Any time someone like[removed - anx] hijacks a topic with "Musicology is poopy pants" or some other conversation-killer, really, just do as he (inevitably) says and ignore him. I'm getting really tired of not being able to have any intelligent conversations or debates around here without it breaking down into these stupid, childish, playground fights. I've certainly been guilty of it myself a few times.

And yes, let me beat [removed - anx] to the punch, "Well, you're not doing a good job by starting a new topic about it, this is trolling, etc." Well, you're probably right, but all I can offer is, there won't be another one. There are so many fun, sharp people around here. Let's keep the focus on them.

[This message was edited Mon May 3 11:55:00 2004 by MendesCity]

NOTE: I have no problem with talking about the ISSUE of trolling/flaming, but if it's going to turn into a finger pointing, name calling mudfling, this thread is toast. Okaybee? Thankya. - Anx



First off, know that I'm not implicating any one person who posts on this site - what I have to say applies to general incidents of "trolling" or "flaming", and not anything or anyone in specific on this or any other site. Mmmkay?


Mmmkay.


Now -

The best course to take in dealing with what appears to be a "troll" or "flame" post is just to not let such posts "trigger" you to responding in the heat of the moment. When someone's post makes you angry on here or any other site for that matter, when you reply in anger you're doing exactly what the person wants you to do. You may think you're "fighting back", but in reality, you're just letting them "win" their bid for attention and whatever weird validation trolling brings them.

Nothing wrong with responding to these posts with a calm, level head - especially if you truly have something to say in reply that other people may benefit from....and especially if you know when to stop when the troll in question continues to engage you with their responses.

Know that there's a difference between having the last word and having the last post.

For me, most trolling I see I tend to treat as spam. Half of the over-the-top rants I see on here have no more effect on me than getting an e-mail offering a tape of Britney's Hot Barnyard Orgy or some shit. It's just boring and ubiquitous and disposable, and it comes with the territory sometimes unfortunately.

MendesCity said:

Ah c'mon, bear baiting is fun - especially when the bears take themselves seriously and have no sense of humour.

I agree Mendes, I wanted to say this for so long. I'm glad someone said something.

MendesCity said:

Shapeshifter said:

Masturbation's fun too, but there's no need to drag everyone into your wank session.

Anxiety said:

there's a thread in the GD that begs to differ...

Anxiety said:

Anxiety said: