Forum Etiquette - Don't Feed the Troll

A forum by definition is an open space - communication where like minded people can share and help each other - be it a game, a particular theme , or even a medical condition. So what do you do if you receive a comment that makes you cringe , a review that Rant or information that makes you want to forget ?

Did you try to explain or discuss this person? Do you try to reason with them and show them the error of their ways ? Have you personally?If this is the case , you may open an internet troll . What you can expect is a long list of insults all his written legacy her mother style.


When you have spent time and energy to research and write a large room, or just a harmless opinion expressed in an open forum , being struck by an anonymous rogue sniper can be very daunting . Why do this ?


In other words , they have nothing better to do.The Internet is a wonderful place to learn and share ideas . People from all walks of life around the world can discuss their experiences and knowledge in a seemingly safe environment. The problem is that it is a safe environment for everyone - including bullying. Anonymity generates boldness. They can say whatever they want and not have to face the consequences. Bullies thrive on the Internet , especially in the forums.


IDENTIFICATION OF A TRUE TROLL


You do not want to overreact . You can get a bad taste in the mouth of a place of chance and get their feelings hurt by someone who means no harm , which is perfectly natural. Take a deep breath and make sure you do not take personally something that could have been done for you. Before starting a war , make sure you have a real troll on your hands. Here is a three step process to identify a troll :


# 1: Identify the difference between information and constructive insults.


It happens. Spelled "their" or " your " wrong. You published a broken link or asked a question in the wrong area . He crosses posted by accident. A well-meaning person lets you know . Thanks and correct. End of exchange. This is not a troll is someone who really wants to help - we are all in the same boat. Constructive criticism is how we learn and grow. This is how forums work for the common good . This is not a troll , is a soul sister .


# 2: Determine the agenda


As you can see , most people just want to help. Some are curious, some just do not know better. Be polite , but do not be too hard . Frankly, the real troll agenda is always the same : they want attention , and the more negative the better. They thrive on being bad .


# 3: Determine if the offender is deliberately baiting you.


Are you new to the forum ? They are new to the Internet? Her mother tongue is the same as yours ? Are they really stupid or just curious ? These are very important questions that are relatively easy to answer , just read your other posts. The difference between a beginner and a troll has the intention and tenacity.

Intent : The real trolls spend their time scanning the web for anything that allows them to start a fight. They are very good at what they do . Most of us consider a pimply loser laughing to himself as he corrects grammar and insult your operating system or historical references, but that is not what the average troll looks like. The vilest and most effective trolls are more educated than argue like snobs . Sincerely feel they are better than everyone ( although obviously a lot of free time due to their lack of true friends ) Think " Frasier " with issues and severe PMS mom. These trolls spend hours preparing the perfect lap , and even if the text can be made ​​artistically , his attacks have almost the same number of classes ( and purpose ) as a drive-by egging . His intention : to intimidate someone who mourn cyber 


TOUGHNESS : No matter what you do , these tyrants not give in. They just will not let go, even if they are proven otherwise . You can not win , period. They have the tenacity of a pitbull on steroids , minus the cuddliness .

Bottom line: If you are violently attacked by a honest mistake , a question or a valid opinion in an open forum , you can assume you have a troll in his hands.


MANAGEMENT TROLL


How is a managed Internet troll ? There is only one rule:


# 1: Do . No. Engage.


In response to a troll that encourage them . They continue to discuss , bash and rant , even if you agree with them. Many blogs and forums have photos to remember " DNFTT " - do not feed the trolls. Respect . Remember that food is a troll attention - attention. You have the right to ignore , delete, unfriend , or any other method available for silence, according to the website . Let it go . Not worth the effort .


For sites that do not allow you to control and / or remove comments ( a bookseller named after a great river comes to mind ) , just let the trolls do their thing. Unresponsive or tries to explain , you're worse than you. Most people recognize a troll when they see one . If you look you will see that ( assuming you still use the same username) , are never useful for everyone. They are always in a bad mood . Nobody pays attention to them if you either.