One small correction to your post,UCANSEE2...there are two options in a case like this,civil debate with the "troll" or put him/her on your "pay no mind" list.Actually,I just thought of a third option...report the "troll" to the moderators who may,or may not ban the offender temporarily or permentmently.We all know of many folks who have experienced the "Viking kitties"...some of them are even old timers like me.
Trolls aren't civil (usually resort to personal attacks) and aren't interested in debate.
or put him/her on your "pay no mind" list.
Which I do, once they make it apparent they think this is FACEBOOK or TWITTER, or are trying to 'bait' posters into attacking them just to get them banned.
Actually,I just thought of a third option...report the "troll" to the moderators who may,or may not ban the offender temporarily or permentmently.
An option that I avoid. I feel everyone has a right to their opinion, especially if I disagree with them, and the only times I have resorted to punching the ABUSE button is when it is clear they are only interested in MAKING PERSONAL ATTACKS, because that's all they got.
I have probably punched ABUSE on my OWN POSTS more than for any other posters comments.