How long will PILGRIMSHOST last?

Vladd44 · Post by **Vladd44** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 11:11 am

Seeing someone with a name in all caps (PILGRIMSHOST) is often a sign of things to come.

Starting a thread with the subject in all caps (THEY WOULDNT HAVE DIED FOR A LIE! ), ranks up there as well.

The first word is a typo....

PILGRIMSHOST wrote:I is clear that all arguments against christianity are pointless and wrong because those that were martyred for their belief in Christ wouldn't have died for a lie.

He defends this viewpoint for 6 typo filled posts, reminding me of Good old MetaCrock. before admitting his entire OP premise was false

PILGRIMSHOST wrote:I don't believe that Jesus even existed, or there would have been something written about him dueing his activities

I hesitated to create this topic due to it's potential for offense. But IMO history on this forum should lend some credibility to my position. I am hoping that recognition of the pattern will allow this post to continue.

It can be entertaining to compile your own Death List, even if it is just for a forum rather than real life.

The Corinthian · Post by **The Corinthian** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 7:16 pm

Yeah, I read the long posts on the first pages of that thread and cursed to myself when he admitted that it more or less was a troll-job the entire time (or at least that's how I understood it).

Sometimes it can't be damn near impossible to tell the difference between the trolls and the ignorant. Personally, I think trolling should be banable. They waste peoples time, and make people feel stupid when they realize that they have been arguing with a strawman the entire time.

The Corinthian · Post by **The Corinthian** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 7:49 pm

How to spot a troll:

Playtime trolls are relatively easy to spot, but they may not be apparent to the naive user. There isn't a single set of characteristics that applies to playtime trolls, but you can look for some or all of the following signs:

* a lack of buy-in to the list philosophy or values [Check]

* generally low level of activity, with sudden spurts of interaction - or perhaps a new persona that has strong opinions on controversial subjects[Check]

* a mixture of friendly posts with a confrontational style of interaction[Check]

* the use of provocative language and sweeping generalisations about certain topics or categories of people[Check]

* a lack of in-depth understanding of the topic[Check]

* a lack of personal information[Check]

* a lack of a genuinely unique perspective on the topic[Check]

* a lack of humour[Check]

* restarting topics that have already been done

* use of language that encourages the dialogue to enter topics that are controversial and likely to upset some team members[Check]

* they follow up their own articles if the group doesn't respond to their posts

To counteract playtime trolls, the best action is to ignore them. If you are convinced they are trolls, then you can advise the list manager. However, if other group members respond to the suspected troll's posts, then you may have to consider some of the responses outlined for tactical or strategic trolls.

(I edited some of the bullets out. Source: http://www.teamtechnology.co.uk/troll-tactics.html)

I believe we have ourselves a troll.

We really ought to start a thread on how to spot a troll, compile a list, and make a sticky out of that list.

Fallibleone · Post by **Fallibleone** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:31 am

Is it wrong to get so riled by continuous typos, spelling mistakes and incorrect word usage? It probably is. Doesn't stop it happening though, unfortunately. I've been very good till now.

McCulloch · Post by **McCulloch** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:39 am

Fallibleone wrote:Is it wrong to get so riled by continuous typos, spelling mistakes and incorrect word usage? It probably is. Doesn't stop it happening though, unfortunately. I've been very good till now.

I struggle with that. If the purpose of language is communication, then it should not matter that all of the nuances are correct so long as the the ideas are successfully communicated. On the other hand, the rules of word usage and grammar have evolved in order to reduce ambiguity and improve communication. They should not be disregarded carelessly.

Fallibleone · Post by **Fallibleone** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 10:23 am

Yes. Although I suppose that there may be circumstances of which we are not aware which influence posting style, etc. hence my reluctance to comment before.

Vladd44 · Post by **Vladd44** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 6:16 pm

Fallibleone wrote:Is it wrong to get so riled by continuous typos, spelling mistakes and incorrect word usage?

I usually find them entertaining. I commented on Pilgrim because he is a troll. IMO trolls can be very entertaining, unfortunately for pilgrim he really isn't very good at it.

He should also consider studying the bible a little closer if he ever wants to emulate a christian again. As ill informed as the christian masses tend to be on scriptural text, most of them know that the bible claims Jesus did not have any bones broken in the crucifi(ct/x)ion.

And yes, it did annoy me to post a response to such a ludicrous post as his only to find out it wasn't a brain damaged christian (brain damage a reference to the view of his post, not a general accusation of christians having brain damage) but just a young troll out testing his wings.