How to Spot a Forum Troll
Online communities can provide a place to make friends from all over the world. People can connect who would otherwise never meet. Online troublemakers, known as Internet trolls, create discord within a group. They pride themselves on stirring up trouble, often taking great pains to place blame on other members. The ability to spot a forum troll helps group managers remove the real problem within their group membership before it is too late.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Keep group settings "Private." This setting requires an application for membership, which allows you to screen all potential members. Observe screen names and email addresses. Look for anything suggestive of a troll. "TroubleM8kr" and "AzZkiCKr" are examples of screen names that raise concern. When in doubt, send a friendly email to the applicant. Their reply can offer you better insight into their personality.
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2
Eliminate the drama queens. Any member who continually posts dramatic, emotionally charged comments must go. They are either a forum troll or someone with emotional issues. Either way, the trouble they cause disturbs the group.
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3
Beware of suck-ups. Look for a member who tends to side with management on all issues. They email or IM group managers with "I just thought you should know about this" information about group members. This person can often present an "us-against-them" attitude when referring to other group members.
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4
Be aware of veiled comments. Part of the thrill for online troublemakers is hiding in plain sight. Look for comments that can have double meanings, with an author who acts perpetually innocent.
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5
Remember who is in charge. Online troublemakers often present themselves with an air of authority, as though they are group management. Remind such members that you are the one in charge. If they balk at management's authority, immediately remove them from membership.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Once you've found a troll, deal with them decisively. The longer you wait, the more damage they inflict upon the group.
