Easy and Effective Tools To Deal With Internet Trolls

pacamom wrote: I just tape my fingers together. It's harder to respond that way.

Science Chic wrote: I feel like I'm tossing a bloody virgin into a lion's den with this post (I can see some of the comments already), but what the hell - it can't hurt to have a reminder, right? lol (And make sure you click on the link in the second story - it's just what you need when you need a laugh and to get over a troll!)

I understand the frustrations, I've seen the comments in various threads that this site is going to hell in a hand basket, and I see this happening on both sides of the political aisle so don't even think of pulling the liberal/socialist or FWB cards out, but from my standpoint of wanting everyone to be happy and have fun here, yet realizing that with freedom of speech comes freedom of speech, I thought I'd share my personal tips of dealing with those with whom you don't agree.

http://lifehacker.com/5879968/how-to-kn ... o-about-it
How to Know When You’re Wrong (and What You Can Do About It)
By Adam Dachis
Jan 27, 2012

We've all met a person who is always right, and we know how annoying they can be because they're often wrong. There's little that's more annoying than arguing with somebody who is clearly mistaken but won't admit it. The problem is, sometimes we're the ones in the wrong and we don't realize it. Everyone has the capacity to become stubborn and unyielding, but you can also notice when that happens and stop. Here's what you can do to recognize and admit fault when it is your own.

Find the Common Denominator
Look at a Situation's Potential Outcomes
Don't Try to Change Someone Else's Behavior
Consult the Facts

http://lifehacker.com/5880121/the-stupi ... o-fix-them
The Stupid Things You Do Online (and How to Fix Them)
By Adam Dachis
Jan 30, 2012

Stupid Thing #3: You Feed the Trolls

When you feed the trolls—that is, the moment when you engage a malicious idiot in their hateful, annoying, and pointless discourse—you do everyone a disservice. You not only involve yourself in an almost endless, useless, and anger-filled debate, but you pollute the internet with hateful threads of garbage along with the trolls who start them. The internet is never going to vomit rainbows (at least not all of the time), but we can attempt to create happier, more pleasant communities by avoiding unwarranted fights and flame wars. Unfortunately, it's tough for a lot of people to get past a statement that incites anger but there are a few things that can help.

First, it's important to remember that trolls are not attacking you—they're attacking boredom. If what they're saying isn't going to have much of an impact on anyone, just remember that they're bored, loathsome people and let it go. On the other hand, if they're promoting hate speech and potentially causing harm to others, it's best to avoid engaging them and instead report them to the site's administrator.

http://lifehacker.com/5778209/make-quic ... ve-therapy
Make Quick Work of Internet Trolls by Using Cognitive Therapy
By Adam Dachis
Mar 7, 2011

Shlomi suggests that the often-suggested method of ignoring the trolls (often referred to as "don't feed the trolls") is not the way to go. Neither is criticism, calling for banning, or asking a troll to simply stop trolling. So what should you do? Ask questions to clarify (e.g "Why do you feel that Python is so bad? What do you find wrong with it?"), and kill with kindness (e.g. "It's OK to prefer Perl, we'll still accept you here."). As frustrating as it may be to be nice to someone who isn't, sometimes people just want to be heard and accepted.

Troll (Internet) per Wikipedia

The Liberals GOP Twin wrote: I love it... those suggestions should be combined into a little missive... let's call it "The Ultimate Liberals Guide to Ignoring Facts and Deflecting Blog Topics".

Mtn Gramma wrote:

The Liberals GOP Twin wrote: I love it... those suggestions should be combined into a little missive... let's call it "The Ultimate Liberals Guide to Ignoring Facts and Deflecting Blog Topics".

And so it begins . . .

We've all met a person who is always right, and we know how annoying they can be because they're often wrong. There's little that's more annoying than arguing with somebody who is clearly mistaken but won't admit it.