The term derives from "trolling", a style of fishing which involves trailing bait through a likely spot hoping for a bite. The troll posts a message, often in response to an honest question, that is intended to upset, disrupt or simply insult the group.
Why do trolls do it?
I believe that most trolls are sad people, living their lonely lives vicariously through those they see as strong and successful.
Disrupting a stable newsgroup gives the illusion of power, just as for a few, stalking a strong person allows them to think they are strong, too.
For trolls, any response is 'recognition'; they are unable to distinguish between irritation and admiration; their ego grows directly in proportion to the response, regardless of the form or content of that response.
I swear, I never knew there were this many raving paranoids in Moore County. I feel like I've wandered into some sort of lunatic asylum where people are arguing with the wallpaper.
TheNeedle 3 years, 1 month ago
Spending Us Into Oblivion Beware the Plundering Power Pirates
Pretty peppy piece, pal! Packed with prime pearls of pungently prejudiced prevarication!
TheNeedle 3 years, 1 month ago
Health Reform Passed Thanks To Republicans
How's that "disregarding my posts" thing workin' out for ya?
There's your weakness, Anglo...you can't help but respond.
I throw the ball, you chase the ball....
TheNeedle 3 years, 1 month ago
Health Reform Passed Thanks To Republicans
Anglo, do you think it's possible for you to BE more pompous, arrogant, and condescending?
TheNeedle 3 years, 1 month ago
Health Reform Passed Thanks To Republicans
Oh, the poor oppressed fellow. No wonder he's so enraged.
TheNeedle 3 years, 1 month ago
Health Reform Passed Thanks To Republicans
Goodness, Mr. Anglophile is a very angry fellow, isn't he?
TheNeedle 3 years, 1 month ago
Sad Day for Democracy
If you can get through the turgid prose, endless hectoring monologues, and cardboard characters of Atlas Shrugged, you have far more patience than I.
The book isn't "Big Brother" by the way. It's "1984."
Which leads me to believe that you've actually read none of these works you're so fond of holding up as must reads.
TheNeedle 3 years, 2 months ago
Unemployment Rate Hits 11 Percent
What Is A Troll?
The term derives from "trolling", a style of fishing which involves trailing bait through a likely spot hoping for a bite. The troll posts a message, often in response to an honest question, that is intended to upset, disrupt or simply insult the group.
Why do trolls do it?
I believe that most trolls are sad people, living their lonely lives vicariously through those they see as strong and successful.
Disrupting a stable newsgroup gives the illusion of power, just as for a few, stalking a strong person allows them to think they are strong, too.
For trolls, any response is 'recognition'; they are unable to distinguish between irritation and admiration; their ego grows directly in proportion to the response, regardless of the form or content of that response.
http://www.flayme.com/troll/
TheNeedle 3 years, 2 months ago
Sad Day for Democracy
I swear, I never knew there were this many raving paranoids in Moore County. I feel like I've wandered into some sort of lunatic asylum where people are arguing with the wallpaper.
TheNeedle 3 years, 2 months ago
Sad Day for Democracy
"o dear...here we go with people complaining about taxes and how the rich should be taxed until they are poor! "
Who, exactly, has said this here? You're working yourself into a lather over something no one's saying.
TheNeedle 3 years, 2 months ago
A Sick System: Why Our Health Care Needs Reforming
That would be you, expat.