The word "troll" as it relates to the Internet was popularized in the early 1990's to denounce the people who derailed conversation on Usenet discussion lists with interminable flame wars, or spammed chat rooms with streams of disgusting photos. As the Internet has grown,the problem posed by trolls has grown more salient. Nations spend millions of dollars attempting to smear, attack and disrupt their perceived enemies abroad.
Unfortunately, trolling works too well. By working every day to spread their propaganda, trolls have made it very difficult for the normal Internet user to separate truth from fiction. Its an international problem with no simple solution in sight.
While trolling on GopherIllustrated is more of a tasteless prank than an international catastrophe, it may impact GI users, our Gopher coaches, the players and possibly the Gopher recruiting effort in some instances.
Maybe the best way to limit the impact of a troller is to either not respond to his flame or ask for verification of his allegation. In all cases, its probably good to remember the old country adage," Don't get into a pissing contest with a skunk."
Go Gophers
Unfortunately, trolling works too well. By working every day to spread their propaganda, trolls have made it very difficult for the normal Internet user to separate truth from fiction. Its an international problem with no simple solution in sight.
While trolling on GopherIllustrated is more of a tasteless prank than an international catastrophe, it may impact GI users, our Gopher coaches, the players and possibly the Gopher recruiting effort in some instances.
Maybe the best way to limit the impact of a troller is to either not respond to his flame or ask for verification of his allegation. In all cases, its probably good to remember the old country adage," Don't get into a pissing contest with a skunk."
Go Gophers
