HaleyB
I am not a robot
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2003
- Messages
- 6,912
Because we have one of our very own on here and he/she is getting a lot of replies. Note trolls stay if you post to them, they go away if you don't.
Playtime Trolls
Playtime trolls are relatively easy to spot, but they may not be apparent to the naive user. There isn't a single set of characteristics that applies to playtime trolls, but you can look for some or all of the following signs:
* a lack of buy-in to the list philosophy or values
* generally low level of activity, with sudden spurts of interaction - or perhaps a new persona that has strong opinions on controversial subjects
* a mixture of friendly posts with a confrontational style of interaction
---->* the use of provocative language and sweeping generalisations about certain topics or categories of people
* a lack of in-depth understanding of the topic
* a lack of personal information
* a lack of a genuinely unique perspective on the topic
* a lack of humour
* restarting topics that have already been done
-----> * use of language that encourages the dialogue to enter topics that are controversial and likely to upset some team members
* the use of attention-seeking gimmick (e.g.: "I was once exploited by an XYZ")
* they follow up their own articles if the group doesn't respond to their posts
* inconsistencies in the style and nature of the post and any proclaimed information (e.g.: claiming to be a child but writing with an adult style; claiming to be adult, but writing with a childish grammatical construction).
* also note that trolls often seem to use free email services (such as hotmail.com) or have email addresses ending in .edu. However, trolls could be virtually anyone, and the email address is no guide as to whether the persona is a bona fide user or not.
To counteract playtime trolls, the best action is to ignore them. If you are convinced they are trolls, then you can advise the list manager. However, if other group members respond to the suspected troll's posts, then you may have to consider some of the responses outlined for tactical or strategic trolls.
Playtime Trolls
Playtime trolls are relatively easy to spot, but they may not be apparent to the naive user. There isn't a single set of characteristics that applies to playtime trolls, but you can look for some or all of the following signs:
* a lack of buy-in to the list philosophy or values
* generally low level of activity, with sudden spurts of interaction - or perhaps a new persona that has strong opinions on controversial subjects
* a mixture of friendly posts with a confrontational style of interaction
---->* the use of provocative language and sweeping generalisations about certain topics or categories of people
* a lack of in-depth understanding of the topic
* a lack of personal information
* a lack of a genuinely unique perspective on the topic
* a lack of humour
* restarting topics that have already been done
-----> * use of language that encourages the dialogue to enter topics that are controversial and likely to upset some team members
* the use of attention-seeking gimmick (e.g.: "I was once exploited by an XYZ")
* they follow up their own articles if the group doesn't respond to their posts
* inconsistencies in the style and nature of the post and any proclaimed information (e.g.: claiming to be a child but writing with an adult style; claiming to be adult, but writing with a childish grammatical construction).
* also note that trolls often seem to use free email services (such as hotmail.com) or have email addresses ending in .edu. However, trolls could be virtually anyone, and the email address is no guide as to whether the persona is a bona fide user or not.
To counteract playtime trolls, the best action is to ignore them. If you are convinced they are trolls, then you can advise the list manager. However, if other group members respond to the suspected troll's posts, then you may have to consider some of the responses outlined for tactical or strategic trolls.
