Too Many Trolls

Off Topic Politics & World Issues
21

[quote]PGJ wrote:

Isn’t that the Leftist way? Make lots of noise, shout over your opposition, harrass, accuse, insult and generally be obnoxious and oblivious until the other side gives up. It’s all about winning and being heard, not about being correct.

[/quote]
I wouldn’t know about the “leftist” way. I don’t put myself into that camp. Usually, I only defend what I consider to be fact with evidence; i.e., crying, “troll” isn’t a valid argument where I work.

In my line of work we know who the trolls are and we don’t give them the time of day. None of my colleagues are put off by this type of behavior and if they were they wouldn’t be missed if they decided to leave.

BTW, who is correct? You? Your side? Your cause? Anything that isn’t “leftist”? Is there any place for “left” thinkers in your world–or is “left” just a word to describe people you disagree with?

22

[quote]Zap Branigan wrote:
Their being chased away is our loss. [/quote]

Nah…they most certainly might be intelligent but so what? Why is this important to us?

What are the implications to a site that has little to no social relevance (as it stands now). As most of you claim this is a bodybuilding site not a place where politics is at the forefront of people’s minds. How are trolls really an issue?

23

[quote]thunderbolt23 wrote:
You seem obsessed with the Social Darwin aspect to this when there is none.[/quote]

Sure there is. Do trolls affect the quality of your posts? Does some idiot posting nonsense make you want to leave? There are those who can deal and those that can’t (or won’t).

24

[quote]Headhunter wrote:
Zap Branigan wrote:

There are some right wing trollers here too. Headhunter has said some pretty stupid and inflammatory stuff.

Hey, vanilla pudding I’m not.

I like to say extreme rightwing stuff, to fire up the libs. Consider it a weakness, if you will.

“If this be trolling, make the most of it!”
— Headhunter

[/quote]

At least you know it and admit it and contribute elsewhere. I have to admit it is very tempting to do it.

25

[quote]LIFTICVSMAXIMVS wrote:
PGJ wrote:

Isn’t that the Leftist way? Make lots of noise, shout over your opposition, harrass, accuse, insult and generally be obnoxious and oblivious until the other side gives up. It’s all about winning and being heard, not about being correct.

I wouldn’t know about the “leftist” way. I don’t put myself into that camp. Usually, I only defend what I consider to be fact with evidence; i.e., crying, “troll” isn’t a valid argument where I work.

In my line of work we know who the trolls are and we don’t give them the time of day. None of my colleagues are put off by this type of behavior and if they were they wouldn’t be missed if they decided to leave.

BTW, who is correct? You? Your side? Your cause? Anything that isn’t “leftist”? Is there any place for “left” thinkers in your world–or is “left” just a word to describe people you disagree with?[/quote]

I think you know very well what “left” is. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a group of conservatives storming the stage at a liberal gathering. Conservatives don’t hold massive protests and spit on people.

Ever seen anyone try to reason with a dedicated leftist? You can’t talk to them. They shout, they don’t shut up, they don’t let you get a word in. There is no debate. Eventually, the conservative person gives up and the leftist pronounces his victory through submission. Seriously, ever see the campus Republicans go on a rampage? Me neither.

Lift, you might not consider yourself a leftist, but if it sounds like a duck, walks like a duck, smells like a duck…

26

[quote]LIFTICVSMAXIMVS wrote:
Zap Branigan wrote:
Their being chased away is our loss.

Nah…they most certainly might be intelligent but so what? Why is this important to us?

What are the implications to a site that has little to no social relevance (as it stands now). As most of you claim this is a bodybuilding site not a place where politics is at the forefront of people’s minds. How are trolls really an issue?[/quote]

Why would you put so much time into this site if it didn’t have some relevance in your life?

27

[quote]LIFTICVSMAXIMVS wrote:

Sure there is. Do trolls affect the quality of your posts? Does some idiot posting nonsense make you want to leave? There are those who can deal and those that can’t (or won’t).[/quote]

I realize you are in one of your deconstructionist-anarchist spin cycles (“why does any of it matter?”, “why is a troll’s post a problem?”), but this, again, has nothing to do with hacking it.

Trolls drive people away. It’s that simple.

Trolls don’t challenge anyone on substantive issues - they merely take up space and attempt to irritate posters. You may see great value in that, but most normal people don’t - and they take their posts elsewhere.

That would be a shame - and those of us interested in the quality of these forums should speak up (doesn’t have to be conservative). It’s not a matter of “toughness”, because no one has to stay here. The point is to stop the reason why people are likely not to stay here.

I suspect that your Social Darwin approach is more or less a desire to act tough (“I can handle it!!”)- but it has nothing to do with what we are talking about.

28

[quote]PGJ wrote:

I think you know very well what “left” is. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a group of conservatives storming the stage at a liberal gathering. Conservatives don’t hold massive protests and spit on people.
[/quote]

Like at abortion clinics? Like at the funerals of dead service members waving signs claiming, “god hates fags”? Sounds like “leftist” wacos to me.

Yes, everyday I see the campus republicans protesting liberal protesters. They ALL hate each other. These behaviors are not reserved for one group over the other. Don’t make generalizations.

Quack, quack. What do “leftists” do that is so different from the “right”?

Anyone who identifies with one group entirely based on a political/religious agenda is a lost cause to reason. I do not fall into that category.

29

[quote]Zap Branigan wrote:
Why would you put so much time into this site if it didn’t have some relevance in your life?[/quote]

Because it has relevance to MY life doesn’t make it socially relevant. Other than that, I like to argue with people about stuff other than the existence of the Higgs particle or muon decay or whatever–and I dig the training articles.

I am not looking to be swayed politically or change anyone’s mind. I come here because I feel I have a unique voice and therefore offer something different than those that just appear to spew partisan rhetoric. I’ve said it before but, I come here to argue because I don’t have to worry about my credibility being destroyed if I say something a little too over the top or against the mainstream or whatever. Something I worry about on a daily basis at my job. Academics are already on a short enough leash with regard to the patriot act.

Trolls…? What trolls.

30

This thread is trollish itself. It assumes that there is a a portion of posters around here that are not interested in constructive debating and are just throw inflammatory remarks to bait others into replying.

By that definition, I cannot name a single person I would consider a troll.

Everyone contribute with something. Heck, even HH’s “All Muslims Are Nuts” threads sheds light on the PR challenge of Islam in modern times.

But there are serious issues to be tackled:

  • Repetitive threads: I’ve been around for a few weeks only and I’m sick of people starting a new thread for the same video (see Global Warming Spindle). Do some homework for God’s sake before posting. It’s disrespectful to make many users read a duplicates and have them point that to you. Google is your friend.

  • Personal attacks: Be it not assuming good faith are calling others names, such behavior should not be encouraged as it takes the focus out of the issue and becomes ridiculous pissing contests. Thunderbolt is an example of someone who cannot reply without resorting to insults. He’s very knowledgeable, and more often than not, throws insightful posts, but boy, does he get personal!

I have been called a troll by Zap dozens of times and hedo keeps shouting cyber-Jihadist whenever he has a chance.

It gets tiresome because, after a certain point I am tricked into responding with personal attacks myself. I’m only human after all.

  • Threads with zero added-value: Let’s say like this one or the one called “Seriously Lixy”. The poster brings absolutely nothing new. Respect other people’s intelligence.

  • People acting like they own the forums don’t help much either.

  • People with a “holier than thou” attitude. Like the ones who grant themselves the right to judge who is sincere and who isn’t.

I cannot judge if the quality of discussion has been dropping or not. I’m relatively new around here.

But I know this much: As long as the forum has members like Varqanir and Pookie with their encyclopedic-yet-subtly-hilarious posts, people like JeffR who remain civil even when vehemently disagreeing with you or even JTF’s quotefarms, I’ll continue to make this place a regular stop.

31

[quote]LIFTICVSMAXIMVS wrote:
Zap Branigan wrote:
Why would you put so much time into this site if it didn’t have some relevance in your life?

Because it has relevance to MY life doesn’t make it socially relevant. Other than that, I like to argue with people about stuff other than the existence of the Higgs particle or muon decay or whatever–and I dig the training articles.

I am not looking to be swayed politically or change anyone’s mind. I come here because I feel I have a unique voice and therefore offer something different than those that just appear to spew partisan rhetoric. I’ve said it before but, I come here to argue because I don’t have to worry about my credibility being destroyed if I say something a little too over the top or against the mainstream or whatever. Something I worry about on a daily basis at my job. Academics are already on a short enough leash with regard to the patriot act.

Trolls…? What trolls.[/quote]

I don’t know why you are discussing social relevance. What does this have to do with anything?

And academics on a short leash due to the Patriot Act? What are you talking about? Please give examples. Better yet start a thread to discuss. I would be fascinated to hear about this.

32

[quote]lixy wrote:
This thread is trollish itself. It assumes that there is a a portion of posters around here that are not interested in constructive debating and are just throw inflammatory remarks to bait others into replying.

By that definition, I cannot name a single person I would consider a troll.

Everyone contribute with something. Heck, even HH’s “All Muslims Are Nuts” threads sheds light on the PR challenge of Islam in modern times.

But there are serious issues to be tackled:

  • Repetitive threads: I’ve been around for a few weeks only and I’m sick of people starting a new thread for the same video (see Global Warming Spindle). Do some homework for God’s sake before posting. It’s disrespectful to make many users read a duplicates and have them point that to you. Google is your friend.

  • Personal attacks: Be it not assuming good faith are calling others names, such behavior should not be encouraged as it takes the focus out of the issue and becomes ridiculous pissing contests. Thunderbolt is an example of someone who cannot reply without resorting to insults. He’s very knowledgeable, and more often than not, throws insightful posts, but boy, does he get personal!

I have been called a troll by Zap dozens of times and hedo keeps shouting cyber-Jihadist whenever he has a chance.

It gets tiresome because, after a certain point I am tricked into responding with personal attacks myself. I’m only human after all.

  • Threads with zero added-value: Let’s say like this one or the one called “Seriously Lixy”. The poster brings absolutely nothing new. Respect other people’s intelligence.

  • People acting like they own the forums don’t help much either.

  • People with a “holier than thou” attitude. Like the ones who grant themselves the right to judge who is sincere and who isn’t.

I cannot judge if the quality of discussion has been dropping or not. I’m relatively new around here.

But I know this much: As long as the forum has members like Varqanir and Pookie with their encyclopedic-yet-subtly-hilarious posts, people like JeffR who remain civil even when vehemently disagreeing with you or even JTF’s quotefarms, I’ll continue to make this place a regular stop.[/quote]

Spare us.

You are seriously a part of the problem. I believe you are completely insincere with your posts.

You come here with an agenda. Perhaps troll is the wrong term and cyber-jihadist is more accurate.

33

[quote]Zap Branigan wrote:
I don’t know why you are discussing social relevance. What does this have to do with anything?

And academics on a short leash due to the Patriot Act? What are you talking about? Please give examples. Better yet start a thread to discuss. I would be fascinated to hear about this.[/quote]

I work in a laboratory with radioactive substances…need I elaborate about speech that may be construed as “anti-American” and how the Patriot Act is used to investigate my fellow academic colleagues who coincidentally work with these radioactive substances?

What do trolls have to do with anything? Who has left the site?

List all members names and thier subsequent dates of departure.

34

[quote]LIFTICVSMAXIMVS wrote:
Zap Branigan wrote:
I don’t know why you are discussing social relevance. What does this have to do with anything?

And academics on a short leash due to the Patriot Act? What are you talking about? Please give examples. Better yet start a thread to discuss. I would be fascinated to hear about this.

I work in a laboratory with radioactive substances…need I elaborate about speech that may be construed as “anti-American” and how the Patriot Act is used to investigate my fellow academic colleagues who coincidentally work with these radioactive substances?

What do trolls have to do with anything? Who has left the site?

List all members names and thier subsequent dates of departure.[/quote]

Where has Fighting Irish been? He is a strong left wing poster and engages in sincere discussion.

How about Vroom? He is usually sincere about things unless he gets his back up.

35

[quote]Zap Branigan wrote:
JeffR wrote:
…

In fairness, I’d put beowolf in the category of intelligent lefties.
…

Agreed. He is a good poster even though we may disagree.[/quote]

Thank you very much :wink:

It’s kind of sad that I’m most definetly much younger than all of the supposed “trolls”.

36

[quote]Zap Branigan wrote:

Where has Fighting Irish been? He is a strong left wing poster and engages in sincere discussion.

[/quote]

I’ve been around… but between working outside for nine hours and then coming home and actually lifting (which I always wonder how much certain politics hounds do), I normally only have time to fuck around on the sex forums (or am only in the mood too.)

What pisses me off is that threads like the “Sherman’s March” thread devolve after two pages into the same old pissing matches between the “Bush lied camp” and the “yay America” camp. Granted, I’m a member of the “Bush lied” camp, but I just don’t feel like going over that same bullshit again.

I’ve got almost five thousand posts, and probably 3/4 of them are from the politics forum. I don’t want to rehash the same old shit with new members or people like PGJ who’s just going to sit around and cry about communists or whatever he thinks I am.

I’m going to get back into this forum, but I’m going to pick and choose my sparring partners.

And for whatever jerkoff said something about not swearing or name calling on the forums, go fuck yourself. This is politics.

37

[quote]LIFTICVSMAXIMVS wrote:
PGJ wrote:

I think you know very well what “left” is. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a group of conservatives storming the stage at a liberal gathering. Conservatives don’t hold massive protests and spit on people.

Like at abortion clinics? Like at the funerals of dead service members waving signs claiming, “god hates fags”? Sounds like “leftist” wacos to me.

Ever seen anyone try to reason with a dedicated leftist? You can’t talk to them. They shout, they don’t shut up, they don’t let you get a word in. There is no debate. Eventually, the conservative person gives up and the leftist pronounces his victory through submission. Seriously, ever see the campus Republicans go on a rampage? Me neither.

Yes, everyday I see the campus republicans protesting liberal protesters. They ALL hate each other. These behaviors are not reserved for one group over the other. Don’t make generalizations.

Lift, you might not consider yourself a leftist, but if it sounds like a duck, walks like a duck, smells like a duck…

Quack, quack. What do “leftists” do that is so different from the “right”?

Anyone who identifies with one group entirely based on a political/religious agenda is a lost cause to reason. I do not fall into that category.[/quote]

I KNEW you were going to bring up the WBC and abortion clinics. Don’t EVER consider them conservative, they are just crazy and get ZERO respect from anyone.

And don’t even try to tell me that Republican/conservative groups are out there breaking up liberal/Democrat speaking events. You see aggressive libs every day interrupting peaceful, law-abiding conservative gatherings. I’ve seen conservative groups show up as anti-protestors and simply carry signs as the libs scream vulgar insults ans spit at people.

38

[quote]LIFTICVSMAXIMVS wrote:
Zap Branigan wrote:
Why would you put so much time into this site if it didn’t have some relevance in your life?

Because it has relevance to MY life doesn’t make it socially relevant. Other than that, I like to argue with people about stuff other than the existence of the Higgs particle or muon decay or whatever–and I dig the training articles.

I am not looking to be swayed politically or change anyone’s mind. I come here because I feel I have a unique voice and therefore offer something different than those that just appear to spew partisan rhetoric. I’ve said it before but, I come here to argue because I don’t have to worry about my credibility being destroyed if I say something a little too over the top or against the mainstream or whatever. Something I worry about on a daily basis at my job. Academics are already on a short enough leash with regard to the patriot act.

Trolls…? What trolls.[/quote]

Oh, Hell. I gotta’ know. How has the Patriot Act affected Academics? PLEASE explain in detail with specifics.

39

[quote]LIFTICVSMAXIMVS wrote:
Zap Branigan wrote:
I don’t know why you are discussing social relevance. What does this have to do with anything?

And academics on a short leash due to the Patriot Act? What are you talking about? Please give examples. Better yet start a thread to discuss. I would be fascinated to hear about this.

I work in a laboratory with radioactive substances…need I elaborate about speech that may be construed as “anti-American” and how the Patriot Act is used to investigate my fellow academic colleagues who coincidentally work with these radioactive substances?

[/quote]

Yes! PLEASE elaborate. Guys working with radioactive material…the constant threat of terrorists getting hold of radioactive material to make dirty bombs…what’s there to worry about?

Please go in to more detail.

40

[quote]FightinIrish26 wrote:
Zap Branigan wrote:

Where has Fighting Irish been? He is a strong left wing poster and engages in sincere discussion.

I’ve been around… but between working outside for nine hours and then coming home and actually lifting (which I always wonder how much certain politics hounds do), I normally only have time to fuck around on the sex forums (or am only in the mood too.)

What pisses me off is that threads like the “Sherman’s March” thread devolve after two pages into the same old pissing matches between the “Bush lied camp” and the “yay America” camp. Granted, I’m a member of the “Bush lied” camp, but I just don’t feel like going over that same bullshit again.

I’ve got almost five thousand posts, and probably 3/4 of them are from the politics forum. I don’t want to rehash the same old shit with new members or people like PGJ who’s just going to sit around and cry about communists or whatever he thinks I am.

I’m going to get back into this forum, but I’m going to pick and choose my sparring partners.

And for whatever jerkoff said something about not swearing or name calling on the forums, go fuck yourself. This is politics.

[/quote]

What did I do?