Troll Treatment

[hoss2576]

Last night when I was reading the threads I came across a post that was not a generally held belief in most christian circles. It was what most here would have called a troll post. I will admit, my response was simply to tell the poster, "You would be wrong." The thread then began to spiral between the poster and some others into name calling.

The situation actually frustrated me, because here is the thing, what is the difference between a troll and a non-christian? I don't understand why we, myself included at times, are so quick to act callous and run off trolls. Why can we not challenge them to explain their positions? I would like to hope that all of us are strong enough in our faiths to stand toe to toe with people and be able to defend our beliefs.

A couple of other thoughts:

CC is not a private christian club; its an open place where people have the opportunity to come and ask questions. Shouldn't we be welcoming?

No matter how confident we are in our ability to "read" people we can NEVER fully know another person's heart when they come here asking questions or making statements we disagree with.

As unfathomable as I find it, there are churches that teach things that most mainstream churches find unacceptable. I think we all know of denominations that teach that homosexuality is acceptable. If you are someone who comes to Christ in one of those churches, it is natural that you may be under some false teachings and could come to CC and share those. I think we are called to show these folks where they have been misled, not run them off.

I will fully admit I have not always been the most accepting of these folks either, but I want to be someone who engages anyone who is willing to talk about their beliefs.

###

So why are we called to act in love but it is acceptable to mock, name call, or demean perceived trolls? What is the best way to engage someone if you think they are "trolling?"

 

[Lynx]

I used to be an op in a christian chat (said christian chat has now gone the way of the dinosaurs, as Facebook took most of the chat away.) You could always tell when someone was trolling. But we always gave them benefit of doubt anyway until it was impossible to not kick them out for the sake of the chatroom atmosphere not becoming argumentative.

No, it's not acceptable to mock, name call or demean trolls. (Notice I didn't put "perceived" in there. Sometimes a troll is just a troll.) What is the best way to engage a troll? If you're a moderator, probably a warning and then kick him out. If you're a regular forum member, or in chat a regular chatter, just ignore the guy. As in, don't engage in debates, don't pick on him, etc.

In the old chat we used to have a saying. Please do not feed the trolls.

 

[Lynx]

Now if there's someone asking a question that might be a trolling question, but there is (even the slightest) possibility that he is sincerely asking, answer the question honestly and see where this guy takes it. If he starts arguing you just leave him alone after that.

 

[maxwel]

A troll is someone who arrives somewhere with one particular agenda...
an agenda to disrupt and create conflict.

If you want to defend that, that's your prerogative.

 

[CatHerder]

I am probably less annoyed by trolls than most. I find them mostly harmless.

If I suspect trollish behavior because the suspected troll is asking a provocative question that is a no-brainer for most Christians, I will take the post seriously and answer the question or respond to their comments. Yes, they may be just looking for drama, but there are countless others who do not know Christ and "lurk" who may have the same questions.

Should someone like this post a serious question that may seem trollish to many here, I would not want them to be made unwelcome or accused of trollish behavior. If I suspect they are just trolling, I will ignore them rather than get into a big name-calling thing with them. Since I think that trolls are exhibiting attention-seeking behavior, I believe the best way to get rid of them is to ignore them.

 

[jsr1221]

Every single website where you can post comments will have trolls. It's the way of the web. There will be more trolls that come to CC in the future. It's better to not give them what they want, which is attention. Just report them, and move on. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

 

[tourist]

I have no desire to run off these so-called trolls. Yes, there are those that just like to stir up trouble but then again, there are those that are simply seeking the truth. I would not consider someone who has a different opinion than me a troll.

The OP is an excellent written post.

 

[RickyZ]

The thing you have to remember is that a thread may be between you and a troll, but there are lots of other people silently reading these posings that may have an aha moment to something that's said in your exchange. And like some said, some who come here stirring trouble have trouble stirring within them... they may think they're here to mock us but they could be here in rebellion to the Holy Spirit's call... angels unawares, right? One must discern this before deciding whether to draw them in or kick them out. Unless they are being obviously offensive and rude, at which point they should be removed from the assembly.

Even tho a troll might approach us in mockery, someone who reads silently but has a same honest question might be affected by how we answer mr troll.

 

[maxwel]

I have no desire to run off these so-called trolls. Yes, there are those that just like to stir up trouble but then again, there are those that are simply seeking the truth. I would not consider someone who has a different opinion than me a troll.

The OP is an excellent written post.

Tourist,
I know you're a nice guy, and I'm sure you always have good intentions.
I wouldn't dispute that.

But I do have a question... maybe something you haven't thought about.

Are you aware there are entire websites, and instructional videos, just for ATHEISTS to LEARN how to go to Christian forums and DISRUPT THEM?

Do you realize there are people who actually TEACH THIS?
Do you realize there are people who actually PRACTICE THIS?
Do you realize there are people who actually STUDY THIS?

Do you realize there really ARE people who come here with VERY CLEAR AGENDAS,
very premeditated agendas, to simply ridicule, disrupt, and upset everyone here?

Do you realize that for some people it is completely planned, intentional, and malignant?


You see, I think you're a really nice guy.
I actually think you're such a nice guy it would be IMPOSSIBLE for YOU to ever think like that.
But everyone is not like you.
: )

 

[Lynx]

Actually... I have a confession to make. I used to be a troll muncher. I didn't disparage them or mock them, but I would actively debate them and tie them up in logic knots. Some got so frustrated that they left for chatrooms with easier targets.

But these days it's no fun anymore because they all use the same lines. I mean the same *exact* lines. It's like there's a website of "things to say to cause trouble for those stupid christians" website and all trolls these days go there and copy-paste from it into a chatroom.

Also, most trolls these days don't even debate. They just come in and start spewing their prepared lines, and ignore everyone who tries to talk to them. That's no fun.


Edit: Yeah, what maxwel said. I guess there IS a central hub where they go to copy-paste troll stuff these days.

 

[kenthomas27]

Every single website where you can post comments will have trolls. It's the way of the web. There will be more trolls that come to CC in the future. It's better to not give them what they want, which is attention. Just report them, and move on. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

That's Catherder's line. troll.

 

[Willie-T]

I just think we need to keep in mind that God probably will ask us about our treatment of each and every one of them.

 

[hoss2576]

Tourist,
I know you're a nice guy, and I'm sure you always have good intentions.
I wouldn't dispute that.

But I do have a question... maybe something you haven't thought about.

Are you aware there are entire websites, and instructional videos, just for ATHEISTS to LEARN how to go to Christian forums and DISRUPT THEM?

Do you realize there are people who actually TEACH THIS?
Do you realize there are people who actually PRACTICE THIS?
Do you realize there are people who actually STUDY THIS?

Do you realize there really ARE people who come here with VERY CLEAR AGENDAS,
very premeditated agendas, to simply ridicule, disrupt, and upset everyone here?

Do you realize that for some people it is completely planned, intentional, and malignant?


You see, I think you're a really nice guy.
I actually think you're such a nice guy it would be IMPOSSIBLE for YOU to ever think like that.
But everyone is not like you.
: )

I would challenge the idea that every time someone is called a "troll" here it is someone with that agenda. I don't doubt those people exist which is tragic, but I think only a small percentage of the people we call "troll" are those. We still are treating too many people in the wrong manner based on the actions of a small minority.

 

[maxwel]

I would challenge the idea that every time someone is called a "troll" here it is someone with that agenda. I don't doubt those people exist which is tragic, but I think only a small percentage of the people we call "troll" are those. We still are treating too many people in the wrong manner based on the actions of a small minority.

Well, that's not actually what I said...
so I'd have to challenge the idea that you're very meticulous when challenging ideas.

: )

 

[gypsygirl]

Tourist,
Are you aware there are entire websites, and instructional videos, just for ATHEISTS to LEARN how to go to Christian forums and DISRUPT THEM?

Do you realize there are people who actually TEACH THIS?
Do you realize there are people who actually PRACTICE THIS?
Do you realize there are people who actually STUDY THIS?

Do you realize there really ARE people who come here with VERY CLEAR AGENDAS,
very premeditated agendas, to simply ridicule, disrupt, and upset everyone here?

Do you realize that for some people it is completely planned, intentional, and malignant?

okay, that's true, there are a few folks who seem to deliberately provoke arguments about christian issues. i notice that most of them hang around the bible discussion forum and eventually reveal their intention.

the problem is, i have also noticed a trend that as soon as someone enters ANY thread (and since i mostly stay in the singles forum, that is where i mostly observe these exchanges) and tosses out any idea that is contrary to beliefs generally held by most evangelical christians, other posters will resort to calling them a troll.

yesterday someone stated a single line about their "unpopular" opinion, albeit, in a very non-threatening way. another poster called him out, and proclaimed him a troll, going as far to looking in his previous posts, listing his previously participated threads and deciding that he was a "troublemaker". then two more regulars joined in the troll-proclaiming and mocking. after he was called a "punk" and a "troll" along with a few unwelcoming remarks, the "so-called" troll apologized for having a different belief, but then said he was indeed a christian and wondered why he was being ganged up on.

i think a lot of people throw out the word "troll" just because they see something they don't agree with or view as "trouble". if someone is simply stating their dissenting beliefs, they aren't being a troll--they are simply in disagreement. it's unreasonable for us to assume that all christians (christ-seekers) are going to agree with us, or to think we can confidently identify the intentions, information or "backstory" each person is operating under/with.

you only become a "troll" in my book when you are actively attacking, name calling, causing disruption or not following the terms of service here on cc.

oh, and my pet peeve? people who talk about the OP as if they aren't there, discussing someone like they're an outsider who is unwelcome, and okay to mock.

i was pretty disgusted by a thread within the last couple weeks where a poster who was from another country was seeking love and posted something quite unusual. several posters took to mocking and teasing the poster (and the subject matter) as if the OP couldn't read what was was being posting and their feelings weren't worthy of consideration.

i would like to think of this as a place that should be welcoming. and what kind of host or hostess makes fun of a guest while they are sitting in your living room?

let's not forget that Christs' own warning--the manner by which the world would identify us as christians by the manner in which we show love for one another (john 13:35).

 

[VioletReigns]

A troll is someone who arrives somewhere with one particular agenda...
an agenda to disrupt and create conflict.

If you want to defend that, that's your prerogative.

Why do they spam?
There are only 2 reasons why people spam.
1: To make money. By increasing a websites Page Rank (PR), or through "affiliate" links.
2: To spread Trojans/Viruses.

Forum spammers are people who create accounts on forums, pretending to be seeking help, but actually looking for ways to create links to websites that pay them to do so. There are spam bots and human spammers as well as other types of spam. All you need do is type "forum spam" in Google and you will get pages and pages of information on why and how they do it.

Human Spammers:
Usually don't have a pic or an icon and little to no profile information
Will always use dramatic or sensational thread titles to guarantee lots of responses
Always use terms like "looking for a view" (either God's point of view or other users)
Seldom respond except for a few quick additional comments, just enough to get everyone to leave lots of comments
Thank you profusely for your responses, "Thank you so much. I am so grateful for all the responses I can get." (because it guarantees "hits")

I have to admit, I need to use more discernment on this forum when it comes to dealing with hackers & spammers. I worked for an I.T. company for years and am quite aware of the tech masterminds out there who send viruses for the fun of it. In fact, I know of one extremely intelligent young man who shoots viruses back & forth with his friends to see who can recover their pc the quickest. It's a game to them. And that's fine, as long as it's not a public forum being attacked.

My concern is that unsuspecting people will befriend these spammers and then wind up being a pawn in their plan to harm this site. I have been in the habit of posting sarcastic things when I've suspected a spammer because I was hoping people would wake up and take notice so they wouldn't keep "feeding" them. In the future, when I see someone following the pattern of a spammer, I will just immediately report them rather than argue.

But please, do yourself a favor and Google "forum spam" just to get an idea of what a harmful epidemic it really is.

 

[skylove7]

Yes and also the 'man' in question last night...was using curse words...and it was uncalled for towards my dear sister violet. Yes I give everyone the benefit of the doubt in these forums....but profanity on a Christian forum towards women...is way out of line!

 

[gypsygirl]

Yes and also the 'man' in question last night...was using curse words...and it was uncalled for towards my dear sister violet. Yes I give everyone the benefit of the doubt in these forums....but profanity on a Christian forum towards women...is way out of line!

actually, he was attacked first, called a "troll" and criticized/scrutinized for his posts and motives. when he responded in his defense, the member called him a "young-un" and told him to "take it easy". so he was attacked, and instead of apologizing or productively engaging with him only further incited him.

what he responded with (while not nice) isn't considered a curse word in many places, but merely slang. when there was an effort made by another member to engage with him, he apologized and said he didn't understand why he was ganged up on.

this entire exchange was incited by a desire to call someone "out" for being a "troll" when, in fact, he was simply stating his unpopular belief. the fact that he was apologetic and very receptive when he was encouraged to provide additional information to explain his belief makes me both frustrated and curious as to what good might have come from a different approach.

i see him as a lost opportunity--the member(s) who chose to attack him and call him a troll could have just as easily engaged him in a polite manner and started a productive dialogue instead.

it is very disappointing to me that people (christians or not) might come here to find answers but instead get treated in a manner that makes them question the sincerity (or value of those answers) when the treatment they receive from members doesn't resemble the character or values of who we claim to be.

Why do they spam?
There are only 2 reasons why people spam.
1: To make money. By increasing a websites Page Rank (PR), or through "affiliate" links.
2: To spread Trojans/Viruses.

Forum spammers are people who create accounts on forums, pretending to be seeking help, but actually looking for ways to create links to websites that pay them to do so. There are spam bots and human spammers as well as other types of spam. All you need do is type "forum spam" in Google and you will get pages and pages of information on why and how they do it.

Human Spammers:
Usually don't have a pic or an icon and little to no profile information
Will always use dramatic or sensational thread titles to guarantee lots of responses
Always use terms like "looking for a view" (either God's point of view or other users)
Seldom respond except for a few quick additional comments, just enough to get everyone to leave lots of comments
Thank you profusely for your responses, "Thank you so much. I am so grateful for all the responses I can get." (because it guarantees "hits")

I have to admit, I need to use more discernment on this forum when it comes to dealing with hackers & spammers. I worked for an I.T. company for years and am quite aware of the tech masterminds out there who send viruses for the fun of it. In fact, I know of one extremely intelligent young man who shoots viruses back & forth with his friends to see who can recover their pc the quickest. It's a game to them. And that's fine, as long as it's not a public forum being attacked.

My concern is that unsuspecting people will befriend these spammers and then wind up being a pawn in their plan to harm this site. I have been in the habit of posting sarcastic things when I've suspected a spammer because I was hoping people would wake up and take notice so they wouldn't keep "feeding" them. In the future, when I see someone following the pattern of a spammer, I will just immediately report them rather than argue.

But please, do yourself a favor and Google "forum spam" just to get an idea of what a harmful epidemic it really is.

we aren't talking about human spammers. yes, i understand what you're referencing, however, i remain concerned about anyone using this fear to justify behavior that is unhospitable. we should never allow our suspicions to outweigh the manner in which we treat others. and in matters of this significance, we really can't afford to be mistaken.

and by the way, the actions described in your post doesn't resemble the vast majority of what i'm referring to, either in the specific example discussed or the general observations i've made.

 

[Angela53510]

You don't have to worry! The biggest billy goat gruff gets the troll when he trit trots across the bridge!

Now that I have put your minds at ease!

 

[Reborn]

Every single post here has a great point or two.
I would've hit like on all of them.


But?...that would've stirred the pot and caused confusion.

Thats what trolls do.
I dont want to do that.
I want to be liked.