Trolls and the art of trolling

[Rob Tucker]

For the first few years of Punaweb things went along rather smoothly. I first encountered Trolls about a year ago (2006) and didn't quite understand the term. For those who do not know what a Troll is here is the internet definition:

An Internet troll, or simply troll in Internet slang, is someone who intentionally posts controversial or contrary messages in an on-line community such as an on-line discussion forum or group with the singular intention of baiting users into an argumentative response

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wikipedia advice: Before you post a reply, consider the effect your comments may have. When you do respond, remember that a temperate response is always best, whether trolling is suspected or not.

Experienced participants in online forums know that the most effective way to discourage a troll is usually to ignore him or her, because responding encourages a true troll to continue disruptive posts — hence the often-seen warning "Please do not feed the troll".

Frequently, someone who has been labelled a troll by a group may seek to redeem their reputation by discrediting their opponents, for example by claiming that other members of the group are closed-minded, conspirators, or trolls themselves.

It seems to me that Punaweb has experienced two types of trolling. Foreign Trolls who show up, drop a few verbal bombs, and chuckle as they disappear to some other trolling adventure somewhere else. And....

We also have experienced domestic homegrown trolling. Where the brouhaha and friction is more compelling than the topic itself for some of our regular members.

As moderator I will be more attentive to both of these and will be deleting and admonishing more than I have had to in the past. I will not be taking the time to explain every action or to engage in arguments about it. Another technique I will employ is to "lock down' a topic that is getting trolled and it will gradually sink to the bottom of the stacks.

There is, of course, some hope that - despite our growing numbers - the general theme and tone of discussion here on Punaweb will be informative, respectful and civil.


Punaweb moderator

[mgeary]

Rob said Wikipedia said:

quote:

---

...with the singular intention of baiting users into an argumentative response...

---

Whew! Saved by the "intention" clause. I still have pangs of shame about the way that I barged onto your website. I admit to making "controversial or contrary" posts, really before I introduced myself or even became a part of your little e-community. However, those posts were created with the honest intent of intellectually exploring some creative alternatives to an existing problem. After I'd shared some ideas, which were controversial, I know, I quit when I'd said all that I thought was relevant and constructive.

I didn't then, nor have I really ever, I think, been a "troll". That's not my style, and I don't really understand the mindset of people who do "troll". Isn't there enough turmoil in our daily lives without creating additional turmoil, intentionally?

Thank you, Rob, for the work that you do with this website. I've learned a great deal about my future neighborhood, and some of my future neighbors, and will surely learn more. Things I never even heard of, or thought of, like sewage in the Champagne ponds, construction styles like single-wall framing and pier-and post underframing, neighbors dumping slash on vacant lots, and finding at least one company which may help my potential construction project weave throught the thickets of planning, design, permitting, and finding contractors.

Thank you for allowing me to better learn to live Hawaii.

Aloha.

How do I know?

Edited by - mgeary on 12/08/2007 14:04:50

[Rob Tucker]

You are welcome.

Life is for learning......

Punaweb moderator

[malolo]

"I still have pangs of shame.."

Ha! Silly mgeary!
You're not guilty of trolling!

Unless of course you're a fisherman...and then my guess is you'll find a number of kindred souls here.

Also! There's no rule here, about posting an official legal-name-and-address/mother's-maiden-name introduction. In this day and age of Internet weirdness and such, there's actually much to be said for maintaining one's privacy.

~~~matrolo

[DanielP]

Rob,

I found myself being baited over the last couple of months myself. I finally realized, duh, that I would be better off not reading or replying.

Mahalo and peace, Dan

[Kelena]

Hi Rob,
Thanks for this website. I would not be a Punatic without it (and that would be a bad thing!).

There is a wide misconception in America about the concept of "Free Speech". The Free Speech guarantee in the First Amendment to the US Constitution only operates to protect against governmental impingement upon speech. It does not guarantee the right to co-opt a privately owned forum. Privately owned forum? -- No "free speech". Period.

So, Rob's forum, Rob's rules. Cool with me.

[Bill]

Thanks, Rob!!

I like your style.

I too would like to see Puna Web drift back to the informative, helpful, and courteous exchange that has helped so many of us in our transisition to Hawaii and its culture.

Bill

[Dave M]

Thanks Rob,

I honestly don't think of myself as a troll, and yes I'm familiar with the term. I did respond to Jay Jay and i have to admit I looked at his/her number of post and decided they had a high enough amount of post that he/she wasn't a troll.

I will have to admit and apologize to the forum simply for the fact that I am usually active on several debate forums. I have to check myself down and remember that this is not one of those forums.

I appreciate this forum. The information that is available here is priceless to those of us that have and are moving to the BI.

With that said, Yes, I was posturing for a discussion with JJ and again I apologize and must say thanks Rob, for shutting it down.

For the rest of the members, if in any discussion you feel I'm starting to press you into a debate and/or a discussion that hits below the belt please just tell me to lighten up and use the term "agree to disagree" and I'll bow out.

Blessings,
dave


"Sometimes your the bug and sometimes your the windshield"

[malolo]

"I honestly don't think of myself as a troll"

Ha! Silly Dove!
You're not guilty of trolling!

Hmmm. Hang on. Unless perhaps there's something else you think we should know about you!
http://imaclanni.blogspot.com/blog/trolls.jpg

~~~~~~~

Edited by - malolo on 12/08/2007 19:59:10

[Dave M]

LMAO.. Thanks Mo,

I dated a girl that had a collection of trolls like that.. I also went out with a girl that had a 7 ft boa constrictor. Noo.. it wasn't part of her act. Well.. I dont think it was. Hmm.. come to think of it maybe it was, I don't know what the snake was for. LOL... I didn't stick around to see the show.

So now you know..


Blessings,
dave


"Sometimes your the bug and sometimes your the windshield"