the internet troll

[+ Tom Isern]

Julie Zhuo writes, "Well-designed commenting systems should also aim to highlight thoughtful and valuable opinions while letting trollish ones sink into oblivion." I'm posting this not trying to send a message, but because I know some here have been concerned about this in the past...

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/30/opinion/30zhuo.html?WT.mc_id=OP-SM-E-FB-SM-LIN-OAB-113010-NYT-NA&WT.mc_ev=click

[jackhammer91406]

interesting...

 

I found the article interesting and frustrating. Thanks for posting the link.

 

In a related item, I noticed that our "old" friend has a thread that has once again shown his skill at promotion and manipulation. I read only the original post and then left the thread alone. But I notice that with enough prompts from posts that seem to belong to "new" posters, this thread continues to occupy a top spot day after hour after day. I met the guy referred to in the thread once and wasn't much impressed, but then my views are well known and some here, whom I have met and would call friends, would disagree vehemently.

It reminds me of something Hooboy is reported to have said naming this fellow the most expert at self promotion of anyone he had ever met. I might agree with that assessment.

Now what, I wonder, would be the name assigned for someone like that...(not a troll surely). AND, would my post qualify as a troll response?

[GoodFella69]

Enjoyed reading this thought-provoking and timely op-ed piece. Tom, thanks much for sharing it.

 

Goodfella69

[justaguy]

I didn't check to see if it was still there, but Daddy had a post titled don't feed the trolls. IMO, the best way to deal with provacative posts is not to respond in any way. Responding keps the thread alive and rewards the troll.

[seeker630]

In a related item, I noticed that our "old" friend has a thread that has once again shown his skill at promotion and manipulation. I read only the original post and then left the thread alone. But I notice that with enough prompts from posts that seem to belong to "new" posters, this thread continues to occupy a top spot day after hour after day. Now what, I wonder, would be the name assigned for someone like that...(not a troll surely). [/color][/size][/font]

I won't try to guess who is 'new' , but without truly new posters, this board will wither & die. And I would expect at least some new posters to be curious about the extreme responses certain topics generate. As for self-promotion...tho it simetimes sems distasteful to those of us who are more modest or introverted, it's a good skill to have, especially in these times.

Just my opinion.

[raife]

A whole lot of shilling going on, that's for sure! Did you notice the subtle "I pay... $300 plus..." in the rates thread? (Funny he picked that particular amount...) My fingers were itching to dive in but I successfully steered clear of both those drama fests. Fun to watch, though! Who'll pile on next?

[instudiocity]

Now what, I wonder, would be the name assigned for someone like that...(not a troll surely).[/color][/size][/font]

He's certainly of the ilk of a Ron Popeil, Tony Robbins, Richard Simmons, Billy Mays or Vince Offer.

 

LOL!

[Guest greatness]

Thanks Tom for sharing this. I just hope no one targets anyone with this post. Kisses and hugs~~