status-resolved Is it right to troll a troll?

Michael M · Oct 17, 2017

I occasionally find myself with a few minutes and in the thread of what I consider a troll. I tend to find myself entertained by conversation with them...

This brought up a "moral question" to mind. Is it right to troll a troll?

deez007 · Oct 17, 2017

Lol.. this is a dilema I am often faced with as well

Sometimes I fall into the trap and feel the need to set the troll straight but then it doesnt take me long to realize that It's a pointless excercise and the trolls only purpose is to get a reaction from people so engaging with them is pretty much giving them what they want.

Also, if we change the question slightly, I think it would help to provide a general answer. - Let say, "Is it right to be racist to a racist?" - Nope, racism in any shape or form for whatever reason is unacceptable... I think if we use that in the same context to your question then the answer should be the same

alcy · Oct 17, 2017

its called feeding the troll.
please don't do it.

Michael M · Oct 17, 2017

deez007 said:
Lol.. this is a dilema I am often faced with as well

Sometimes I fall into the trap and feel the need to set the troll straight but then it doesnt take me long to realize that It's a pointless excercise and the trolls only purpose is to get a reaction from people so engaging with them is pretty much giving them what they want.

Also, if we change the question slightly, I think it would help to provide a general answer. - Let say, "Is it right to be racist to a racist?" - Nope, racism in any shape or form for whatever reason is unacceptable... I think if we use that in the same context to your question then the answer should be the same

I completely hear your argument there, but I would add there is a "slight difference" between racism and trollism. Racism is driven by hate of a group based on skin color or ethnicity, which is quite obviously wrong, illogical, insane, and socially unacceptable.

I am not sure what drives trolls to be what they are.... (though I see the similarity you are referencing as I typed what I thought drove racists - minus the race aspect.)

alcy said:
its called feeding the troll.
please don't do it.

Hahah! I love that.

Eric Lyon · Oct 18, 2017

Our official position on this is that it is not allowed on NamePros.

Please read: Expectations for respect and constructiveness

Thanks for understanding,

tonyk2000 · Oct 18, 2017

Maybe "block a member" function proved by this forum software will work? If somebody never posts anything useful in both new threads started AND as replies, this might be practical solution. I'm really considering trying this. The only issue that I'm not always browse the forum in logged-in mode...

Eric Lyon · Oct 18, 2017

tonyk2000 said:
Maybe "block a member" function proved by this forum software will work? If somebody never posts anything useful in both new threads started AND as replies, this might be practical solution. I'm really considering trying this. The only issue that I'm not always browse the forum in logged-in mode...

The "Ignore" option on a member's profile does that.

alcy · Oct 18, 2017

you need to be careful with ignore function.
when you visit marketplace, and a blocked member places bid on an auction you are part of (or want to bid on), it will result in chaos and confusion for all.

I have been asking for long time to "disable" blocked lists the moment we enter marketplace forums. it is not done. perhaps @Paul Buonopane can consider it for future projects.

for this reason (marketplace problems) the ignore option as it stands is quite useless, and better left unused by all. else you are playing with fire if you intend to use it a lot and for many members... assuming of course, you do use marketplace as well.

tonyk2000 · Oct 18, 2017

Actually, I bet this thread and my wish to block somebody are inspired by one and the same member who needs to be blocked... so such a coincidence in the marketplace is unlikely to happen

namelancer · Oct 18, 2017

The 'Is it right to troll a troll' quandary has the same under-tones as the 'Is it right to steal (back) from a thief' dilemma

Eric Lyon · Oct 18, 2017

alcy said:
you need to be careful with ignore function.

There is a link on every page that has hidden content. As long as you remember to check for it, you can click that link and show all ignored posts. It won't cause a problem at all in the marketplace if the member using it is disciplined to look for that link and click it in the marketplace (Top right corner):

Hope that helps,

alcy · Oct 18, 2017

Eric Lyon said:
There is a link on every page that has hidden content. As long as you remember to check for it, you can click that link and show all ignored posts. It won't cause a problem at all in the marketplace if the member using it is disciplined to look for that link and click it in the marketplace (Top right corner):

Show attachment 71135

Hope that helps,

yes I am aware of it.

but this imo is not a permanent or best solution. because most people will not remember to click this hardly visible link.. and some others will not even know its there.. due to not reading this thread, or for other reasons.

me, I was refering more to permanently solving this problem. and there is only one way to do that

I am not much of coder, but I assume it is not the most complex thing in the world to disable all blocked lists on a given members profile, the moment he enters the marketplace forums to read or post there. I hope my feedback will be considered.

thanks!

Chris Hydrick · Oct 19, 2017

Well the results are in. 10 out of 11 NamePros members say it's right to troll a troll...

This begs the question, is the person who voted no, an alleged troll?

karmaco · Oct 26, 2017

So it’s against NP rules to troll a troll but the troll is allowed to start thread after thread deriding people making accusations and incindiary sweeping statements?

Seems like this policy is a little one sided and gives the original troll more right to free speech than anyone else and no apparent correction. The ignore button should not be the only answer. The OP needs to be held to some rules.

Oh and can you make a rule that a singular person may not call them self “we” as it’s an obvious mischaracterization. Only one person is typing at a computer on this forum under an ID at a particular moment.

Eric Lyon · Oct 26, 2017

karmaco said:
Seems like this policy is a little one sided and gives the original troll more right to free speech than anyone elseand no apparent correction. The ignore button should not be the only answer. The OP needs to be held to some rules.

Everyone is subject to the same rules. Please review the rules to best understand what that entails: https://www.namepros.com/threads/848752/

Thanks,

atinc · Oct 27, 2017

Grilled said:
Well the results are in. 10 out of 11 NamePros members say it's right to troll a troll...

Show attachment 71214

This begs the question, is the person who voted no, an alleged troll?

Lol, I was the one.

I was surprised after seeing the results

Seriously.

status-resolved Is it right to troll a troll?

Is it right to Troll a Troll? Sort by votes

Ummm. Yea!

No. Trolls are trolls, even if trolling a troll.

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