DevilManOzzy, I’d like to address a single comment you made. And I’d like to point out I’m not drawing this out as an attempt to gang-up on you or anything like that; the statement to which I am referring is just very jarring to me.
This line of quotes stem from you–and I am paraphrasing–saying you have to go out of your way here to watch what you say. This troubles me greatly, not because you have to do so, but rather because you think you should not have too.
I’m often chided for having over-the-top posts that pick apart minor nuances of what people have posted. I understand that my doing so is often unnerving and, can be, annoying to many. It is, however, second nature to me; it’s simply something I do naturally and in everyday conversation. Let me say this unequivocally,** I own what I say**. Everything I type is mine. It’s my thoughts, it’s my feelings, and I am the only one who posts them.
I certainly don’t expect everyone to put that level of thought into posts. In contrast, I think a great deal of communication should and is likely done without much reflection. However, you also claim issue with the more “troll-y” responses some people get 'round these parts. I think there is an inherent flaw in this position and in your position that you should not have to “think” about what you post.
By and large, my first reaction to very hastily built proton packs that still have duct-tape showing is “Well, that looks like ■■■■.” I don’t mean any disrespect to anyone with such and item as we all have to start somewhere. My first thought isn’t always the most politically correct or perhaps even socially proper thing to say, speak, or type. I think most people are like this. Many instances of people you see trolling are, in fact, people popping off at the mouth before they think.
To this degree, a lot of our members from outside of the United States–primarily in the UK(yes, I read those forums)–cite this as a problem. That we embrace freedom of speech to our own detriment. I believe there is merit to their claims. In contrast, many US users believe we stymie their ability to comment on things because we don’t let every snide or critical comment go. I believe there is a balance that must be struck and I think most would agree with that assertion.
Unfortunately, I think you are advocating for two things that are simply not compatible. When you juxtapose the two ideas (not putting thought in posts v. not allowing trolling) I believe you will realize that to prevent trolling, to some degree, we must hope that users think about what they are posting. Further, we can’t hold some users accountable for their actions and words without, also, applying the same standard to all users.
I was once of the mindset, erroneously, that removing users from the website was the solution to prevent trolling. I still think this is the appropriate remedy in some instances. See e.g.; when said trolling is veiled threats at someone’s bodily safety, is advocating users to “blow their heads off,” or the trolling is of such a grandiose scale that it pervades multiple websites and even begins to occur at real-world events as well. Otherwise, I realize that something I may view as kindhearted ribbing, you may view as an insult of the highest degree. Another common problem, for which there is no real solution, are posts in which a user expresses a point of view and is then met with a flurry of disagreeing views. The compound nature of the disagreeing views can be viewed as trolling or being ganged-up on; however, if each of those posts are well thought out then the problem is only one of perception.
If you see an easy solution to any of this, we’d all be more than glad to hear your thoughts. That goes for everybody. I know it’s the standard operating procedure around here to ignore me when I make such statements, but we really do consider user feedback. Despite popular opinion, we don’t label those who give us thoughts and opinions as problem users. We may disagree at times, but if people didn’t disagree then society would likely be stuck at the caveman stage. If it’s something a user isn’t willing to post, I do read private messages–and I can assure you if you ask me to keep them confidential, I shall. (Along those lines, I’ve been asking for someone to PM me a list of the ‘Heavies’ for over a year. I’ve yet to receive one.)
