Re: Definition


"HandyMan" <luke77561@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1180627915.144021.151670@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
In Internet terminology, a troll is someone who intentionally posts
derogatory or otherwise inflammatory messages about sensitive topics
in an established online community such as an online discussion forum
to bait users into responding.[1] They may also plant images and data
on networks that others may find disturbing (usually indirectly
relating to the individual in person) in order to cause confrontation.
While not necessarily related to hacking, such a practice is against
the Computer Misuse Act 1990 in the United Kingdom, where mischief is
caused in order to ensure chaos is spread.


I too am not interested in much of Betov, Hutch, or Ratch's conversation
either. I also don't like the fact that Randall and Frank engage in
conversations with idiots.

But, this newsgroup is international, unregulated, and unmoderated. There
have been posts from Russia, China, Brazil, most of Europe and North
America, etc.

The alt.* hierarchy of groups was intended for anything that doesn't fit
into other "nice" or well defined groups... NNTP isn't regulated by the
United Kingdom or it's laws. Newsgroup's aren't part of Google despite the
interface. Also, that UK law would (probably) be a violation of the laws
of other countries such as the US laws on free speech which are protected by
treaties. Although there are about 12 situations which result from free
speech which are punishable in the US, but nothing for "troll." The UK law
only applies to UK citizens. I suspect there must be a rash of lawlessness
in the UK. Why? Because UK posters frequently post their laws in response
to situations they don't like even knowing that groups are international in
nature.

Also, it's very easy to call someone a "troll." I for one have been called
it _many_ times in one specific NG. Yet, not once did I ever deserve to be
or intentionally post something to provoke a negative response, incite
chaos, harass, or annoy. I only stated the truth, in an unmoderated group,
as I saw it. But, in an NG with a large number of posters, you can get
labelled, harassed, and verbally abused easily and quickly. You need to
just ignore it and let it pass - at least as much as it will.


Rod Pemberton

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