Any troll on an internet message board is "doing it for the the lulz" (look it up). They are wanting attention and want us to get angry. So doesn't arguing back at their bigotry mean they are getting what they want? Is the best solution to report and leave trolls alone so they go away out of their own eBoredom?
2007-05-08 20:42:46 · 20 answers · asked by Daniel 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
clarification:
"doing it for the lulz"
enter this into yahoo search, it'll give Encyclopedia Dramatica as the first result. Check that one.
2007-05-09 04:54:23 · update #1
Hello Daniel,
I agree with you to a certain extent. Some people are bigoted and no amount of friendly persuasion or logic is going to turn them around. Some of them are just Attention Wh0res and simply eat up all of the postings that they attract.
However, some of them might be just young and inexperienced of the world and maybe just having someone to show them a different way of thinking is all that they need.
Now the fun part is knowing the difference. :-D
--Rick
2007-05-09 06:16:18 · answer #1 · answered by rickrudge 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Arguing in general means you both lose. May he who has not sinned cast the first stone. A person changing opinion against their will is of the same opinion still. This is a case of whether or not you want to be the one to say "Here's my strings and you go ahead and pull those for a while and I'll be upset". Nobody can make you do anything against your will. Nobody can jump into your thought process and physically make you feel anger. There's a billion opinions in the world. More than that. And you're not steaming mad now are you? No of course not, because you're not exposed to them. It's the same thing here. Why put this person's opinion into a place where it can upset the choices you make about your own life. I never choose to be angry in situations where people may want attention or have any other form of opinion that may seem to be against me. It'd be like saying "If only you were more like me, then I wouldn't have to be upset at you." Which clearly is nonsense. It's common sense that without this factor of free thought and opinion, there is not the diversity that stimulates creativity. The best thing you could do in any situation would be to extend love to the person. If he's truly out for attention, he'll let you know by showing little to no care to your genuine love towards him. Someone who is troubled and at an outreach will change when you show them compassion. It's all they were looking for to begin with but inertia simply had them at a very low level at that point in time. There are racists in the world, but I'm happy to give them their free opinion too. I won't limit anyone. Only you know what is right for you. If you feel the need, report them. But I find that the best way to solve problems of such sorts are to remove my attention from them as to no longer give them the energy they're seeking, and then to take steps in solving the situation whether in this case it be moving to another boardroom and suggesting the same to your friends or simply reporting them as stated prior. You'll make the right choice for you and that's the best thing that you could do.
2007-05-09 07:50:23 · answer #2 · answered by Answerer 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You got it right with the " Yes" if you feed into their sickness they will come after you like a pack of Wolves - They are bored and love the attention - Report your on going Troll Trotting to the Site you are on - I know there is not a whole lot they can do , though they can trace and keep a eye out for them
2007-05-09 03:50:47 · answer #3 · answered by pattijohughes 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well depends on the topic, the education level of the troll, and how entertaining it is. Most of the time I like to read on but not rather participate because then I get angry..why when they are hiding behind a computer screen.
2007-05-09 04:19:29 · answer #4 · answered by tklush_2001 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the situation. If it's a serious discussion between a large number of people and they chose to stereoype their argument than you can answer that argument; they make strawmen of themselves. Ironically, Anne Coulter is the best argument FOR liberals: she's so over the top that only the sickest aren't disgusted by her rants.
2007-05-09 03:49:09 · answer #5 · answered by rambertram 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't really argue with them. I usually point out any and all grammatical errors, point out that they are, in fact, a troll, and then wrap the whole package up in a nice insult tortilla. Maybe I'm giving them what they want, maybe I'm not, but it I'm sure they'll still be around even if I ignore them.
2007-05-09 03:49:24 · answer #6 · answered by Jack S 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Is that what trolls are? I've always wondered. Well, to be honest, i don't read all the rantings and ravings of some people, i just go on to the next question. Does that annoy the trolls?
2007-05-09 03:47:00 · answer #7 · answered by Sandy 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
A lot of them don't go away if you ignore them. That's not to say arguing is the solution, but it is a lose-lose situation, in most cases.
Trolls will be trolls.
2007-05-09 03:45:17 · answer #8 · answered by Nitz Frugent 6 · 7⤊ 0⤋
not unless you're clever and like to tell them off without getting angry. So long as you get some entertainment out of being a wise guy.
2007-05-09 03:51:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes it's hard to tell they are trolls for a while. But when you do see that they are trolls, it is more fun to taunt them and watch them get all tied up in knots trying to make you mad.
Cruel, maybe. Fun, yes :-)
2007-05-09 04:32:18 · answer #10 · answered by Bluewaterwoman 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋