Let’s Get It Straight On Trolling

[MG 2.0]

Parenthetically, there were a few people that were MIA. Two that simply wanted the thread withdrawn completely without offering anything of substance resulting in an admission of self awareness and some partial responsibility for the trolling tactics used to 'shoot the messenger' in one way/form or another.

One or two MIA's that I think might benefit from a bit more introspection rather than mirroring their behavior onto someone else.

Regards,
MG

[Shulem]

OK. I probably should respond to this post. By the way, hi Res Ipsa. My intent has been to recognize and show a pattern of what is defined as trolling behavior. My intent is NOT to initiate a 'trolling exercise' to get everyone worked up. Although I expected a few to do so. I didn't want to name specific posters explicitly although it shouldn't be hard to tell who I'm referring to. That devolves into public shaming which I am hesitant to do knowing how it feels on the other end.

Yes, I did intend to provoke some kind of reaction. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the reaction was more or less what I expected. No acceptance of any responsibility from those that I would consider to be trolls. Any strongly worded OP on this forum is basically created to get a response. I wanted to create a dialogue as to whether or not there has been an ongoing pattern of trolling by certain posters by laying out the patterns/behaviors that would be expected. And as expected, little or no response there. I guess I was hoping to be surprised.

Disagreement with my direct approach to an ongoing problem that I've observed is fair. You're free to think that I have approached this subject in a clumsy, unhelpful, or annoying way. I would disagree with you, however, that this thread and its opening OP and my other supporting comments are "clearly" trolling. I realize you're trying to put the onus/load back on me. I can think of reasons why you might do that. You gave your interpretation of what I've attempted to do in this thread...I'm simply telling you that it doesn't match my intent.

At the end of the day I believe that what I have presented has validity and truth to it. I also realize that some of the very things I've mentioned trolls will do have been seen in operation in this thread. More so, however, in other threads. I think some people have intentionally stayed away from falling into any of the 'troll traps' I've described purposefully during this thread so far.

One can/might think of reasons why.

It may well be that this OP and my comments were a waste of time and nothing will come of it other than more of the same.

Unfortunate, in my opinion. Troll like technique and follow through actions and words are what keep this forum and 'echo chamber' with little room for alternate opinions and ideas. It's been that way for a long time. Trolling doesn't help. It's actually pretty hard to fight against.

I'll hand the trolls that much.

My two cents.

Regards,
MG

This is Mormon Discussions, not Troll Discussions and all about MG.

What's the king's name in Facsimile No. 3, MG? You dirty liar.

Shades, do something. This has gotten way out of hand.

[Shulem]

Parenthetically, there were a few people that were MIA. Two that simply wanted the thread withdrawn completely without offering anything of substance resulting in an admission of self awareness and some partial responsibility for the trolling tactics used to 'shoot the messenger' in one way/form or another.

One or two MIA's that I think might benefit from a bit more introspection rather than mirroring their behavior onto someone else.

Regards,
MG

What has this to do about Mormonism?

Shut the hell up, TROLL!

[Marcus]

Wow, I go offline for a couple of meetings and I come back to find pages and pages of this thread!! It has so many excellent responses to the OP, thank you all for the entertainment value. And what an excellent OP for mentalgymnast to write--he explained exactly how he trolls, as others have noted:

...I think we should take the OP for what it is: a parody of the author's many other trolling OPs. Bravo, MG.

Well said. Also I agree with Malkie, your chemical pun was outstanding.

been seen
ben seen
ben zeen
benzene

Sorry Res - that was clever beyond my ability to recognise. Kudos!

I learn something every day, here.

So, in summary: If you respond seriously, it’s trolling. If you respond humorously, it’s trolling. If you don’t respond, that proves the point. Conclusion: might as well have fun with it.

Exactly.

And finally,

...I would disagree with you, however, that this thread and its opening OP and my other supporting comments are "clearly" trolling. I realize you're trying to put the onus/load back on me. I can think of reasons why you might do that...

But of course he can. The mental pretzeling is indefatigable.

[MG 2.0]

I'll have to say, a while back one of the posters on this thread and I had some good, productive, and civil discussions over at the Celestial Forum.

It appears things have gone downhill since then. Losing one's temper continually and without cause is not good for overall health and well being. To anyone that I may have indirectly triggered emotionally, please be aware, that is/was not my intent or desire.

My motives, however, have been quite clear.

I would suggest that if a person is overly triggered emotionally that they may want to avoid the triggers, whatever they may be.

I try to do that and it does help me remain balanced. Keeps my blood pressure in check too.

Regards,
MG

[MG 2.0]

Ah, trolls will be trolls.

The premier troll showed up! No substance, no self awareness in regards to the 'hard facts' that were presented...just more deflection and irresponsibility for personal behavior.

At least it's out there for all to see. And has been for a long while.

Trolls will be trolls. Definitively and according do definitions.

It will continue...sadly.

Regards,
MG

[MG 2.0]

This board could be so much better if some participants could avoid troll like behaviors, words, and actions.

This may wrap up this thread for me. That opens the door for the resident trolls and their tactics of exploitation and manipulation.

I've opened the door to possible improvement/change, however.

We'll see what happens.

I won't hold my breath though.

Regards,
MG

[Shulem]

I'll have to say, a while back one of the posters on this thread and I had some good, productive, and civil discussions over at the Celestial Forum.

Discussion in that forum revolves around things that have to do with Mormonism.

This thread has nothing to do with Mormonism.

You are a Troll, MG, the king of trolls.

You have broken the rules, again:

5. If you wish to start a thread having nothing to do with Mormonism, do so only in the Spirit Paradise Forum or the Spirit Prison Forum. That's what they're there for.

[Shulem]

This board could be so much better if some participants could avoid troll like behaviors, words, and actions.

This may wrap up this thread for me. That opens the door for the resident trolls and their tactics of exploitation and manipulation.

I've opened the door to possible improvement/change, however.

We'll see what happens.

I won't hold my breath though.

Regards,
MG

NOTHING is going to change other than this thread being moved to the appropriate forum which is what Shades will do.

Just watch it happen.

That is a prophecy I expect will be fulfilled, very soon.

Amen.

[Limnor]

This board could be so much better if some participants could avoid troll like behaviors, words, and actions.

This may wrap up this thread for me. That opens the door for the resident trolls and their tactics of exploitation and manipulation.

I've opened the door to possible improvement/change, however.

We'll see what happens.

I won't hold my breath though.

Regards,
MG

And with that magnanimous ceremonial closing statement, we humbly receive the rebuke and retire for reflection.

There’s a certain irony in being called to reflect by someone engaging in the same behavior they’re criticizing.