Toolkit: Trolls

[AS1975]

The number one tip when dealing with trolls:

Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

Secondly, if it is on a news or opinion site and they don't use their own full-name, then value their opinion appropriately, the same value you would give to what someone has scrawled on a toilet wall would be appropriate.

I dislike trolls, they are generally pointless little people, who like to argue in circles. I personally believe trolls should be named, shamed and have their addresses published, with a legislative free hit for anyone they've upset/angered. Alternatively, they ought to be jailed and made to understand that their rights and freedoms are only as important as other people believe them to be.

 

[Britt.f7]

AS1975, that is how the troll behaved. All he did was talk in circles and try to use big words for little things. I had the feeling he was trying to sound like he was really smart. He didn't.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Some trolls find it a power trip to play head games behind a computer screen. They get off on it. They are seeking attention and to stir up troubles for others. It is just a big game to them.

 

[AS1975]

Trolls and other pointless individuals are the bane of the internet, it has empowered them and their pointless opinions and enabled them to flourish. When I grew up, if you had an opinion you were free to spout it as long and as loud as you were prepared to stand up and defend it. If you weren't prepared to lose teeth in support of said opinion, it was effectively debunked by your walking away from the defence of it. Free Speech is an important right, invoking it in support of worthless drivel dilutes that right and trivialises our freedom.

 

[Whitneys story]

Great thread! Another one for positives of the forum. Does anyone actually research the policies of a site before involving in conversation?

I have been on the internet since it was known as a spyder. Yes, It has incredible sources. Maybe I am different! My father believed and beat us to accept, if it is printed; it is truth. No wonder I am still asking questions. Just another perspective. I am accountable to myself for where I venture on the net.

I would never trust someone else to make this decision for me. And yes my tool kit has wheels, it would be far to heavy to carry. JMHO look before you leap! Hugs Whitney

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Whitney , boy is that ever true. Look before you lleap. I get nervous when someone quotes me. I think I will get something negative. I do not know everyting and I make no claims to. Big sigh.

 

[Britt.f7]

Whitney, I don't know where you are from, but in America there is some insurance company that has a hilarious commercial involving that everything on the internet is true. The girl states that everything written on the internet is true an it has to be otherwise they wouldn't put it on the internet. Then she says she was waiting for her date that she met on the internet. She said he was a french model. He was, obviously, not a model. I guess you have to see it. It doesn't sound too funny this way. But it was.

 

[Britt.f7]

Gizmo, you would think that people understand that things are your opinion. It should be acceptable and as long as it isn't accusatory or stated in a way that is offensive, it shouldn't be a problem. So far I've never seen any of your posts that were questionable. So try not to worry if someone quotes you.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Thanks Britt for the encouragement. I really appreciate it alot. I have had a few ruffled feathers and it all smoothe out. So I am more cautious. I think being prepared that it could go either way is balanced. But thank you for being so kind. I wil not worry anymore. Big hugs.

 

[Britt.f7]

Big hugs to you Gizmo!

 

[BloomInWinter]

"Question your tendency to pity too easily.
Respect should be reserved for the kind and the morally courageous. Pity is another socially valuable response, and should be reserved for innocent people who are in genuine pain or who have fallen on misfortune.

Wow, has this changed my life dramatically. I use it both online and off, and it's given me back several hours of my life every week.

 

[Lucycat]

The number one tip when dealing with trolls: Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

Note to self - stop engaging.