Yes, the only other edition was written early last year. And people seemed to like it, so after doing much editing (including four more sections) I am doing a new publication. This is the revision of the Second Publication. Soon, I will write a Third Publication, and so if you have comments, please post them.
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2013 Edition
Introduction:
There are many trolls, of many kinds, and in fact, some of the most popular players on the RP are trolls (although some are mislabeled.) This guide is to know what a troll is, how to deal with them, and the many kinds. Join me, as we explore the world of The Average Troll.
Chapter 1:
What Makes a Troll a Troll.
Trolls are people who find enjoyment in your annoyance and attention. When somebody says your idea is bad, they may not just be a troll. There are two main types of criticism; the kind to annoy you or bring you down, or the kind that is constructive and is truly help to make you better. Trolls do the first; You should do the second.
Chapter 2:
What To Do.
If you are targeted by a troll, and you are SURE they are a troll, DO NOT reply. DO NOT pay attention. If you are annoyed and tell them to go away, YOU ARE JUST FEEDING THEM. IGNORE THEM AT ALL COSTS. Also, some types of Troll are unaffected by bans. (See Chapter 5.)
Chapter 3:
If You Think You Are a Troll.
Try not to post criticism unless you are sure as heck it is constructive and given in a nice way. However, if you don't care, just scuddle off do what you do best. What would be the point of this if there were no true trolls? Oh, By the way, If you openly and publicly say you are a troll, you probably aren't.
Chapter 4:
Kinds of Trolls.
There are many kinds. Most of what is described in this guide is in fact part of the LOWER AVERAGE. These people well don't care what you think, so long as you know they are there.
Another kind is the SPAM TROLL. Most don't consider these trolls, but they enjoy attention and feedback like other kinds.
Yet another is the UPPER AVERAGE. Most popular trolls here are Upper Averages. They try to find what hits the spot and what really annoys you, then use clever ways of making you mad.
Probably the most common is the BURSTER. Bursters are normal people who have bursts of trolling that are rather random. Most people (mostly the younger players) are unintentional Bursters.
Then, the worst troll yet, THE AVERAGE. These people are all around annoying and will keep on posting even when they have been ignored. Reporting won't help at all, (see chapter 5) and in fact will make them worse.
Chapter 5:
Reporting
There are very few circumstances where a ban will stop a troll. Several spamming trolls are people who gave away their pa.ssword. Please, ban them and put them out of their misery.
With Bursters, it will probably make them stop temporarily, while it will do nothing but encourage other types.
Chapter 6:
Reminder.
In the (albeit edited) words of Smoky the Bear,
"This proves that you, and only you, can stop forum trolls!" |