*7* TROLLS *7*


7.A - What is Trolling?

The use of the word "trolling" comes from the fishing technique where a
baited hook is dragged through the water, in an attempt to attract and
catch a fish. Usenet trolling is the act of posting an article, or
"troll" *baited hook* in a Usenet newsgroup *the water* with the
intention of attracting the native inhabitants *groupers* and provoking
an emotional response *caught*. The phrase was originally coined as
"Trolling for flames", where the posters intention was to incite a
"flame war", the Usenet intellectual equivalent of a bar fight.

7.B - What is a Troll?

It is convenient that the word "troll" has multiple meanings. Aside from

the fishing example above, "troll" also is the name of a mythical
creature, generally thought of as ugly, fat, cantankerous, wart-covered,

smelly, and completely unlikable. Since trolling is typically thought of

as a detestable and unsavory activity performed by loathsome,
contemptible hooligans, the name "troll" fits them quite well. There are

two basic troll species. Those with overactive minds *busy brain, ADHD,
whatever you want to call it* constantly seek out new sources of mental
stimuli. For these, newsgroup satire acts as a sort of *Mental Floss*.
And there are those who are permanently disgruntled, or "physically
short changed" in some way and seek out ways to compensate for their
shortcomings through vicious personal attacks against others in order to

achieve a *Mental Erection*. These, while potentially entertaining,
generally do not follow R.A.T. - Rules of Acceptable Trolling.

7.C - Why do Trolls troll?

There are as many reasons as there are trolls. Many trolls are just
practical jokers attempting to amuse themselves and their audience. Some

have genuine animosity toward a particular group or individual that they

believe has done them wrong. Some are just loathsome, contemptible
hooligans bent on disrupting the ordinarily peaceful exchange of useful
information for their own perverted pleasure. Usenet provides a medium
to create and express oneself, and gives the added dimension of
anonymity, allowing the troll to create and express emotions, thoughts
and ideas that he/she might not ordinarily express. For many, Usenet is
the first and only place their creative works will ever be "published".
Check out this interesting Article :

http://www.gameoracle.com/html/Articles/Trolls/troll_index.htm

By Joseph Twu

7.D - What do I do if I see a Troll?

This is more a matter of personal taste, but here are a few tactics that

you can use...

i.) Ignore the troll post, responding to a troll only encourages him or
her to repeat their actions.

ii.) Give them an emotionless response saying that their behavior is not

warranted. It's no fun to read serious posts if you're a troll.

iii.) Killfile the troll. It is considered that this action to be
warranted only after a repeat offense. Plonk at will.

iv.) DON`T threaten to report them to their ISP, this just causes them
to troll more..

v.) DO Report them to their ISP - only in the most severe circumstances.

Cross-posting ridiculous posts is just kids play and it is not
acknowledged as a serious offence...the Troll is easily Kill-
Filed...even if they do change their names frequently, it only takes
another click and they`re gone.

vi.) Don`t FEED the Trolls...`KILL` them !