Trolls Trolling

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 10:03 am

I have been banned for two weeks on a Financial Forum in which I participate. I re read my apparent offending post and don't understand the fuss. How tough are the moderators on Forum Garden? Have you ever been banned?

In Internet slang, a troll (/ËˆtroÊŠl/, /ËˆtrÉ’l/) is a person who sows discord on the Internet by starting arguments or upsetting people,[1] by posting inflammatory,[2] extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a newsgroup, forum, chat room, or blog) with the deliberate intent of provoking readers into an emotional response[3] or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion.[4]

Post by **LarsMac** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 12:27 pm

Some of the stuff you've posted, of late, would qualify as trolling.

I think that if you began such posts with, "I just received this in an email (or on Facebook, etc)" making it clear where you came up with it, perhaps it would be better received.

Here, Admin is pretty tolerant. I have been on forums where the enforcement is much more strict.

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 12:45 pm

LarsMac;1473606 wrote: Some of the stuff you've posted, of late, would qualify as trolling.

I disagree, & I don't know what you mean. I fail to see where Lon has done anything offensive to anyone.

Post by **LarsMac** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 1:10 pm

AnneBoleyn;1473609 wrote: I disagree, & I don't know what you mean. I fail to see where Lon has done anything offensive to anyone.

In Internet slang, a troll (/ËˆtroÊŠl/, /ËˆtrÉ’l/) is a person who sows discord on the Internet by starting arguments or upsetting people,[1] by posting inflammatory,[2] extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a newsgroup, forum, chat room, or blog) with the deliberate intent of provoking readers into an emotional response[3] or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion.[4]

Offense is on the mind of the offended.

I did not say Lon offended anyone here.

And his "Dumbmest [sic] President Ever" thread would most likely qualify as a Troll in any forum, or newsgroup.

Post by **spot** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 1:23 pm

I've had no problem with anything Lon's posted, I look forward to everything he writes.

The trouble with "ban" as a word is that it refers to both permanent bans and to fixed-period suspensions. It would be sensible to distinguish between them.

ForumGarden under the current ownership - the last four years - has permanently banned three members and a stack of spammers.

There must have been a number of suspensions but once they're served, they're done. The suspension history is retained but only becomes relevant if the same member comes up for another suspension later on.

tude dog · Post by **tude dog** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 2:35 pm

LarsMac;1473611 wrote: In Internet slang, a troll (/ËˆtroÊŠl/, /ËˆtrÉ’l/) is a person who sows discord on the Internet by starting arguments or upsetting people,[1] by posting inflammatory,[2] extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a newsgroup, forum, chat room, or blog) with the deliberate intent of provoking readers into an emotional response[3] or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion.[4]

Offense is on the mind of the offended.

I did not say Lon offended anyone here.

And his "Dumbmest [sic] President Ever" thread would most likely qualify as a Troll in any forum, or newsgroup.

What was the problem?

He posted story with a link. [edit, actually not a link, but a source] Made comment on the story.

Ya know what?

I thought this is how this is suppose to work.

flopstock · Post by **flopstock** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 2:57 pm

tude dog;1473615 wrote: What was the problem?

He posted story with a link. Made comment on the story.

Ya know what?

I thought this is how this is suppose to work.

Didn't see any link on the post, but kinda assumed from other posts of Lon's that it probably had come in his email. Didn't care, just read it as a conversation starter. and it did that.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 3:07 pm

I used to find some of your food based threads with images upsetting, especially when all I had was beans on toast.

tude dog · Post by **tude dog** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 3:10 pm

flopstock;1473616 wrote: Didn't see any link on the post, but kinda assumed from other posts of Lon's that it probably had come in his email. Didn't care, just read it as a conversation starter. and it did that.

I stand corrected, he did not post a link.

CNN News carried this quote

It would be nice to supply a link, but anybody interested can check it out.

Unless it is of special interest, I wouldn't bother.

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 3:57 pm

tude dog;1473618 wrote: I stand corrected, he did not post a link.

It would be nice to supply a link, but anybody interested can check it out.

Unless it is of special interest, I wouldn't bother.

If it involves a cut and paste from another site then a link is more than "nice" but, to answer the original question, I certainly don't class Lon as a troll by any means, I don't see the intent to cause trouble or to bully other users and when he does post controversial subjects it is politely and it appears to be with a spirit of enquiry rather than in pursuit of a fixed agenda which is the main function of the Garden.

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 4:21 pm

There is a difference between deliberately setting out to cause dischord & upset and promoting debate on contraversial issues. After all, it would be a pretty dull life in a forum if we all agreed with each other on everything.

Post by **LarsMac** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 7:57 pm

I only brought up that post as an example. I was not accusing Lon of being a troll.

I can think of several forums where that thread opener would have launched terrific flame wars.

Post by **spot** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 5:06 am

LarsMac;1473631 wrote: I can think of several forums where that thread opener would have launched terrific flame wars.

It's a good test of ForumGarden's maturity, then, that we can discuss the content without insulting each other. We might even be getting to the point where we can finally see what aspects we all agree about, rather than pushing hard on the differences trying to win the thread. A thread which someone's aggressively won is just noise and fury, it's not constructive.

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 10:19 am

LarsMac;1473631 wrote: I only brought up that post as an example. I was not accusing Lon of being a troll.

I can think of several forums where that thread opener would have launched terrific flame wars.

Then thank the Lord we're more adult in the Garden.

High Threshold · Post by **High Threshold** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 7:00 pm

LarsMac;1473606 wrote: Some of the stuff you've posted, of late, would qualify as trolling.

I think that if you began such posts with, "I just received this in an email (or on Facebook, etc)" making it clear where you came up with it, perhaps it would be better received.

Here, Admin is pretty tolerant. I have been on forums where the enforcement is much more strict.

Agreed.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Sun Feb 08, 2015 7:58 pm

Lon;1473602 wrote: Have you ever been banned?

Yes.

Post by **spot** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 10:13 am

Snooz;1473738 wrote: Yes.

Hah.

Me too, if it comes to that.

High Threshold · Post by **High Threshold** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 10:18 am

Not me.

Post by **spot** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 10:19 am

High Threshold;1473744 wrote: Not me.

This can, of course, be rectified...

High Threshold · Post by **High Threshold** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 10:36 am

spot;1473745 wrote: This can, of course, be rectified...

Not very likely. I'm fondly thought of by everyone and my charm wins over even my most determined adversaries. You'd have to agree, yes?

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 1:55 pm

High Threshold;1473746 wrote: Not very likely. I'm fondly thought of by everyone and my charm wins over even my most determined adversaries. You'd have to agree, yes?
You see - he admits to using charms. Ban the witch!!!

Post by **spot** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 2:45 pm

High Threshold;1473746 wrote: Not very likely. I'm fondly thought of by everyone and my charm wins over even my most determined adversaries. You'd have to agree, yes?

I'll start a poll if you're not careful.

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 3:00 pm

spot;1473756 wrote: I'll start a poll if you're not careful.

"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence"*

*popularized by Carl Sagan, from a longer quote by Pierre-Simon Laplace

Post by **LarsMac** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 4:07 pm

spot;1473756 wrote: I'll start a poll if you're not careful.

Well, I like havin 'im around.

High Threshold · Post by **High Threshold** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 9:32 pm

FourPart;1473753 wrote: You see - he admits to using charms. Ban the witch!!!

:wah:

High Threshold · Post by **High Threshold** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 9:37 pm

spot;1473756 wrote: I'll start a poll if you're not careful.

"Careful"? That's a challenge if I've ever heard one. Have I been mistaken thinking you're my most ardent admirer on FG? Oh my! Father Christmas â€¦.. Jesus â€¦. and now this.

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 1:46 pm

I must say that I like 'avin' 'im ararnd, cos 'e lightens 'eavy threads. 'is 'umour needs a short while to git used to. Burritz there fur orl to see !

I suppose some people are devoid of a sense of humour, and I'm sorry for them as they are missing quite a lot of amusing banter.

I think that if HT was being serious in a thread, then I believe the reader would realise fairly quickly when that is !

If you look very carefully at HT's right cheek, you may see that there is an occasional bulge. Sometimes it may be the left cheek that has the bulge. (I am of course referring to his facial cheeks !). These bulges are usually due to HT putting his tongue there. :wah:

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 2:46 pm

Your panties are drenched, I'll wait till you change them Gilly. Ready? OK.

This former good friend asswipe ravaged ME & dissed ME, in not one, but two threads. Liberated himself, said he, by putting me on Ignore--which is fine, it's his right, but what kind of purpose did he have mocking me & making sure I knew? Let him Just Do It, not set off fireworks. He had bad intent. I'm a forgiving person. I would forgive him BUT, don't go wetting yourself & expecting others to feel the same worship you do & don't try to get away with "I suppose some people are devoid of a sense of humour, and I'm sorry for them as they are missing quite a lot of amusing banter."

Maybe we should feel sorry for You for having stars in your eyes & that is your personal opinion. So loyal, so devoted, so unlike him are ye.

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 3:05 pm

Anne, I wrote a reasonable and friendly post. I have not experienced any untoward behaviour from HT, if you feel you have then perhaps you should talk to HT about that and not off-load onto me ! I did find your post, which seemed to be addressed to me, rather offensive. (and troll-like :wah: )

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 3:16 pm

G#Gill;1473801 wrote: Anne, I wrote a reasonable and friendly post. I have not experienced any untoward behaviour from HT, if you feel you have then perhaps you should talk to HT about that and not off-load onto me ! I did find your post, which seemed to be addressed to me, rather offensive. (and troll-like :wah: )

Uhhhhh, I can't talk to someone who puts me on Ignore & sings & gloats about it. Naturally, I will not be as well disposed toward him as You are, dear. Offended? Too bad, I spoke my truth of the matter. Oh, sorry, I mean, I do so beg your pardon, madam. Just growing old Disgracefully, I guess.

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 3:29 pm

AnneBoleyn;1473802 wrote: Uhhhhh, I can't talk to someone who puts me on Ignore & sings & gloats about it. Naturally, I will not be as well disposed toward him as You are, dear. Offended? Too bad, I spoke my truth of the matter. Oh, sorry, I mean, I do so beg your pardon, madam. Just growing old Disgracefully, I guess.

OK. :wah: So glad you are giving me the respect that I deserve !

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 3:42 pm

G#Gill;1473803 wrote: OK. :wah: So glad you are giving me the respect that I deserve !

Always. I feel you are a person I can be honest with, & share a moment with no grudges or hard feelings. Unlike "some" people

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 4:17 pm

AnneBoleyn;1473804 wrote: Always. I feel you are a person I can be honest with, & share a moment with no grudges or hard feelings. Unlike "some" people

Well thank you for that ! We're neither of us made of glass eh?

I guess we don't need pistols or sabres at dawn then.

Post by **spot** » Wed Feb 11, 2015 3:16 am

Sponsor's Update: Ticket sales for the now-postponed duel have been suspended. Refunds may be claimed from ForumGarden Syndicated KickPost Management Inc. on production of a valid receipt. Don't miss February's highlight, Bryn vs. "Bruiser" Bruv, next Monday.

High Threshold · Post by **High Threshold** » Wed Feb 11, 2015 4:33 am

spot;1473814 wrote: Sponsor's Update: Ticket sales for the now-postponed duel have been suspended. Refunds may be claimed from ForumGarden Syndicated KickPost Management Inc. on production of a valid receipt. Don't miss February's highlight, Bryn vs. "Bruiser" Bruv, next Monday.

And if I've lost my receipt? I purchased my ticket on-line and then my yahoo account went sour - so I have nothing in writing. My credibility is top notch on FG (I've been told :yh_angel) so can you just take my word for it?

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Wed Feb 11, 2015 5:25 am

spot;1473814 wrote: Sponsor's Update: Ticket sales for the now-postponed duel have been suspended. Refunds may be claimed from ForumGarden Syndicated KickPost Management Inc. on production of a valid receipt. Don't miss February's highlight, Bryn vs. "Bruiser" Bruv, next Monday.

Priceless, Mr. Spot ! Still laughing here !

Post by **Betty Boop** » Wed Feb 11, 2015 6:15 am

spot;1473814 wrote: Sponsor's Update: Ticket sales for the now-postponed duel have been suspended. Refunds may be claimed from ForumGarden Syndicated KickPost Management Inc. on production of a valid receipt. Don't miss February's highlight, Bryn vs. "Bruiser" Bruv, next Monday.

Well, I won't be buying any tickets, Bryn and Bruv?? That'll be nothing more than a minor scuffle then.

I shall save my money for something more explosive :wah:

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Wed Feb 11, 2015 6:58 am

Betty Boop;1473817 wrote: Well, I won't be buying any tickets, Bryn and Bruv?? That'll be nothing more than a minor scuffle then.

I shall save my money for something more explosive :wah:

No good asking for you in my corner with the magic sponge and cotton buds then is it ?

What a waste.....................all that training.

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Wed Feb 11, 2015 7:18 am

There are alternative ways of paying:

Preston fan â€œwill sell a kidneyâ€ for a ticket to FA Cup tie against Manchester United - Independent.ie

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Thu Feb 12, 2015 5:06 am

Betty Boop;1473817 wrote: Well, I won't be buying any tickets, Bryn and Bruv?? That'll be nothing more than a minor scuffle then.

I shall save my money for something more explosive :wah:

You may have to wait some time, BB. The anticipated bout between Mr. Spot and Mrs. Oscar is, of course, cancelled now that Mrs. Oscar has been sent elsewhere to conduct her battles. 'Tis difficult to envisage an alternative bout at the moment, although there could be developments in the future !

:-3

Post by **spot** » Thu Feb 12, 2015 8:58 am

G#Gill;1473899 wrote: 'Tis difficult to envisage an alternative bout at the moment, although there could be developments in the future !

:-3

TruthBringer might return and have several hundred 2012-will-be-the-end-of-the-world posts bought up for examination, for example.

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Fri Feb 13, 2015 5:29 pm

spot;1473908 wrote: TruthBringer might return and have several hundred 2012-will-be-the-end-of-the-world posts bought up for examination, for example.

Oh gawd, no !

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Mon Feb 16, 2015 6:36 am

I have just received a threatening e-mail on the strength of one of my posts on this thread. I will therefore not post anything more here, after this. The email saddened me greatly and has caused me much worry and a lot of stress. My post was meant to be jocular, but it seems that somebody didn't see it that way.

High Threshold · Post by **High Threshold** » Mon Feb 16, 2015 7:11 am

G#Gill;1474070 wrote: I have just received a threatening e-mail on the strength of one of my posts on this thread. I will therefore not post anything more here, after this. The email saddened me greatly and has caused me much worry and a lot of stress. My post was meant to be jocular, but it seems that somebody didn't see it that way.

Are you joking? No, no no, bullocks to that. Just report the bugger to admin or yahoo or whatever â€¦ don't drop out of FG. You're the sugar topping on this place. Please, don't do it. :yh_sad:yh_sad:yh_sad

Post by **spot** » Mon Feb 16, 2015 8:49 am

G#Gill;1474070 wrote: I have just received a threatening e-mail on the strength of one of my posts on this thread. I will therefore not post anything more here, after this. The email saddened me greatly and has caused me much worry and a lot of stress. My post was meant to be jocular, but it seems that somebody didn't see it that way.

Gill, you were a mod here, you know perfectly well that sending a copy to Bryn will get an immediate and effective result. Nobody can send threatening emails related to the site and get away with it.

High Threshold · Post by **High Threshold** » Mon Feb 16, 2015 9:17 am

spot;1474082 wrote: Gill, you were a mod here, you know perfectly well that sending a copy to Bryn will get an immediate and effective result. Nobody can send threatening emails related to the site and get away with it.

That sounds like the sensible thing to do.

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Mon Feb 16, 2015 9:59 am

High Threshold;1474085 wrote: That sounds like the sensible thing to do.

Indeed, I'd already e-mailed Gill to that effect.

High Threshold · Post by **High Threshold** » Mon Feb 16, 2015 10:52 am

Bryn Mawr;1474086 wrote: Indeed, I'd already e-mailed Gill to that effect.

I hope that she takes your advice.

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Mon Feb 16, 2015 12:17 pm

I did say that I would not post on this thread again, but I must have lied !

I also have to say that what I said in my 'threatening email' post was not true. I apologise for any upset I may have brought to anybody.

High Threshold · Post by **High Threshold** » Mon Feb 16, 2015 12:21 pm

G#Gill;1474092 wrote: I did say that I would not post on this thread again, but I must have lied !

I also have to say that what I said in my 'threatening email' post was not true. I apologise for any upset I may have brought to anybody.

Never mind. My best friends are ALL liars. :wah: