What is a 'troll"?

Look here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_%28Internet%29

From our FAQ

The Care and Feeding of Internet Trolls

It is very important not to feed, tease or harass a troll. This makes you guilty by association.

Use the report button to report the troll and Let The Staff Handle It

Flaming and name calling is also against the rules. So if you are being called names, report it and we will take care of it.

What if we like teasing trolls? :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrielacy 

From our FAQ

 

The Care and Feeding of Internet Trolls

 

It is very important not to feed, tease or harass a troll. This makes you guilty by association.

Use the report button to report the troll and Let The Staff Handle It

 

Flaming and name calling is also against the rules. So if you are being called names, report it and we will take care of it.

I know it's a serious thing, and I'll admit, like the OP, at first I didn't understand what one was either since I had never been on any other forum.

But that part I highlighted still makes me giggle every time I see it. I always picture a little troll under a bridge....

One problem is drawing a line between a troll post and a merely controversial post. I think I have it worked out now on here but the Mods. might have their line drawn in a different place. Their job is made more difficult when a decent exchange of views is transformed by a few posters who seem determined to drive a thread to it being locked because others disagree with them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chocolate m'scovy 

What if we like teasing trolls? :)

Then you will be a troll by association.

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmtheFishLady 

Gah. I had one as a kid and I hated it.

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by mississippifarmboy 

I know it's a serious thing, and I'll admit, like the OP, at first I didn't understand what one was either since I had never been on any other forum.

 

 

But that part I highlighted still makes me giggle every time I see it. I always picture a little troll under a bridge....

Right? The Billy Goats Gruff. PLus teasing a troll will make the troll throw more poo on you.

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by thaiturkey 

One problem is drawing a line between a troll post and a merely controversial post. I think I have it worked out now on here but the Mods. might have their line drawn in a different place. Their job is made more difficult when a decent exchange of views is transformed by a few posters who seem determined to drive a thread to it being locked because others disagree with them.

Any post intended to draw a knee jerk reaction is considered a trolling post. Any post started so the OP can eat his or her popcorn and watch the train wreck is a trolling post. And post with the 2 cents added in to stir the pot is a trolling post.