On Wed, 28 Jan 2004 10:19:39 -0500, "SwStudio"
<
[email protected]> wrote:
>thoughts?
About what? Trolls? Oh, OK then...
Troll are lovely, fluffy, mischievous creatures. They scamper around rec.running, poking their
unwanted noses into all manner of posts, making inappropriate suggestions, and generally being a
damned nuisance. However...
Trolls - whilst devious and not to be trusted - usually place a grain of truth amongst the dross of
their replies. This serves two aims. Firstly, it pleases the troll to think that they are providing
a gem of useful data for those prepared to search - a reward, if you like. Secondly, they believe
that it encourages those of a similar nature to take up the profession - realising that you can be
rude, have fun, yet still offer advice that has merit and value.
The sort of fellow most offended by the troll appears to be a stable - nay almost staid - chap who
has a lifetime of 'useful service' behind him. These individuals cannot conceive of information
being presented in anything other than a simplistic and straightforward manner. The abhor the
cryptic delivery of the troll, and explode with rage at the slightest suggestion that they are
not, indeed, the most valued member of the newsgroup. This usually sends the troll into a fit of
the giggles.
Sadly, not all trolls are equal. Some trolls are simply nasty. Just like you, we endeavour to banish
these individuals to some far-off outpost of Usenet but regrettably, like the home birds they are,
they never seem able to leave the nest. We look upon these souls as an occupation hazard of life. So
should you. They're here, they won't go away, and they're hard to ignore. Every now and then - when
they get too much - it's good to have a troll-bashing day or two. Everyone says daft things,
generally makes a fool of themselves, and nothing much changes. But it does clear the air.
So, like the doggie-poo you step in as you trot across the grass in the park without looking, a
troll is a metaphor for life. Avoiding them is impossible, dealing with them difficult, they have
little of value to teach, yet what that have may one day save your miserable skin. If I were you,
I'd be a mite less dismissive and a touch more thankful that rec.running is visited by these furry,
friendly creatures. A newsgroup without pet trolls is truly a cold and unhappy place.