I didn’t mean to imply that we must coddle or humor trolls who are derailing the thread (e.g., repeating the same complaints or questions over and over, name-calling, ridicule etc.) I was requesting that FReepers avoid “shoot first, ask questions later” whenever possible when they are unsure of visitor’s intentions.
Some people who trolled our threads long ago genuinely believed Q was fake. Now some have changed their minds - I recommend giving them a chance to participate “normally” if they want to.
For those unknowns who ask the same questions thread-derailing trolls have asked, I suggest politely directing them to the links in the table at the top of the thread. If they are seeking info - they can find it.
If they are trolls baiting users to waste time prior to venting their anger on us - they can ignore the helpful suggestion re the table but at least it’s quick, without us being expected to fill their blank slate with information before they go “off” on us. We can direct “Who is Q” or “I don’t get it” type questions to the links at the top of the thread.
When I go to a thread, I don’t expect everyone else to bring me up to speed, but I appreciate being pointed to resources and after reading/watching them, asking some questions. However, I don’t arrive on a research thread expecting full classroom instruction to cover everything that has previously been learned. Those who won’t review linked or recommended content are probably not going to be content to follow Q - Q asks us to think and to research.
Understood, RN.