Since Memnoch brought this up, I realize I'm not the only moderator with this particular "gripe", so I'll say something about it here.

Folk, we appreciate each and every one of your efforts to keep Ironworks spam-free and troll-free. That includes reporting to us via e-mail or private message when a "troll" actually does pop up from time to time.

However, it doesn't do us any good to let us know about these "trolls" when you either A) do not mention the person by user name and just go on about 'there's a TROLL posting in BG2:SoA!!!' B) do not post a link to the thread in question, or C) all of the above. We mods are very busy, and it is very unfair to expect us to intuitively "know" where to look and who to look for.

So please, when reporting bad behavior online, include the following information in your message:

1) WHO the member is
2) WHAT the thread is (post a link)
3) and in which forum.

Remember, also, that though we have "Moderator" next to our name, it doesn't necessarily mean we're a mod at that forum. Please check the moderator list for the forum right under its logo before contacting.

Thank you for your continued help! [img]smile.gif[/img]

Cheers,

YES YES YES... er. I second what Sazerac said! It is very useful to provide the link or at least tell the mods which thread and the name of the troll/offender.

Cloudy

I have read this.
I also have a question.
If a troll shows up at my door in the RPG forum...I cannot ban him, I can only delete his stuff or lock it down.

Which is prefferred?

I would rather delete his stuff, thus cleaning the threads up, then post a warning to him and e-mail Ziroc.
Is that what I am supposed to do?

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Sazerac:
Since Memnoch brought this up, I realize I'm not the only moderator with this particular "gripe", so I'll say something about it here.

Folk, we appreciate each and every one of your efforts to keep Ironworks spam-free and troll-free<hr></blockquote>

Um, Saz, what's a troll?

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Silver Cheetah:


Um, Saz, what's a troll?<hr></blockquote>

A troll is a troublemaker, someone who insults others and is generally annoying and subtracting from others' enjoyment of the forum.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Larry_OHF:
I have read this.
I also have a question.
If a troll shows up at my door in the RPG forum...I cannot ban him, I can only delete his stuff or lock it down.

Which is prefferred?

I would rather delete his stuff, thus cleaning the threads up, then post a warning to him and e-mail Ziroc.
Is that what I am supposed to do?<hr></blockquote>

Locking down is the prefered treatment at first, Larry. It gives Dan a chance to look at things and determine if a banning is in order and also he may need to check posts on the thread for ip addresses.

Later the stuff can be deleted if it's really offensive material. We had one like that a few months ago in GD, remember? The pervert claiming to be a misunderstood kid, who posted porn stuff all over BG and GD.... blech.

Cloudy

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Neb:


A troll is a troublemaker, someone who insults others and is generally annoying and subtracting from others' enjoyment of the forum.<hr></blockquote>

Hmm. I see.

I have to say that it is my view that a forum with no annoying people on it would be a very boring forum indeed.

Troublemakers too, have a part to play in any truly healthy society. I suppose it all depends on the accepted definition of what a 'troublemaker' is.

trolling: to lay out bait and pull it along- from the fishing analogy

troll: one who flamebaits, or trolls for flames and board wars. Trolls generally show up, post something exceedingly controversial and/or insulting or obscene and sit back, waiting for the replies. The seasoned ones will manage to provoke a 'war' on the forum btwn members... we had one who claimed to be a misguided kid but posted filfth all over the board... he/she managed to have some members feel sorry for him/her and some angry ...result.. troll got to see members disagreeing on how to deal with it. Memnoch and Ziroc recognized a true troll after we reported it and the problem was taken care of quickly.

We've had our share of Big Bagger types too. Those who deliberately disrupt a forum with insulting posts and spoilers.

The first thing I learned here on IW, was that it was a troll free haven and Memnoch promised me it would stay that way.. so far, he's been right! [img]smile.gif[/img]

Cloudy

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Silver Cheetah:


Hmm. I see.

I have to say that it is my view that a forum with no annoying people on it would be a very boring forum indeed.

Troublemakers too, have a part to play in any truly healthy society. I suppose it all depends on the accepted definition of what a 'troublemaker' is.<hr></blockquote>


I think what you're calling a "troublemaker", Silver Cheetah, is a bit different from what we're referring to here.

In our instance, a "troll" is someone who comes online, posts pornographic material, makes lewd or grossly inappropriate comments to members or insults them personally and very cruelly, and makes things very unpleasant for everyone. In general, they have nothing to offer the forum outside of their "spew."

I think what you are referring to is someone who has differing opinions from others and is getting into "hot debates." As long as it's kept from insulting others unnecessarily, we are pretty much ok with that...there's a fine line there.

Cheers,

Saz, I love your modified sig! HO HO HO! :D

Cloudy