Posted on 01/05/2022 5:07:34 AM PST by jimjohn
The Proper Approach to Online Trolls
Interesting times we are living in, where we are in daily conflict with a progressive narrative that seeks our own destruction. This is a message to those as a caution to make sure we do not become our own worst enemy. While we seek to defeat said enemies, both foreign and domestic, we sometimes overlook the adversary within. In many cases, such an adversary may merely be a troubled soul; but just the same – a distraction.
I am referring to what is commonly known on social media as ‘a troll’: a person who for whatever reason, seeks to add nothing to enhance productive dialogue, but the opposite. These are the types who respond in threads with insults, snarky comments having little to nothing to do with the ongoing dialogue. It’s expected on other social platforms such as Twitter. Regrettably, it has too often found its way on to this forum.
I have experienced these types in the past, long before social media was even invented. In most cases, we learned it was a manner in which such persons were seeking attention they felt they deserved. In some cases, it was a deliberate attempt to change the subject matter; their way of interrupting the free flow of ideas, especially if said dialogue was constructive. In some cases, it was a subconscious cry for help. Loneliness, depression, and/or frustration with one’s self causes them to act out; jumping into the social pool as early as possible to gain attention, cause confusion, or just sharing their own frustration in life for the same reasons.
You’ll recognize them in the manner of their comments.
As we mature in life, we learn when engaging in human interaction, what matters most is not what happens to us, but how we respond to whatever comes. Regardless of how we respond, in the cases of the subjects of this writing, it is in fact the response – any response they seek. When a well-meaning person responds at what usually comes as a personal attack, the ‘troller’ has accomplished their goal of making the victim give unnecessary attention to those making the initial ‘snarky’ comment. They troll for your response, only to fire with more back in return. Arguing, insulting, and demeaning is their goal; with its primary purpose of bringing you down to their level.
But what we have learned from the past holds true today. The best response to such types is…
… No response at all.
A lack of response to their inflammatory comments allows proper dialogue to continue without interruption, and puts the ‘troller’ at odds. They must attempt to escalate the confrontation, knowing that by doing so, they will further expose themselves to who and what they really are. At a point – when they realize no one will give them their un-diserved attention, they will find another thread to harass. In many cases, when they finally recognize the social island on which they’ve placed themselves, perhaps some internal reflection may come upon them; where they learn to address others in a manner to which they expect to be addressed.
Until then, I would encourage all to respectfully ignore personal attacks on this and other forums. We have many battles to face in the coming months and there is no use wasting time battling others over ‘light and transient causes’, or people just ‘baiting’ a response just so they will have someone to talk to other than themselves. As new social platforms are being developed to counter others that have been poisoned by this type of behavior, let us all work to not become the social platform(s) that we oppose.
Just my $0.02
- jimjohn
(P.S. This post is not meant for anyone in particular. But if you feel that it is directed at you for some reason, you're probably right).
humblebummer and a couple others never address the subject. astoids or whatever always makes some remark about him and his wife instead of saying anything about the subject. Humblebummer never address the subject.
They are trolls.
“What if some people got together and worked to out-troll, the trolls? Dosing them back with a taste of their own medicine...exposing their hidden liberalism...showing the weakness of their flawed characters....exposing that they aren’t really motivated by politics; beliefs; integrity...?”
Curiosity? Since just about everyone calls everyone they disagree with a troll, how many purists would be left to support the site after this gang of “Troll rooters” are done? Would there be a fair trial? 20 purist good old boys left?
Maybe moderation should be left to the admins and moderators than to roving gangs with special interests... Pretty hard for anybody to find a true jury of their peers in here.
That is a singularly brilliant sketch.
Just brilliant, every word of it.
And what makes it great, truly great, is...it is simply hilarious!
I know that a number of those guys were liberal dweebs, but...I do appreciate greatness...:)
New posts of articles that sustain and fulfill FreeRepublic’s mission of advancing constitutional conservatism are always well-received. Everything else is Chat.
“humblebummer and a couple others never address the subject. astoids or whatever always makes some remark about him and his wife instead of saying anything about the subject. Humblebummer never address the subject.
They are trolls.”
I don’t think it is that simple... Sometimes we have to put ourselves in the shoes of the domain owner.
My observation with Humblegunner is that he is more than just a normal user. Somehow he has skin in the game and a personal interest in this domain. So putting myself in the shoes of the domain owners, he does provide a needed service. Even though he is occasionally off base with his suspicions, most times he is right by pointing out true efforts to SPAM this domain.
There is absolutely no reason someone has to link a content source “Through” their own blog website and domain when it can be linked directly from the original source. This is the very definition of “Blog Spamming”. I will grant you though that sometimes he is a bit hasty in determining true intentions to spam and those that are not intentions to spam because the blog “IS the original source” and no one is intentionally trying to get hits by linking through their own blog.
Prison rules.
#YouPeople
Do what my kids do; roll your eyes and say, “whatever, pops”.
They don't say, "Okay, boomer"?
Is that one already out of style>
Lol, and you sound just like him... :)
As a domain owner myself, and after years of administrating and moderating forums, I see value in some users just being useful by nature.
But my view point is different than most I suppose. While most are only interested in their own personal experience with the I. Me, Mine. I also see the domain owner’s side of the situation in the whole picture.
One can never forget about the interests of their host as a first priority. Because your host is, and without the host... And I share this in support of the FR even though I have strong interests in a different conservative forum myself.
Karen, Karen, KAREN!!
Boring morning. Boring market today...my ETF’s are going sideways.
Say something. Come on Man! :)
.
How DARE you. Humblegunner wishes he sounded like me. As a domain owner myself, and after years of administrating and moderating forums, I see value in some users just being useful by nature.
It's always good to get the nerd perspective.
Apreesh.
This is a most entertaining thread.
:)
Just Damn.
I’m going to a different thread.
And lose my charming and most endearing Texas accent?
As if.
I can teach you how to speak Californy. Just axt a nukka.
You're welcome.
And all for free.
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