Profiling the Troll

Every blog/forum has at least one troublemaker.  They are the ones who generally need to be the center of attention or a “know-it-all”.  They are the ones that are always right and everyone else is wrong.  Their only defense is to call posters names, curse, talk like a child or character, or pretend to be family within the given situation.  They try to sway opinions by bullying and threats. 

An Internet “troll” is a person who delights in sowing discord on the Internet. He (and it is usually he) tries to start arguments and upset people.

Troublermakers often change their screen names, sometimes creating an alter-ego to fight.  They may change the name but the writing and the messages are always the same.

The spitfire:  Mild volcanic erruptions bashing who they feel needs it.  When done, they are done and expect everyone else to follow suit.  They act as if they are the administrator/moderator but enjoys being in the middle of the fire when it is suited.

The Pucker Upper:  We have a better name for them but I will be somewhat nice.  They are the ones that claim to be new, never posted before.  Rant that the site is a nice place and ask questions they already know the answer to.  Reminds me of childhood days in school, the one that wants to sit in the front of the class and become the teacher’s pet. 

The Terminator:  Expects their last word to end it all.  They post on every topic and continue to post a comment after every other poster.

The Show-Off:  This is the one that will post anything to get attention. It may be a joke or talk in jibberish just to get a response from others.  They usually don’t like someone else getting the attention so they “better up” to get the attention back on them.

The Play Innocent:  They will belittle posters in their posts.  When they are confronted, they act like they don’t know what anyone is talking about.  Probably one of those co-workers you love to hate.  They belittle you or start trouble and when you confront them, they are loud enough for a boss to hear and act innocent so it comes back on you as the troublemaker. 

The Hide ‘n Seek:  They will either post an attention getter or start a feud and never post again.  After starting a fight, they may apologize but they are right back to the feuding.  Beware, they may be the one that emails or notifies the moderator.  Some will post a comment that would be newsworthy, if true, but they make their visit short and sweet and leave others guessing.

Troublemakers can be anyone on the blog/forum.  They hide behind their computer and spew insinuations or accusations without naming names.  It is playing the old game “I know something that you don’t know”.  I say, Grow Up!