Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Pesky trolls!

So here's a new term I've learned:  blog troll. 
Here is the definition, according to the urban dictionary-
A pathetic and moronic person who maintains a blog with an unhealthy obsessive-compulsive drive, especially angsty goths (sorry to all the likable goths out there). The content of their blogs usually includes events that no sane person would care about. Here's sample of what a blog troll might write on their blog: "today, I ate a sanwich. It bad - it was just ok, mediocre, I guess you could call it. Then I took a nap. 2.(n) -A depraved individual who sits in front of a computer all day and posts flames of an idiotic or pseudo-intellectual nature on public forums and private websites. Many of these people actually become emotional about what is said on the afore-said mediums and feel it is their duty to punish those who disagree with them. They too may pursue this object in an obsessive-compulsive manner.

So why did I feel the need to look this up?  A friend has a little troll tormenting her blog site.  I am a very naive person.  What possible satisfaction would someone get inciting arguments, causing controversy, upsetting authors?  Blogs are a personal forum.  Personal, that's the key word.  This friend is not spreading her thoughts and feelings to the general public.  She has taken the time to share her wild and wonderful family life in a safe, creative way.  We go to her for the stories. 

So what is the answer to eliminate blog trolls?  An elaborate system of security, to measure your sanity before you are allowed to publish?  Individual blocking that challenges the very existence of blogs, and other forms of free speech?
Good news for this story... my friend may have found the solution.  Supportive followers and friends that chase the trolls away.  Reassurance that while these people exist, a strong circle of friends won't let them in.  Perhaps, at times, these trolls will provide an opportunity to challenge our own thoughts, forcing us to be honest with ourselves.  The best way to affirm your beliefs is to walk in someone else's shoes.
I guess the trolls aren't going away.  That's okay.  I think we can handle them.

3 comments:

  1. Trolls are just like the sad/lonely/bored/critical people we meet in our daily lives, only online. Some people can't help be a sniper, and the internet gives them cover.

    It's cowardly.

    Please know I will take down any trolls that come your way. Pinky swear.

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  2. It's Lisa, btw. My little *trolls* have hijacked my google account. sigh

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  3. I wondered why you were so prejudiced against trolls. Then I discovered this:

    http://buburuza.net/2008/05/evil-treasure-trolls/

    You may have a legitimate concern.

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