The mind of a troll

**Ryos** · February 20th, 2002

After seeing a wave of attacks by an AOL lamer over at VGN's boards, I was struck by a question. What exactly motivates a troll to troll?

Death Metal · February 20th, 2002

If I knew what 'a troll' and 'to troll' are, I'd gladly answer... Babel Fish is not that smart yet

**Ryos** · February 20th, 2002

"Posting derogatory messages about sensitive subjects on newsgroups and chat rooms to bait users into responding."

CD · February 20th, 2002

There are different degrees/aspects of trolling. Trolling can be done tastefully, or foolishly.

Tastefully is typically because it's amusing to patronize the clueless now and then.

What were you doing at VGN's boards anyway? That's a deathwish.

**Ryos** · February 20th, 2002

> What were you doing at VGN's boards anyway? That's a deathwish.

Boredom.

CD · February 20th, 2002

Fair enough

Death Metal · February 20th, 2002

Quote:

Originally posted by Ryos
"Posting derogatory messages about sensitive subjects on newsgroups and chat rooms to bait users into responding."

Oh. I can't find a logic answer to query, then. What's even more interesting is that they usually attract the wrong people (or the ones which the question is not directed to). I've seen some of these cases on an old manga board I used to visit.

Fou-lu · February 20th, 2002

Quote:

Originally posted by Ryos
After seeing a wave of attacks by an AOL lamer over at VGN's boards, I was struck by a question. What exactly motivates a troll to troll?

A deep desire to... troll, wich can't be controlled. A similar behavior has been noticed on serial killers and lab chimps.

Arpanet · February 20th, 2002

Desire for attention stemming from a traumatic childhood or lack of education.

CD · February 20th, 2002

Quote:

Originally posted by Asfaloth
Desire for attention stemming from a traumatic childhood or lack of education.

Technically, that could be interpreted as a troll. One typically cannot group such a broad category under one harsh definition without complications.

Exodus · February 20th, 2002

chances are trolls are bored or maybe in need of attention which is why they troll. wouldn't you be bored if all you could do is wait under bridges for goats to cross so you could eat them?

Arpanet · February 21st, 2002

Quote:

Originally posted by Exodus
chances are trolls are bored or maybe in need of attention which is why they troll. wouldn't you be bored if all you could do is wait under bridges for goats to cross so you could eat them?

I think they could eat people too, right?

Exodus · February 21st, 2002

no, just goats. maybe a couple squirrels or hamsters if there aren't enough goats, but mainly goats.

February 20th, 2002	#1 (permalink)
Ryos Revenger of Vengeance Join Date: May 2001 Location: Nowhere Posts: 11,250	The mind of a troll After seeing a wave of attacks by an AOL lamer over at VGN's boards, I was struck by a question. What exactly motivates a troll to troll? __________________ Sanity is overrated.

February 20th, 2002	#2 (permalink)
Death Metal Fool Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: South Town Posts: 1,771	If I knew what 'a troll' and 'to troll' are, I'd gladly answer... Babel Fish is not that smart yet __________________ "It sure is pleasurable to live your dreams as long as possible, but reality sure has a way of jolting you to your senses eventually."

February 20th, 2002	#3 (permalink)
Ryos Revenger of Vengeance Join Date: May 2001 Location: Nowhere Posts: 11,250	"Posting derogatory messages about sensitive subjects on newsgroups and chat rooms to bait users into responding." __________________ Sanity is overrated.

February 20th, 2002	#4 (permalink)
CD Gunslinger Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Mid-World Posts: 964	There are different degrees/aspects of trolling. Trolling can be done tastefully, or foolishly. Tastefully is typically because it's amusing to patronize the clueless now and then. What were you doing at VGN's boards anyway? That's a deathwish. __________________ The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed... Last edited by CD; February 20th, 2002 at 03:32.

February 20th, 2002	#5 (permalink)
Ryos Revenger of Vengeance Join Date: May 2001 Location: Nowhere Posts: 11,250	> What were you doing at VGN's boards anyway? That's a deathwish. Boredom. __________________ Sanity is overrated.

February 20th, 2002	#6 (permalink)
CD Gunslinger Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Mid-World Posts: 964	Fair enough __________________ The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed...

February 20th, 2002	#9 (permalink)
Arpanet Powerslave Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: The eyes of the night Posts: 1,812	Desire for attention stemming from a traumatic childhood or lack of education.

February 20th, 2002	#11 (permalink)
Exodus Now the stars don't match Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Null Posts: 14,202	chances are trolls are bored or maybe in need of attention which is why they troll. wouldn't you be bored if all you could do is wait under bridges for goats to cross so you could eat them? __________________ No, I don't like anime, Street Fighter, Japanese music or download video game music. Yes, I know, I'm weird. Last edited by Exodus; February 20th, 2002 at 22:19.

February 21st, 2002	#13 (permalink)
Exodus Now the stars don't match Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Null Posts: 14,202	no, just goats. maybe a couple squirrels or hamsters if there aren't enough goats, but mainly goats. __________________ No, I don't like anime, Street Fighter, Japanese music or download video game music. Yes, I know, I'm weird.

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