.

    I also think if we label people as "blue", "red," or say people have their "pom poms out", etc. etc people are going to naturally become more defensive and be a lot less likely to hear what you have to say or to take it seriously.

    The way we communicate is going to impact the way people communicate with us.

    Ultimately this is a political forum on a band's message board. That's not to say that we shouldn't discuss serious topics with a serious tone, but sometimes it helps to remember what originally brought us all here.

    And hey - I am prone to getting easily distracted as well. Life is serious, the pit is my escape...chaos will sometimes ensue. I welcome a PM with a gentle nudge alerting me that I need to get back on track or if you believe I have been disrespectful to you. We're all big boys and girls on here...we can work through communication issues like adults and without name calling.
    tumblr_mg4nc33pIX1s1mie8o1_400.gif

    "I need your strength for me to be strong...I need your love to feel loved"
  • most people know who the trolls are. trouble is, the trolls don't know who they are.
    Gimli 1993
    Fargo 2003
    Winnipeg 2005
    Winnipeg 2011
    St. Paul 2014
  • dignindignin Posts: 9,338
    I heard somewhere that if you have a low post total and a creepy profile pic, you are a troll. Shit, I think I just outed myself.
  • dignin wrote:
    I heard somewhere that if you have a low post total and a creepy profile pic, you are a troll. Shit, I think I just outed myself.


    Meh. I've been out since 1988.

    Is there a troll pride parade? What do I wear to something like that?
  • dignin wrote:
    I heard somewhere that if you have a low post total and a creepy profile pic, you are a troll. Shit, I think I just outed myself.


    Meh. I've been out since 1988.

    Is there a troll pride parade? What do I wear to something like that?

    a pandora's box.
    Gimli 1993
    Fargo 2003
    Winnipeg 2005
    Winnipeg 2011
    St. Paul 2014
  • riotgrlriotgrl LOUISVILLE Posts: 1,895
    A few thoughts on this...

    I don't really see many "trolls" on here. While there are quite a few threads that end in chaos and veer totally off topic, I think that's more due to communication issues and styles than "trolling." I say that because I haven't seen anyone consistently seek out and thwart threads that differ from their own views; maybe I just haven't been on here long enough. I do see people post fairly consistent views from thread to thread; this is a good thing.

    In terms of threads veering off topic and devolving into nonsense, I think this happens for a few reasons. One reason is topic overload. When you have numerous threads on the same page that are basically focused on the same issue with slightly different headlines, well....people are going to have trouble maintaining that focus. As human beings we have limited attention spans and we need uniqueness to maintain focus. So if your topic isn't unique, there's an increased chance this will happen.

    The more important issue I think is the tone of the original post. I think of this as kind of the introductory paragraph to an essay, or thread in this case. If the post is well thought out and lends some direction to the discussion, and if the OP shows some investment to the topic by staying involved in the discussion, I think the thread is more likely to stay focused. Sometimes threads have a fairly provocative opening post, with little guidance for discussion, and then the OP all but disappears, or doesn't engage in dialogue with other posters, but may post an occasional monologue throughout. This feels like "thread bombing" to me. I think these are the threads that devolve. If it's a serious topic to the OP, then a serious tone to the original post will help maintain that tone throughout the thread.

    I also think if we label people as "blue", "red," or say people have their "pom poms out", etc. etc people are going to naturally become more defensive and be a lot less likely to hear what you have to say or to take it seriously.

    The way we communicate is going to impact the way people communicate with us.

    Ultimately this is a political forum on a band's message board. That's not to say that we shouldn't discuss serious topics with a serious tone, but sometimes it helps to remember what originally brought us all here.

    And hey - I am prone to getting easily distracted as well. Life is serious, the pit is my escape...chaos will sometimes ensue. I welcome a PM with a gentle nudge alerting me that I need to get back on track or if you believe I have been disrespectful to you. We're all big boys and girls on here...we can work through communication issues like adults and without name calling.

    I think you are right on with this response. It seems pointless to respond to some threads because some ideas seem destined to chaos from the very first post. I would love to see more serious posts where we can actually engage with others about some real issues.
    Are we getting something out of this all-encompassing trip?

    Seems my preconceptions are what should have been burned...

    I AM MINE
  • hedonisthedonist Posts: 24,524
    riotgrl wrote:
    I think you are right on with this response. It seems pointless to respond to some threads because some ideas seem destined to chaos from the very first post. I would love to see more serious posts where we can actually engage with others about some real issues.
    Agree with both of you girls/grls ;)

    Trolling aside - or even as part of the mix? - there's no need to engage or stoop to those levels, yet some do with the same snarkiness, sense of anger, righteousness. But in the process, they lose the right to shout "troll!" at another.
  • brianluxbrianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,409
    If bating is a characteristic of trolling, I would say a lot of trolling goes on here. My understanding is that, technically speaking, trolling is an overt attempt to sabotage a thread purely for the purpose of sabotage. That's different than being ironic or joking. Irony and humor can be very effective in making a point-- although unfortunately some have a problem with that. So again, as I see it, the real problem here is bating which is much more mean spirited than using humor or irony. It also requires less thinking in formulating a post.
    "Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!"
    -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"

    "Try to not spook the horse."
    -Neil Young













  • hedonisthedonist Posts: 24,524
    Is baiting even an issue if no one bites?

    Same for meanspiritedness, whether by a "troll" or one who responds in kind...?
  • brianluxbrianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,409
    hedonist wrote:
    Is baiting even an issue if no one bites?

    Same for meanspiritedness, whether by a "troll" or one who responds in kind...?

    Well, there's no arguing those points. Well said. (I resist the urge to use humor and irony. ;) )
    "Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!"
    -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"

    "Try to not spook the horse."
    -Neil Young













  • comebackgirlcomebackgirl Posts: 9,885
    brianlux wrote:
    If bating is a characteristic of trolling, I would say a lot of trolling goes on here. My understanding is that, technically speaking, trolling is an overt attempt to sabotage a thread purely for the purpose of sabotage. That's different than being ironic or joking. Irony and humor can be very effective in making a point-- although unfortunately some have a problem with that. So again, as I see it, the real problem here is bating which is much more mean spirited than using humor or irony. It also requires less thinking in formulating a post.
    Baiting, yes - that's what I was trying to get at when I was talking about the provocative thread titles. Everyone probably wants to be heard, and while certain statements might receive a lot of attention, they're probably not really "heard." A serious thread title that doesn't include offensive labels, etc is more likely to garner serious discussion. Provocative titles are more likely to devolve into chaos with blame being thrown at people for not staying on topic or discussing it seriously...it's just a game people play.
    tumblr_mg4nc33pIX1s1mie8o1_400.gif

    "I need your strength for me to be strong...I need your love to feel loved"
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    for me a troll is one who is very mean and ugly to others...
    like in billy goat gruff

    but people use it based on whether they like the person, know the person or agree with
    with the person meaning those aren't the trolls

    It is childish and very "clique"-y to the point of nauseum

    OP your last paragraph....
    spot on! :thumbup: :clap::D
  • ZosoZoso Posts: 6,425
    I think some people 'troll' and don't even recognise it
    I'm just flying around the other side of the world to say I love you

    Sha la la la i'm in love with a jersey girl

    I love you forever and forever :)

    Adel 03 Melb 1 03 LA 2 06 Santa Barbara 06 Gorge 1 06 Gorge 2 06 Adel 1 06 Adel 2 06 Camden 1 08 Camden 2 08 Washington DC 08 Hartford 08
  • brianluxbrianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,409
    brianlux wrote:
    If bating is a characteristic of trolling, I would say a lot of trolling goes on here. My understanding is that, technically speaking, trolling is an overt attempt to sabotage a thread purely for the purpose of sabotage. That's different than being ironic or joking. Irony and humor can be very effective in making a point-- although unfortunately some have a problem with that. So again, as I see it, the real problem here is bating which is much more mean spirited than using humor or irony. It also requires less thinking in formulating a post.
    Baiting, yes - that's what I was trying to get at when I was talking about the provocative thread titles. Everyone probably wants to be heard, and while certain statements might receive a lot of attention, they're probably not really "heard." A serious thread title that doesn't include offensive labels, etc is more likely to garner serious discussion. Provocative titles are more likely to devolve into chaos with blame being thrown at people for not staying on topic or discussing it seriously...it's just a game people play.

    Ah, and if it's just a game then that is more like trolling and, like you say, unlikely to be heard.

    Also, we'd all- me included- do well to remember the posting guidelines here.

    And f4f, I don't mean to be offensive in my criticism, but seriously, what is your point here?
    "Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!"
    -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"

    "Try to not spook the horse."
    -Neil Young













  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    Zoso wrote:
    I think some people 'troll' and don't even recognise it
    I agree! most especially with cartoons ;)
  • BinFrogBinFrog MA Posts: 7,309
    Irony.
    Bright eyed kid: "Wow Typo Man, you're the best!"
    Typo Man: "Thanks kidz, but remembir, stay in skool!"
  • BinFrog wrote:
    Irony.

    no kidding.
    Gimli 1993
    Fargo 2003
    Winnipeg 2005
    Winnipeg 2011
    St. Paul 2014
  • comebackgirlcomebackgirl Posts: 9,885
    pandora wrote:
    Zoso wrote:
    I think some people 'troll' and don't even recognise it
    I agree! most especially with cartoons ;)
    Pandora - if you have a problem with the cartoon and are unwilling to accept my apology, report me. Now. Then you can move on from it.
    tumblr_mg4nc33pIX1s1mie8o1_400.gif

    "I need your strength for me to be strong...I need your love to feel loved"
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    pandora wrote:
    Zoso wrote:
    I think some people 'troll' and don't even recognise it
    I agree! most especially with cartoons ;)
    Pandora - if you have a problem with the cartoon and are unwilling to accept my apology, report me. Now. Then you can move on from it.
    Are you being defensive? I did not mention you.
    Hey we see many cartoons they are great trolling tools,
    often just appear with little said, meant to aggravate and insult another group of people,
    sometimes with humor.
  • comebackgirlcomebackgirl Posts: 9,885
    pandora wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    I agree! most especially with cartoons ;)
    Pandora - if you have a problem with the cartoon and are unwilling to accept my apology, report me. Now. Then you can move on from it.
    Are you being defensive? I did not mention you.
    Hey we see many cartoons they are great trolling tools,
    often just appear with little said, meant to aggravate and insult another group of people,
    sometimes with humor.
    Fine. I reported myself and you. I hope you won't continue to engage with me on this
    tumblr_mg4nc33pIX1s1mie8o1_400.gif

    "I need your strength for me to be strong...I need your love to feel loved"
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    BinFrog wrote:
    Irony.

    no kidding.

    We know why you follow me around ... why is that again?


    BinFrog shows up to just dis my posts adds nothing to a thread.
    Hmmm can we say troll?

    Really it comes down to whether you like a person or not.
    Taking sides against they are a troll
    taking sides for they are amusing

    it's a popularity contest and like the OP said this is a very left leaning group here ...
    but we're working on it ;) that's supposed to be humor :lol:
  • Who would have thunk it....

    I didnt see where this thread was heading...
    :roll: :roll: :roll: :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:
    Take me piece by piece.....
    Till there aint nothing left worth taking away from me.....
  • BinFrogBinFrog MA Posts: 7,309
    Not sure you really understand what a troll is.
    Bright eyed kid: "Wow Typo Man, you're the best!"
    Typo Man: "Thanks kidz, but remembir, stay in skool!"
  • riotgrlriotgrl LOUISVILLE Posts: 1,895
    hedonist wrote:
    Is baiting even an issue if no one bites?

    Same for meanspiritedness, whether by a "troll" or one who responds in kind...?


    Exactly! I haven't been around as long as some of you but I have already figured out the trolls even though they are usually the ones denying it over and over again. Since we all seem to recognize, and agree in many instances, then we should take their power away and stop responding, AT ALL, to any thread they start or participate in. Then maybe they would go troll elsewhere and we could engage in a real debate and discussion rather than continuing to respond and report each other for offensive nonsense.
    Are we getting something out of this all-encompassing trip?

    Seems my preconceptions are what should have been burned...

    I AM MINE
  • Each and every one of you is a fucking troll.....
    Take me piece by piece.....
    Till there aint nothing left worth taking away from me.....
  • BinFrogBinFrog MA Posts: 7,309
    Each and every one of you is a fucking troll.....


    We love you too.
    Bright eyed kid: "Wow Typo Man, you're the best!"
    Typo Man: "Thanks kidz, but remembir, stay in skool!"
  • g under pg under p Surfing The far side of THE Sombrero Galaxy Posts: 18,200
    Each and every one of you is a fucking troll.....

    Again, IF it is OK I agree... :D

    Peace
    *We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti

    *MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
    .....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti

    *The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)


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