45 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
45 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

What is a "Troll"?

by GT
38 replies
  • OFF TOPIC
    • |
Hello, Forum Friends:

Here is an honest, sincere question:

In Internet terms, what is a "troll"?

About five or six years ago, when I was a complete novice to the Internet, I joined an online discussion group and tried to participate in the discussions and initiate new topics. I didn't think I was doing anything different from most of the other members, but one day, I got accused of being a troll! From that moment on, I was snubbed or shunned by the other members.

I didn't know then, and I still don't know now what a "troll" is in Internet terms. I didn't worry about that experience because I didn't think I had done anything wrong. And I didn't bother to look up the meaning of "troll" in Internet terms.

Since that time, I have seen the term used only a few times but I am now wondering what it means.

Please enlighten me: in Internet terms, what is a "troll"? Thanks!

GT
  • Profile picture of the author policy
    Troll (Internet) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571149].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author GT
      Originally Posted by policy View Post

      Hello:

      Thanks for this link - it's a great explanation ... but I am looking for responses and opinions from WF members as well.

      Hmm. Reading the def, I can see where I might have gone wrong, all those years ago.

      One thing it says is "posting with the intent of provoking an emotional response." In my opinion, that is a real grey area. Some forum threads are strictly informational and technical, yes, but many are emotionally-oriented. That is, members offer their personal opinions on the subjects being discussed. And some members DO post comments with a respectable intent to encourage an emotional response from other members.

      I suppose you just have to read and follow a thread thoroughly enough to get a sense of the tone and perspective of the members, then try to match them appropriately.

      GT
      Signature

      * You Can Begin Earning Affiliate Income Here – Direct Commissions and Residual Income!
      * Home Business Resources and Affiliate Opportunities
      * Visit This Library to Expand Your Knowledge – Blog Post
      * Reinventing Your Life - Make the Rest of Your Life the BEST of Your Life!
      * Follow Me On Twitter ===> MyPowerSite <===| gtbulmer | StarrBizzcom

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571240].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Patrician
        Originally Posted by GT View Post

        Hello:

        Thanks for this link - it's a great explanation ... but I am looking for responses and opinions from WF members as well.

        Hmm. Reading the def, I can see where I might have gone wrong, all those years ago.

        One thing it says is "posting with the intent of provoking an emotional response." In my opinion, that is a real grey area. Some forum threads are strictly informational and technical, yes, but many are emotionally-oriented. That is, members offer their personal opinions on the subjects being discussed. And some members DO post comments with a respectable intent to encourage an emotional response from other members.

        I suppose you just have to read and follow a thread thoroughly enough to get a sense of the tone and perspective of the members, then try to match them appropriately.

        GT
        I think you might be misconstruing something - well there are so many interpretations and DEGREES of trollism.

        I think what is meant by 'provoke a response' would not be in an 'animated, passionate discussion, per se'.

        It would play out more like this:

        # scenario

        Group is having a discussion - small talk between a few friends - trite - whatever, everyone participating is having fun, etc.

        Troll comes and says I think Jim Bob is a Girly Girl. (he will DISRUPT or PROVOKE) a response.

        # scenario

        Thread/group is having a discussion on a topic whatever it is.

        Troll will come and completely change the subject - just hijack the thread and typically it will be something completely unrelated

        # scenario

        Thread is a business discussion typically leading to a direct sale.
        Seller and prospects are having Q&A etc.

        Troll will come and say he got it much cheper down the street at FFF.com or in some other way DISRUPT the flow - even accusing seller, etc (with no justification).

        I happen to like Troll Dolls and I am sure they are not related to Internet Trolls. Real trolls are OVERTLY hostile if so, and they don't need to pull SMARMY or butt in to disrupt or offend.
        Signature

        Patricia Brucoli
        Plug-In Profit Site Helpdesk

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571344].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Killer Joe
    Originally Posted by GT View Post

    Hello, Forum Friends:

    Here is an honest, sincere question:

    In Internet terms, what is a "troll"?

    GT
    A. Anybody that uses a two letter nickname.

    KJ
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571162].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
    Hi GT,





    Hope that Helps!

    ~*MM*~
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571281].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Killer Joe
      Geez Michael,

      It looks like Becky's been at work here...:rolleyes:

      KJ
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571297].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
        Originally Posted by Killer Joe View Post

        Geez Michael,

        It looks like Becky's been at work here...:rolleyes:

        KJ
        KJ, I'm not touching that one with a 10 foot pole!

        ~*MM*~
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571311].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
        Originally Posted by Killer Joe View Post

        Geez Michael,

        It looks like Becky's been at work here...:rolleyes:

        KJ
        You sound jealous. No worries. Just wait till my "Toe Nail Domination" WSO comes out, then you too will know how to pull down the big bucks. Plus, you'll learn secrets not shared anywhere else, like the tip on page #33 about dental dams. And the tip on page #87 about always having a lot of alcohol on hand (both the rubbing and drinking kinds).
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1573097].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
          I think I saw one in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."
          Signature
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1573230].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Killer Joe
          Originally Posted by R Hagel View Post

          You sound jealous. No worries. Just wait till my "Toe Nail Domination" WSO comes out, then you too will know how to pull down the big bucks.
          Becky, I sure hope there are some killer famunda recipes in your WSO...:p

          KJ
          Signature
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1573591].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Motley
    Trolls generally just post to start trouble. Even if they dont believe what they are posting, they do so because they have sensed that someone in the thread will flip out if that response is posted and they will keep poking at that person just to watch them freak out that much more.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571319].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by Michael Motley View Post

      Trolls generally just post to start trouble. Even if they dont believe what they are posting, they do so because they have sensed that someone in the thread will flip out if that response is posted and they will keep poking at that person just to watch them freak out that much more.
      Is THAT why you and your cat donned those foil hats!?!?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1573379].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Michael Motley
        Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

        Is THAT why you and your cat donned those foil hats!?!?
        ..mmmaybe
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1573420].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Sumit Menon
      Originally Posted by Michael Motley View Post

      Trolls generally just post to start trouble. Even if they dont believe what they are posting, they do so because they have sensed that someone in the thread will flip out if that response is posted and they will keep poking at that person just to watch them freak out that much more.
      So, kinda what I do in real life...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1573405].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
    GT,
    Just remember this,


    Patricia,
    Here ya go!



    ~*MM*~
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571350].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jared Alberghini
    I think GT is a Girly Girl.

    I like french fried potatoes. Do you?

    Buy my ****. It's cheaper than poopsenders - the ULTIMATE gag gift - SWEET revenge at its finest

    Please waste your time responding to me.

    Anyone who posts in your thread GT, you can assume is a troll. :p

    (How'd I do Patrician?)

    P.S. DON'T FEED THE TROLLS!
    Signature

    P.S.

    Join The Future: Telekinetic Marketing

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571371].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jared Alberghini
    Disclaimer: I am not a troll, I just play one on the WF OT forum. :p
    Signature

    P.S.

    Join The Future: Telekinetic Marketing

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571385].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jared Alberghini
    Patrician,

    Your "How to be a Troll" instructions aren't working for me yet... nobody has taken the bait... :confused:

    Any advanced trollish tips you have for the trolls in training? :p

    .jrd
    Signature

    P.S.

    Join The Future: Telekinetic Marketing

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571398].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jared Alberghini
    Apologies for the attempted thread hijack GT, I'm still trying to win the 50 consecutive posts game...
    Signature

    P.S.

    Join The Future: Telekinetic Marketing

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571405].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
      Originally Posted by Jared Alberghini View Post

      Apologies for the attempted thread hijack GT, I'm still trying to win the 50 consecutive posts game...
      Now, We can't have that can we? Nope!

      Please restate your questions and I will try to answer them prior to the next Blue Mood which lands on a changing Decade....Um, In like 91 years!

      ...was that correct Silvia?

      Silvia....You out there? What, You're not? OK.

      Never mind Jared!

      ~*MM*~
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571437].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author GT
      Originally Posted by Jared Alberghini View Post

      Apologies for the attempted thread hijack GT, I'm still trying to win the 50 consecutive posts game...
      No need for apologies, Jared. It all adds to the spirit of the thread. And we have enough troll-watchers to keep tabs on anybody who gets out of order.

      GT
      Signature

      * You Can Begin Earning Affiliate Income Here – Direct Commissions and Residual Income!
      * Home Business Resources and Affiliate Opportunities
      * Visit This Library to Expand Your Knowledge – Blog Post
      * Reinventing Your Life - Make the Rest of Your Life the BEST of Your Life!
      * Follow Me On Twitter ===> MyPowerSite <===| gtbulmer | StarrBizzcom

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571959].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jared Alberghini
    Originally Posted by Michael Mayo View Post

    Now, We can't have that can we? Nope!
    Once again ~MM~, thanks for crushing my hopes and dreams. :rolleyes:
    Signature

    P.S.

    Join The Future: Telekinetic Marketing

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571453].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    But of course you may, Jared.

    ...but somebody will have to help me spell hemroid. We do not want to give the impression that Troll Annihilators are illiterate.

    Let's have a little Preparation J -
    Signature

    Patricia Brucoli
    Plug-In Profit Site Helpdesk

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1571915].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    Yeh, so now 'Troll' has gotten to take on new connotations and as well can be a 'name calling name' (like stupid, fat, parochial/religious, neocon/commies, etc.)

    Dirty Bad Trolls.
    Signature

    Patricia Brucoli
    Plug-In Profit Site Helpdesk

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1572088].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    "Hub Cap Diamond Star Halo"


    Signature

    Patricia Brucoli
    Plug-In Profit Site Helpdesk

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1572094].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    'Speaking of the Devil'!

    OK then there are Joker Trolls. They can get away with a little trollish behavior as they are really ok otherwise - ohreally? -

    Actually I exhibit some trollish behavior myself as I am a dyed in the wool thread hijacker. Even in the off topic forum I can't stay on topic.

    I think I get away with it... Anybody nursing any secret hatred can get over it.

    If not I apologize.
    Signature

    Patricia Brucoli
    Plug-In Profit Site Helpdesk

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1572265].message }}

Trending Topics