Have we now attracted more than 50% of all Internet trolls to the R&S forum?

Question

In Internet terminology, a troll is someone who intentionally posts messages about sensitive topics constructed to cause controversy in an online community such as an online discussion forum or USENET groups in order to bait users into responding. They may also plant images and data on networks that others may find disturbing in order to cause confrontation. More specifically a troll is an insult or accusation made against a poster. It would be highly unusual for any internet poster to claim the title of troll, rather a community member may try to deflate a post that is controversial or thought provoking by referring to it as a “troll”.…To call someone a troll is to say that any dispute over a post is not valid not because the issues raised are not valid, but to claim the intent of the poster invalidates the post. As a speech act, the term troll is generally used as an ad hominem argument, attacking the poster rather than the content or issues of the post. …The word likely gained currency because of its apt second meaning, drawn from the trolls portrayed in Scandinavian folklore and children's tales; they are often ugly, obnoxious creatures bent on mischief and wickedness. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_troll

Answer 1

It wouldn't surprise me. After all, religion (and politics) are the most divisive issues on earth and have become easy targets.

Luckily, some of the time we can see through the veil and act or answer appropriately

Answer 2

"To call someone a troll is to say that any dispute over a post is not valid not because the issues raised are not valid, but to claim the intent of the poster invalidates the post.... the term troll is generally used as an ad hominem argument, attacking the poster rather than the content or issues of the post."

I find it much more common that someone is called a troll because of their misbehavior, rather than because the person calling them that is trying to avoid the issue. That's not to say it doesn't happen, but it would appear to be a rarity.

Answer 3

I have no problem with controversial subjects. hat I don't think is useful is bigoted ad homonym attacks. Many people think free speech gives validation for this type of attack yet some countries such as the one I live in have laws that are designed to protect promoting hatred towards an identifiable group. This means more than just disagreeing strongly with someone. I realise not al countries have this law but it is a good standard just the same.

Answer 4

Are trolls anything like the Keebler elves? Or lawn ornaments? Mine got stolen along with the pink flamingos and the wooden fat lady bending over to show her bloomers.Just wondering.

Answer 5

Depends on the type of trolling. Humor trolls are a good thing. Hate trolls are not.

Answer 6

Hmmm? Perhaps. This subject area does seem to attract those who would try to incite the ire of others. It's really too bad the old message boards went away. As I once said they were needed for the extremely angry and compulsive folks to vent their feelings.......

Answer 7

Hey Sparky, more fun for everybody not just the atheist trolls. Cheers.

Answer 8

a troll is in the eye of the beholder..some people ask question for information some in jest and a ton of other reasons...real curiousity..seeing how the majority or minority think..

Answer 9

trolls live in norway how did thay get on the internet

Answer 10

We probably deserve it for being:

a) Kind hearted and naive.
or
b) Argumentative and defensive.