Internet Forum Trolls - What Are They?

In running a successful discussion forum one ofto the forum or not.
the problems an administrator is likely to come upWhen we think of one of the meanings for
against sooner or later is the troll. Although thesetrolling, in fishing it's to slowly drag bait through
so-called trolls can be disruptive, they can also aidwater. Perhaps the expression suitably fits those
in getting some good discussions going, and inwho like to dangle off topic drivel in their posts in
keeping threads alive. To establish what a troll inorder to get other members to take the bait and
Internet terms means, here's what one forumgo on the attack against the originator of the
has deemed one to be, and has created a specificpost. I also think the second meaning equally
rule to prevent trolling. "NO TROLLING -applies, that of obnoxious creatures in folklore
mischievously manufacturing inflammatory opinionswho are intent on causing mischief and to destroy
in an attempt to stir up disharmony and discord.or tear down. A forum with trolls is one where
No posting up a stream of off-topic drivel or beingvery often there's a lot of sarcasm, where
clumsily provocative."infighting takes place, and the normal member
Now, of course this doesn't mean putting a stopgets very frustrated. Threads go off-topic, and
to healthy disagreements. No one wants orshouting matches become the norm. Trolls tend
expects a forum where every member agreesto be repetitive, as though saying something over
100% with each other on all subjects. Rather, theand over again will somehow make others take
rule is intended to prevent a certain membernotice.
from taking over a thread, or threads, in order toSo, yes to healthy arguments, discussion, and
be disruptive. Often, it just seems that onedisagreements. But, if a forum is to truly thrive,
particular member will do almost anything towith the majority being heard, trolls need to be
make themselves heard, whether they contributekept in their place.