The Care and Feeding of Trolls

I'm posting this here where it is most likely to be seen.

From time to time we get what are most likely trolls, posting absurd questions with atrocious spelling and grammar.

It's tempting to respond with sarcasm or hostility. Please, before you do, think about what the troll is looking for: attention. Those kinds of responses are filet mignon to a troll, and he may even decided to bring his friends to join the fun.

Also, consider the possibility that the poster is really looking for ideas or encouragement. Of course, no 1 heer wud evr post netspeek, but not everyone realizes that netspeak is more annoying than cute. A word or two of encouragement might just light that spark we all know so well, that leads to late nights studying SPAG and best writing practices, and ends up in wasted lives on WF.org.

So how best to feed a troll? A lean diet of calm words, just enough to help in the unlikely event the troll is just a scrumpy unwashed wanderer in search of stimulation, but not enough to fill the belly of a true cackling slavering troll.

And if you're really annoyed, then use the report post icon to alert the mods. The troll goes hungry, except perhaps for just desserts.

 

I'd encourage you to push the report button if you even suspect trolling. There's no harm in being overcautious, and it alerts us to a potential problem.

 

I propose the Troll Adkins Diet. Bad language and snarky retorts are to be treated as carbohydrates!

 

Wrey.

This is one of the reasons why I take bad stories seriously as well. Even if they look like someone has written something just to see if people actually review that... stupidness. I want to give everyone a chance, and I know I was young once as well, doing and saying stupid things. (and no, I'm not saying all youngsters do stupid things)

I believe that even trolls can be turned into people. But yeah, you could say I'm an idealist.

 

I do call you an idealist in that case. But that's meant as a compliment. Idealism propels us toward greatness, whereas bitterness and cynicism miss the occasional gemstone among the weeds and muck.

 

you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

 

I'd say that you catch more again with a Venus Flytrap- but I dont really think that's in the spirit of this thread...

 

Well, not really. I had one once and it didn't catch any. I had to catch the flies and feed them to it.

Stupid plant

 

Flies are attracted to feces. So bombarding them with poo is counterproductive.

 

I miss the good 'ol days where you took the "troll" out behind the barn and all "trolling" in the neighborhood just went away! LOL

 

But I'd rather not have to be the eldest Billy Goat Gruff

 

LMAO! I love it!

And welcome back, Freshmaker. It's been a while.

 

Yeah, I'm not in this neck of the internet too often. But I like this site. I'm like the perennial prodigal son. Who just happens to be a girl.