Don't Advocate: Discredit! It's the comp.os.linux. "advocacy" Mantra!! 2214

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On 2006-07-22, High Plains Thumper spake thusly:

I have pretty much dumped my old handling of usenet posters that are acting in a troll-like fashion. For an interesting read, and some reasons why I made this decision take a look at this link:

It's not exactly new news but there are some facinating behavioral commentaries, and an amazing account of what is considered to be the first full scale documented trolling of usenet. This is so bizarre that it is really just a very good object lesson for others about the nature of the internet.

Anyway, I am focusing on number 5 because the flame war that the original poster obviously intended would lead to this conclusion. Back to my change in troll handling.

I used to get angry at trollers because the good ones are adept at pushing psycological buttons. Bad trollers are very humourous and rather entertaining in their own way. Either way it was very easy to start firing artillery shots back. Mainly this is because I failed to realize the potential that competant trollers presented to me. I also didn't have very much of an appreciation of the comedy that incompetant trolls provide.

As for potential, I gave it some thought and decided that trolls could be utilized to further an agenda that was positive and helpful, rather than the effect that they intended.

I still get razzed from time to time, and react, but such is life.

I now have some basic actions. First, I look at the posters online name. This is very often so funny-wierd-obscene that it really can't be imagined that a serious, legitimate poster would be using it. Be that as it may, I will silently watch subsequent postings from this poster to get a flavor of their style and modus oporendi. If they demonstrate a *consistent pattern* of trollish behavior and-or are clearly a known group troll, based on posting style, I killfile them.

This is getting a bit long, so I will wrap it up. Frankly, I don't hesitate to killfile anymore, because there is just too much good stuff out there to be wasting my time. But I also don't killfile just because someone happens to have an opinion that differs from the groups (in general) or mine (in specific). I also don't do a public *plonk* post. And if anyone dosen't like what they are seeing in a newsgroup, I suggest they change groups or start killfiling themselves. Either way, nervana is a keystroke (or mouse click) away. Oh, and yes, I know I am troll feeding. I just couldn't help myself ;-)

regards,

Mathew

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