Trolls and Banning
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I was referencing a post as an example. I didn't mention any names or post any links to the thread. This is the suggestions section, and while making a suggestion about trolling, I pulled the first example that came to mind without using any type of specific detail. I didn't question why he was banned at all. Willie just so happened to pick up on who I was referring to.
I wasn't asking to modify the rules, I was suggesting the first option listed above, which is reaching out to them. I was not in anyway putting down or questioning why he was banned or why the mods did what they did. My suggestion and general discussion about trolls and banning is being taken personally as a jab at the mods or CC's rules when, I'm simply sharing my opinion and from what I can see, I'm well within the guidelines of rule 6. As you said, as long as I'm not breaking any rules, my personal choices regarding my suggestions, are exactly that- Mine. And I can make those choices freely.
Again, I was not guilting anyone. I was simply referencing the instance that came to mind. While I recalled what happened, my personal opinion of how the other posters chose to handle the situation was not stated, so I don't understand how I was attempting to make anyone feel guilty.
Yes, and how is my suggestion different from what Willie suggested? He agreed with me, and understood we were suggesting the same things, so why are you responding to my messages as if they are a different idea from Willie's?
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I wasn't accusing you, sister. My post was addressing everyone, not you specifically. 
You made a suggestion and I did, too. I was just pointing out that the mods don't like us to debate over people who get banned. It just makes their job more difficult, ya know?
And I'm pretty sure many people knew who you were referencing in your quote above.
And by the way, like Willie_T, I pm'd that specific member and tried to add him as a friend before he got banned. So don't assume I am dissing your suggestion.
I was just suggesting that we not get too entangled in controversy over it. Does that make sense?
You made a suggestion and I did, too. I was just pointing out that the mods don't like us to debate over people who get banned. It just makes their job more difficult, ya know?
And I'm pretty sure many people knew who you were referencing in your quote above.
And by the way, like Willie_T, I pm'd that specific member and tried to add him as a friend before he got banned. So don't assume I am dissing your suggestion.
I was just suggesting that we not get too entangled in controversy over it. Does that make sense?
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Most of the trolls who come here, come here for one purpose: to sow discord and strife among the members here. They get their thrills on our replies to them, but if we could learn to not feed the trolls, maybe they'd stop coming here. The troll we refer to as "Jack" is a many-times-banned member who truly believes that HE is God's anointed one, and that we must do what he says.
As for the one who 'fessed up to being a troll, he even said he got his jollies out of doing it. So obviously some trolls do it for fun, and/ or out of sheer boredom. And others, like Jack, do it because they're deceived by satan and enjoy it.
As for the one who 'fessed up to being a troll, he even said he got his jollies out of doing it. So obviously some trolls do it for fun, and/ or out of sheer boredom. And others, like Jack, do it because they're deceived by satan and enjoy it.
I wasn't accusing you, sister. My post was addressing everyone, not you specifically.
You made a suggestion and I did, too. I was just pointing out that the mods don't like us to debate over people who get banned. It just makes their job more difficult, ya know?
And I'm pretty sure many people knew who you were referencing in your quote above.
And by the way, like Willie_T, I pm'd that specific member and tried to add him as a friend before he got banned. So don't assume I am dissing your suggestion.
I was just suggesting that we not get too entangled in controversy over it. Does that make sense?
You made a suggestion and I did, too. I was just pointing out that the mods don't like us to debate over people who get banned. It just makes their job more difficult, ya know?
And I'm pretty sure many people knew who you were referencing in your quote above.
And by the way, like Willie_T, I pm'd that specific member and tried to add him as a friend before he got banned. So don't assume I am dissing your suggestion.
I was just suggesting that we not get too entangled in controversy over it. Does that make sense?
I see what you're saying.
I didn't comprehend why I was being portrayed as someone who is trying to defend this guy who got banned, because my post isn't about him specifically. The example was pulled out of thin air, and it seems that is the primary focus instead of what I'm attempting to get across.
I'm thinking of people in general, how we're all different, and people approach new situations in different ways. Some are more guarded than others, and it can sometimes result in trolling. I've seen it numerous times, and I just want to make sure if there is someone secretly hoping to be proved wrong about the negative connotations they have about Christians and God, that we, as God's children, are providing a good witness for them instead of banning them immediately after they have done something that may be out of line.
Somtimes people are quick to speak and slow to listen when a member with few post,post.
People might not be longsuffering and patient with a new face on the scene and pull the rug out from under a new member before they are encouraged and confident,so that they(the senior member)will gain acceptance and be looked at as knowledgeable In the eyes of the community at the expense of the new member.
People might not be longsuffering and patient with a new face on the scene and pull the rug out from under a new member before they are encouraged and confident,so that they(the senior member)will gain acceptance and be looked at as knowledgeable In the eyes of the community at the expense of the new member.
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The last comment I made in my original post about being a troll was to show that although I started out that way and remained that way for a long time, I have grown out of that lifestyle with the help of a select few on here who really reached out to me and understood who I was. Never once have I trolled on here. Are my posts weird? Yes. But I'm a weird person. One of the reasons I love CC so much is because they allow me to be my weird self while trying to help others, or asking for advice myself. I shared that to show that people who once trolled, (like myself) do have the ability to grow and change. I have been on CC for a while; sometimes I go months without posting, strictly because I like to step away from the internet and live life outside the cyber world. I follow a lot of members on here, see their posts, and think very highly of them. It pushes me to strengthen my walk with God, to learn more, and to strive.
And you're saying you shouldn't put stock in my words; that you have no love for trolls.
That kind of thinking is why I made this thread. If everyone felt the way you do and was dismissive, instead of being an example to new Christians or Christians who are struggling, mentoring them, helping them as they stumble and make mistakes, while fighting to become stronger, then how many Christians would fall to the wayside? God says we are supposed to be an example, to be lights unto the world. If God sees me trying, but he knows I am weak, that I'm still as my church calls it, "A baby Christian", don't you think he would be there or do you think he would turn me away?
As for most of the posts on here, I see one common denominator. Effort.
Writing others off based on first impressions, instead of getting to know who they truly are, what motivates them, simply treating them as human beings instead of a typed name on a computer screen. There are people sitting behind these keyboards who struggle with abuse, illness, feeling lonely and unloved, who have been through hardship, the list goes on. Sometimes they have nothing else other than the internet. Sometimes, these people were raised to be bitter. Sometimes, they don't know any better. And they are dismissed, over, over, and over again.
Being dismissed doesn't invoke change. Being ignored or pushed to the side doesn't make anyone want to change. I made this thread, not to challenge rules, create a ruckus, or to support trolls. I speak from a place of compassion. A place of love. To possibly open others eyes to a bigger picture here, something we can oftentimes easily lose sight of. We are all people, who deserve to be heard, considered. We all carry burdens, we're riddled with mistakes. Our walk with Christ starts at different stages and ages in life. You can't expect a preschooler to understand algebra; or even begin to work out that problem when they don't even know how to add yet.
And you're saying you shouldn't put stock in my words; that you have no love for trolls.
That kind of thinking is why I made this thread. If everyone felt the way you do and was dismissive, instead of being an example to new Christians or Christians who are struggling, mentoring them, helping them as they stumble and make mistakes, while fighting to become stronger, then how many Christians would fall to the wayside? God says we are supposed to be an example, to be lights unto the world. If God sees me trying, but he knows I am weak, that I'm still as my church calls it, "A baby Christian", don't you think he would be there or do you think he would turn me away?
As for most of the posts on here, I see one common denominator. Effort.
Writing others off based on first impressions, instead of getting to know who they truly are, what motivates them, simply treating them as human beings instead of a typed name on a computer screen. There are people sitting behind these keyboards who struggle with abuse, illness, feeling lonely and unloved, who have been through hardship, the list goes on. Sometimes they have nothing else other than the internet. Sometimes, these people were raised to be bitter. Sometimes, they don't know any better. And they are dismissed, over, over, and over again.
Being dismissed doesn't invoke change. Being ignored or pushed to the side doesn't make anyone want to change. I made this thread, not to challenge rules, create a ruckus, or to support trolls. I speak from a place of compassion. A place of love. To possibly open others eyes to a bigger picture here, something we can oftentimes easily lose sight of. We are all people, who deserve to be heard, considered. We all carry burdens, we're riddled with mistakes. Our walk with Christ starts at different stages and ages in life. You can't expect a preschooler to understand algebra; or even begin to work out that problem when they don't even know how to add yet.
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I like this idea except for one part -- the asking in "PM or something" part.
What I had against the guy was he lied repeatedly. No trust after that, BUT trust can be earned back. I can see some consequences (don't know what, but I do hope if we talk this out someone can come up with something), but the only consequence on here is banned. Seems harsh sometimes. (Not soon enough other times. lol)
And it seems harsh for another reason too. I know someone who was falsely accused by -- you got it -- a repeat troll, but no one knew that person was a troll yet, and he said something that could be seen as sexual innuendo, unless you know him, so poof! Before he could get it straightened out he was banned as a perv.
I really would like a second-chance portion on here. Maybe a forum. (Maybe chat too, but I can't do chat, so that will kill my ability to do anything.) How about a second-chance forum? Some place where anyone can go after someone is to the point they'd traditionally be banned, to give them room to apologize, repent, see who they are outside of that first opinion we formed already?
I helped ban the guy because he lied so all trust left the building. Hasty on my part. He admitted to it. No chance to see where he would have gone from there.
I do see where you have a good idea though. I don't trust the guy. When he returns, (because let's face it, most of them do), trust can be earned.
I won't forgive just because someone apologizes, but I will forgive when I see evidence they've repented. (Turned from.) And even there, I do understand turning from something doesn't mean staying turned. As long as we have some idea an attempt is being made, then, eventually, the slate can be wiped clean.
Does that seem fair?
What I had against the guy was he lied repeatedly. No trust after that, BUT trust can be earned back. I can see some consequences (don't know what, but I do hope if we talk this out someone can come up with something), but the only consequence on here is banned. Seems harsh sometimes. (Not soon enough other times. lol)
And it seems harsh for another reason too. I know someone who was falsely accused by -- you got it -- a repeat troll, but no one knew that person was a troll yet, and he said something that could be seen as sexual innuendo, unless you know him, so poof! Before he could get it straightened out he was banned as a perv.
I really would like a second-chance portion on here. Maybe a forum. (Maybe chat too, but I can't do chat, so that will kill my ability to do anything.) How about a second-chance forum? Some place where anyone can go after someone is to the point they'd traditionally be banned, to give them room to apologize, repent, see who they are outside of that first opinion we formed already?
I helped ban the guy because he lied so all trust left the building. Hasty on my part. He admitted to it. No chance to see where he would have gone from there.
I do see where you have a good idea though. I don't trust the guy. When he returns, (because let's face it, most of them do), trust can be earned.
I won't forgive just because someone apologizes, but I will forgive when I see evidence they've repented. (Turned from.) And even there, I do understand turning from something doesn't mean staying turned. As long as we have some idea an attempt is being made, then, eventually, the slate can be wiped clean.
Does that seem fair?
I honestly don't know how they would set it up or if that can even be considered, but it would be nice to see something like that set into place. I know majority of trolls really may be doing it out of boredom, but if this can help that small percentage, I feel like even gaining one person is worth it. Very good idea!
D
I keep getting stuck on "this is a community," so I hope enough people are interested in the idea that someone can come up with more... and then more, and then more, until we can come up with an idea that works for the community.
I know the mods and admins have enough on their plates, so why not come up with a community idea and then approach them as a firmer idea?
(That's what I'm hoping for, anyway.)
I know the mods and admins have enough on their plates, so why not come up with a community idea and then approach them as a firmer idea?
(That's what I'm hoping for, anyway.)
D
Yep,but I get the feeling that people know each other up In here and recognize someone new.
I like knowing how long they've been on the site so I don't feel upset when a newbie hits the infamous OSAS topic again.
I like if they've posted more than twice before plopping out yet another pants thread. (Pun unintended, but enjoyed.)
I'd be fine with generalized info though. (I still think Rep Power has everything to do with how gabby we are. lol)
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I'm sorry for my attitude. I really don't like trolls, but I see what you're saying. I've been burnt many times on CC by people I thought were friends who ended up being trolls (very sneaky ones). Some disguised themselves as young Christians and others as more experienced Christians. I got along really well with these people for many, many, many months. And then I find they've been banned because they weren't even real? That hurts. It really does. Also, there's this one troll who basically stalks me and a few others on CC and he comes here under 100s of different usernames over the last year or so. He's chaos personified. I'm not the paranoid sort, but it wears you down after awhile. So I'm not saying this because I'm a horrible person. I'm saying that I don't like trolls because I've had some awful experiences with them. You make some good points though.
T
There are plenty of non-Christians here who don't cause a scene. I understand what you're saying, but I still think you're giving trolls far too much credit. They often drops bombs and leave and laugh at the chaos they've created. Hurting people hurt people, I know that. But these trolls are banned for good reasons. Some have stayed on here for a very long time, so they've been given plenty of time to reform. But do they even try? No.
