Trolling vs. Flaming

[Prince David]

OK, I'll admit it: I'm an old fart. I'm fairly computer savvy and participate actively in a couple of different boards, but there's a term in use here that I've never heard of before.

What is "trolling?" And how is it different than flaming? I think trolling is just generally making inflamatory posts about the topic, whereas flaming is more about direct personal attacks?

And where does the term trolling come from?

 

[Lithgon]

Trolling is posting a comment that invites someone to flame it.

Flaming is insulting another.

 

[Bhruic]

Despite the modern linkage of 'trolling' and 'trolls', the word 'trolling' originally refered to the word in the fishing definition. Basically, you are using bait in an attempt to catch a fish.

In this case, you are using a post (bait) to attempt to aggrivate another poster (the fish).

Flaming, on the other hand, is a direct attack.

Bh

 

[nekom]

What Lithgon said. Comes from the fishing tactic of trolling I beleive. Throw the line out there, troll it and just see what (or who) bites.

 

[RoboPig]

this should be in the site feedback

trolling IMO is when you fight back someones opinions with negative comments. (that is so stupid!, only idiots think that way etc.) it is also when you make a negative comment in hope that the preson who's opinion you trolled will fight back(dont feed the trolls)

flaming is when you make an attack on someone regardless of their opinions (you are such a jackass, youre ugly as a rat, etc.)

 

[Meffy]

Google for "troll faq" to find various versions of a kind of document that's been around for ages. Some will refer to Usenet, mailing lists, or other media; much of the same applies to a Web-based forum like this too. Note that googling will also find links to sites where certain kinds of trolls organize to get their jollies. This link is a good version:

http://www.hyphenologist.co.uk/killfile/anti_troll_faq.htm

The basic rule for dealing with known trolls is: Pay them no attention and you will give them no satisfaction. Attention is what a troll's there for. Attention and reactions, the more offended the better. Positive is okay but negative reactions are golden. Ignore them and generally (not always) they will pout and whimper or shriek for a while, then go away.

Oh, yes -- I agree that trolling (posting deliberately inflammatory garbage to provoke hostile reactions) should be distinguished from flaming (heated, often strongly worded, even hateful blasting of other posters' opinions or positions, but generally done as over-reaction during an argument).

 

[Mercade]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_troll

Etymology
The contemporary use of the term first appeared on Usenet groups in the late 1980s. It is widely thought to be a contraction of the phrase "trolling for suckers", itself derived from the sport fishing technique of trolling. The latter can be compared with trawling, of which it is a near homophone.

The word likely gained currency because of its apt second meaning, drawn from the "trolls", which are portrayed in Scandinavian folklore, and children's tales, as often ugly, obnoxious creatures that are bent on wickedness and mischief. The image of the troll under the bridge in the "Three Billy Goats Gruff" emphasizes the trolls' dislike of outsiders within its physical environment, particularly those who intend to graze in its domain.

 

[Prince David]

Thanks for the input. I had surmised that trolling had to do with the fishing term.

My, what a well educated group of fans we all are!

 

[Meffy]

My, what a well educated group of fans we all are!

Downright disgraceful, ain't it?

 

[Padma]

Moderator Action: Move to ... (Site Feedback, or Off Topic - flips a coin) ... Site Feedback it is.

 

[Birdjaguar]

Some posters are more susceptible to trolling than others:

A square with acne is called a pentagon....
We are made in god's image....
The fact of evolution is clearly seen in....
The bible says....
Firaxis ripped us off with its shoddy....
If the catholic church wasn't god's work, it wouldn't have lasted 2000 years....
If TF knew what he was doing....

 

[marshal zhukov]

Moderator Action: Move to ... (Site Feedback, or Off Topic - flips a coin) ... Site Feedback it is.

You should have more criteria. "flip a coin", what the hell is that?
You are a CFC Moderator, have some more self-respect.

There is no no kidding around for Mods.

Moving a thread is serious business, not to mention being a MODERATOR.


P:S: Is this trolling or is this just a way of asking for a Moderator Warning ?

 

[Padma]

Sounds like a Moderator Action: Warning to me.

 

[Perfection]

A square with acne is called a pentagon....

Good heavens! Is that directed at me?!

 

[Tomoyo]

I think a certain Katie needs to post everywhere... or he should infect someone wit the troll sig virus... or something. Someone with a big name. Someone who posts everywhere. Maybe make a moderator-wide effort.

 

[Knight-Dragon]

Check my sig.

In many cases, the posts can be both trolling and flaming.