October 24, 2009

Civility online (the loosing art)

"Trolling" Internet Terms to know and share:

Trolling is an attempt to bait someone. To get them to respond, either through wise-crackery, knowingly posting incorrect information, asking blatantly stupid questions, or other foolishness.

Nearly all trolled statements are meant to be funny to some people, so it does have some social/entertainment value. "Trolling" isn't simply "harmful statements".

Intentionally insulting/libelous statements are "flaming".

The goal of trolling is to get fed; "Feeding the Trolls". This is when people 'take the bait' or respond with a trolled reply or replying to comments that are blatantly from a troll.

This is especially true when a troll first makes his comment, and (usually many) people respond, either trying to correct the troll, or express anger at the statement. At that point, the trolling was successful and has been fed.

When encouraged by success and feeding, trolls often return.

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