A PSA About Troll Accounts.

You got a problem with trolls?
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What I love about this site is how threads stay on topic...

...whatever it was we were just talking about. :D


I'm not as worried about the argumentitive contrarians as much as I'm worried about the "baiters" that may lead some into saying things they may regret or create a false image of the people here
 
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Me. said:
I’ve often wondered why people who have strong views on topics tend to join forums with similar views.

Seems like it would make more sense to join forums with strongly opposing views...
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I agree. A forum I used to love was geared to musicians, songwriters, and recording engineers, and as such, the "progressives" had liberty-loving gun-rights conservatives outnumbered about ten to one. It was by and large a "creative" bunch who expressed themselves very well and often with cagey and cutting humor. The screaming and name-calling self-limited because it was not welcomed as "clever enough" by the regulars. It was a pre-woke era subforum/basement of a larger, more "serious" professional entertainment forum, and the only rules were no overt racism, XXX porn, or gay-bashing (entertainment industry, remember). Religion bashing was absolutely fine and very common. But... It got shut down not too long after 911 though because (no kidding) Muslim/Isalm slagging and "insensitivity" started happening. Oops. It was really fun being in the minority with the not-popular views and opinions there though. :D
 
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Chdamn said:
Mayonnaise is only for Canadians and people that use the phrase “A whole nother” or say things like “irregardless”.

It is a tasteless slimey Bi product of snail milking farms.
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PREACH IT BROTHER!! I'm as Southern as they come and I HATE mayo (and all its relatives) with a passion! If it ain't Mustard (brown/spicy/dijon/whatever) or Hot Sauce, it's pretty much wrong in my book. Ketchup/Catsup is also NASTY to me at least! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, even in my house. We stock mayo (wife), ketchup (wife and son), mustard (brown and yellow) (me and wife), and hot sauce (several) (me and son). We are also split on peanut butter. I only like Crunchy, everyone else is Smooth.
 
Green Giant said:
PREACH IT BROTHER!! I'm as Southern as they come and I HATE mayo (and all its relatives) with a passion! If it ain't Mustard (brown/spicy/dijon/whatever) or Hot Sauce, it's pretty much wrong in my book. Ketchup/Catsup is also NASTY to me at least! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, even in my house. We stock mayo (wife), ketchup (wife and son), mustard (brown and yellow) (me and wife), and hot sauce (several) (me and son). We are also split on peanut butter. I only like Crunchy, everyone else is Smooth.
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I only like the crunchy if I'm eating it out of a bowl and it has pancake syrup drizzled on it.
 
Me. said:
I’ve often wondered why people who have strong views on topics tend to join forums with similar views.

Seems like it would make more sense to join forums with strongly opposing views.

Every one of us should have at least one account on an anti-gun forum, and only respond in a very reasoned manner. It’s not “trolling”, it’s “discussion”.




Unless you’re being paid for it.... then it’s trolling.
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Confirmation bias I would believe. Most people had rather sit around and discuss topics without being challenged on every single issue and also discuss topics they are personally interested in. I like guns, like talkin about them, like seeing em, so this place makes sense.

The problem with confirmation bias is that it can cause a herd mentality to become overwhelming. If I were to take 1 (or even a few) middle of the road ant-gunner and sit down with them face to face I am sure we could have an adult conversation, and in the end I could probably shed some light on my views, and perhaps vice versa. However, in most "social media" settings as soon as a moderately dissenting opinion is thrown out then the voice is drowned by the hordes who have zero desire for discourse and only show up for the confirmation of their own views.

Heck, we have seen it here a few times and admittedly I have probably been on the swarm side more than I should have. I have considered joining an anti-gun forum, but to be honest, I just dont have the time for the aggravation. I find my different opinion on topics here covers and need/desire for conflict without seeking it out amongst those who have zero care for honest debate. Because, if I really think about it, most people who are on the fence/neutral about a topic like gun control aren't going to join a social media group dedicated to it. For the same reason I dont follow motorcycle forums, fishing forums, car forums, or any number of other forums.

This whole response isn't necessarily directed just at Me., but what I have noticed about some of what I consider to be "trolls" in general (and on this board) is that their tune and timing never changes. They have no wiggle room whatsoever. I follow a few local politicians on social media because I know them personally...these folks could post up that they found the cure for cancer and within 2 minutes their detractors are on them like a tick on a hound for some contrived reason. On here, they are especially easy to spot (for me anyway) because they never comment outside of controversial topics. This site gets dozens of new threads every day...yet certain people only pop up when something moderately fits their narrow view of society.
 
B00ger said:
Confirmation bias I would believe. Most people had rather sit around and discuss topics without being challenged on every single issue and also discuss topics they are personally interested in. I like guns, like talkin about them, like seeing em, so this place makes sense.

The problem with confirmation bias is that it can cause a herd mentality to become overwhelming. If I were to take 1 (or even a few) middle of the road ant-gunner and sit down with them face to face I am sure we could have an adult conversation, and in the end I could probably shed some light on my views, and perhaps vice versa. However, in most "social media" settings as soon as a moderately dissenting opinion is thrown out then the voice is drowned by the hordes who have zero desire for discourse and only show up for the confirmation of their own views.

Heck, we have seen it here a few times and admittedly I have probably been on the swarm side more than I should have. I have considered joining an anti-gun forum, but to be honest, I just dont have the time for the aggravation. I find my different opinion on topics here covers and need/desire for conflict without seeking it out amongst those who have zero care for honest debate. Because, if I really think about it, most people who are on the fence/neutral about a topic like gun control aren't going to join a social media group dedicated to it. For the same reason I dont follow motorcycle forums, fishing forums, car forums, or any number of other forums.

This whole response isn't necessarily directed just at Me., but what I have noticed about some of what I consider to be "trolls" in general (and on this board) is that their tune and timing never changes. They have no wiggle room whatsoever. I follow a few local politicians on social media because I know them personally...these folks could post up that they found the cure for cancer and within 2 minutes their detractors are on them like a tick on a hound for some contrived reason. On here, they are especially easy to spot (for me anyway) because they never comment outside of controversial topics. This site gets dozens of new threads every day...yet certain people only pop up when something moderately fits their narrow view of society.
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Most internet sites exist in an echo chamber. The majority of folks on a site have no desire for civil discourse. And even those that do can’t usually have it with a detracting view because 99% of the people that post them have no desire to have a civil discussion either. They only want to be controversial.

It’s so easy to spot I’m surprised that more people don’t see it.
 
Chdamn said:
Most internet sites exist in an echo chamber. The majority of folks on a site have no desire for civil discourse. And even those that do can’t usually have it with a detracting view because 99% of the people that post them have no desire to have a civil discussion either. They only want to be controversial.

It’s so easy to spot I’m surprised that more people don’t see it.
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Agreed, and really, I think its a self fulfilling prophecy. Like minded people congregate to discuss topics. Even here, for 99.9% of the "poop storms" that have errupted, the 2A aspect of it is never in question, its usually a racial/social divide that we disagree on. I found it interesting on more "neutral" sites like Bushcraft USA that attracted both survivalists, preppers, hippies, and weekend warriors are able to stay as even keeled as they are. Could be due to oppressive moderation, I dont know.
 
I had never seen anyone put mayo on fries until my dad started doing it after he came down with Alzheimers. At least he used Dukes. He was a Dukes man all of his life.
 
B00ger said:
...I just dont have the time for the aggravation.
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'nuff said.

I sometimes post my thoughts & opinions. I sometimes will follow up to clarify if needed. But, by and large, once two or more posters (here or elsewhere) have defined their differences and continue to argue, it becomes clear the theme of that thread is now "my opinion can beat up your opinion!" and, as a meme gal once said:

time.jpg
 
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For the serious political trolls (meaning, people not here to stir the pot for entertainment purposes, but for the political information/impact they can glean from the site), I would imagine they are after the following:


Straight up information.

This can be for or against their own political party's platform on the subject of firearms related material. I would imagine that the larger the website is, with respect to membership and activity of the membership, the better for them. Information gathered would be to provide political inroads on the following:

How the firearms community feels about various laws/regulations, what is considered acceptable and unacceptable, what geographical areas the community represents, general information on types and spread of certain firearms/ammunition ownership/usage, political views, especially where nominally "conservative" or "liberal" members tend to lean away from their presumed political leanings, etc.

Gathering this kind of information does not involve antagonistic maneuvering. Rather, think of it as "building a profile of individuals, groups, and regions". Demographics. In the world of politics, this is valuable information whether the political parties involved are pro or anti gun.


Manipulative set-ups.

By this, I don't mean manipulation of beliefs. It's a given that most people, especially in dedicated forums, are pretty much set in their beliefs/ways. Trolls aren't going to be converting people on this site to the anti-gun side of the Force.

What I'm talking about are political trolls (which includes those directly involved in politics as well as those involved in the media) making manipulative efforts on topics within the forum in order to elicit responses they might expect, given the nature of the people on the forum. For example, to flash back to the Travon Martin debacle, they may get involved in a thread on that subject and "seed" views/arguments which might set up some people to make politically incorrect comments/statements which can then be screenshot and posted elsewhere for political/media effect. Comments of a racist nature, comments which might be taken to be credible threats of violence, comments which might be construed to be intended to foment civil unrest of some kind.


So...how can you tell who is and who is not a troll?

In many cases, it's obvious by behavior or subject. But in the upper examples of "professional trolls", it's not going to be that easy. But if you suspect a troll, there are some things to look for.

Based on my experience as a moderator on another site years ago, the best bet for these types of trolls is to take a look at their profile. How long have they been around? Where do they like to spend their time in on the site? What kinds of things to they talk about? What are they're typical views? Do their views tend to "shift" in a manner which might look "odd"?

An actual site moderator can also do other things that the rank-and-file membership cannot. They can look for signs of sockpuppetry by seeing if their account is tied to others by having multiple accounts under the same IP address. Do their IP addresses seem "unusual", as in being outside the area the person claims to be from, or perhaps in a common area with other suspect accounts. IP addresses can, of course, be spoofed...but sometimes the manner in which they are spoofed can give a clue.


What do you do when you suspect such a troll?

First and foremost, your general behavior should be "professional". If so, then there's not much stuff such a troll can "get you on" individually. Don't be making racist comments. Don't be advocating breaking the law. Don't be confessing/admitting to the commission of criminal acts. That kind of stuff.

If you THINK a person might be a troll...bring it to the attention of a moderator and let them deal with it. Too many times I've seen things devolve into needless, and destructive, open drama scenes on other sites over accusations. Let the moderators look into it and trust them to either take care of it or monitor it as necessary to ensure the site isn't disrupted needlessly.
 
Pink_Vapor said:
So what you’re really saying is...
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Just differentiating between those that take the other side and goad you into saying something in retaliation vs those that pretend to be on your side and lead you into saying something.
 
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Me. said:
I’ve often wondered why people who have strong views on topics tend to join forums with similar views.

Seems like it would make more sense to join forums with strongly opposing views.

Every one of us should have at least one account on an anti-gun forum, and only respond in a very reasoned manner. It’s not “trolling”, it’s “discussion”.




Unless you’re being paid for it.... then it’s trolling.
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Are there anti-gun forums? I guess i wouldnt be surprised...i just always figure if i dont like something it aint worth my time. I cant imagine hating something so much i actually go looking for trouble. I understand and accept some banter and open disagreement with people...have a civil conversation about tour disagreements but quit dropping to name calling...it only makes people dig in their heels more and lends truth to their perspective as gun haters, etc.

I had a 5 hour car ride with 2 colleagues once...one pro gun the other anti. The other pro gun guy pushed it like crazy to the point if calling her stupid and uneducated, blah blah blah. I finally stepped in and told him off about how he expects people.to listen to his "correct" beliefs but doesnt allow others to share theirs...dude shut up in a hurry and didnt speak to me for weeks. I kindly told the lady, i respect her opinion and the right she has to it...but i disagree. She said she thinks i live in fear because i conceal carry. I explained my point, and she recounted an emotional situation that caused her to have the opinion she had. She had never had anyone really explain the mindset to her...she was stunned. She said thanks, and she appreciated my view. She said i guess if that's the reason then I'm ok with that...but that she wouldnt NEVER carry a gun. Conversation ended peacefully and the remaining hour or so was silence from the other guy...he was stewing in the back. Shortly after i went shooting with him, he unloaded every mag he could as fast as he could...and grabbed 2 pistols to "unload" some lead. I shook my head...and started shooting. We were maybe 10ft apart side by side....dude starts kneeling then getting up and walking towards the target...while i was shooting...kept walking forward, closer and closer. I stopped, put my gear away and stood there. He asked what i was doing...i smiled and said i was done for the day. I vowed i would never shoot with him ever again.
 
Spekter said:
Are there anti-gun forums? I guess i wouldnt be surprised...i just always figure if i dont like something it aint worth my time.
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There are places where the overall mindset is very anti-gun, or the mindset of a large number of the members is. There are numerous forums focused on other hobbies that include a huge number of people who don't see guns the way we do.

You wouldn't find anybody on CFF writing something like this:
Call me pinky liberal but I'm dead against the general public being able to own and carry hand-guns. There is simply no justifiable reason for it.
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But that is from a photography forum I used to frequent, back before I decided (most) online forums weren't for me anymore.

This thread is titled "Do you carry a firearm for protection?" and went on for 202 posts before being locked.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1236609&page=1

This one is called "Avoiding Assault (Or Lowering the Odds)" and went for 241 posts before dying a natural death.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1018850&page=1
I cant believe that carrying a firearm is something people would seriously consider. I guess that shows to some extent the state of your country that you think you need to. And the comment of "I carry" like its nothing, geez.
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This one was more civil, titled "Do you carrying anything for self-defense?" It went for 124 posts before being locked because we were circling the drain. If you read toward the end you'll notice a familiar username posting on the pro side.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1303428&page=1

And finally, for a real giggle, in this thread a guy gets bent out of shape because he had been banned from the Glamour and Nude section of the forum after starting arguments in threads containing pictures of semi-nude women holding guns. Apparently he cruised a subforum with "Nude" in the title and was shocked, SHOCKED, to find provocatively posed women HOLDING GUNS! Scandalous indeed. After several altercations he was banned from that subforum and he started a thread to complain about it. I think we should send him an invitation to the "Girls and Guns" thread here.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1495224&page=1
 
There's all sorts of trolls and shills out there. Some try to derail conversations. Some post very extreme positions in an attempt to defame the whole community. Others try and 'blackpill' the community by demoralizing it. Others just start arguments, dogpile, and shillpost to break up conversations on topics they don't like (or paid to not like)

Best thing I've found to do, on forums, is use the mute function. Put a muzzle on those who seem to be overly aggressive and always looking for arguments. Let them yell into the void. :D
 
Aardvark said:
Hell. Might not be the guns. I can tell from his avatar he's likely not into girls... :D
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Wow...I looked through that.

A case of "I don't want to see that, but I'm too immature to just not go there".

And then he's upset because he made a stink about it and got access revoked to the nude forum, which solved his problem?

Yeah...drama queen.
 
Question: Is there a way to block the Off Topic portion of the forum. Reason being most of the topics on the New Posts are from that forum. Speaking for myself, I don't need that forum, my interests are firearm related only and it's too easy to push the New Posts button and before you know it you're the topic of trolling by a bunch of people that you don't know or care to know.
 
My reaction to a troll is to calmly and carefully compose a response to the topic that is reasoned and factual or, where warranted, stated that it is in my opinion. I don't do this to get likes or to even try to persuade the obvious troll. I do it because if someone who is on the fence were to read this forum in regards to that topic (bill of rights, liberty etc) I want them to see a well thought out message about it.

Most of this site is google searchable and if one of our threads pops up when someone does a search on a topic I think it is extremely important to show reasoned responses, especially in the face of an obvious antagonist.

I can tell immediately whether or not they are someone looking for a civil discussion who got off on the wrong foot or if they are a troll (paid or just for S&G) by whether or not they attempt to reply to my post. 99.9% of the time they ignore me and continue to troll our members who have taken the bait.
 
RetiredUSNChief said:
Wow...I looked through that.

A case of "I don't want to see that, but I'm too immature to just not go there".

And then he's upset because he made a stink about it and got access revoked to the nude forum, which solved his problem?

Yeah...drama queen.
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Yeah, thats what struck me...I am not at all into the "NSFW" stuff on this site...but I would never post a hissy fit over what other grown men are. I guess I could try to ram my head up my backside far enough to see the "objectification of women" "glorifying violence" angle...but due to the covid making doctors visits more difficult, Id rather not risk a broken neck.
 
Friday said:
Ranch dressing is good on fries.
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kcult said:
And in mashed potatoes.
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charliesgrave said:
Chicken tenders too.
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And, in the case of my youngest when she was about 5 or 6 years old...straight with a straw.

We were at Pizza Hut and she had a small condiment bowl from the buffet with ranch dressing to dip her pizza in.

I heard this slurping noise next to me and I glanced at her thinking she needed a refill on soda.

Nope...straw stuck into her bowl of ranch, slurping it down!

Much giggling ensued when she saw me watching!
 
OldNascar said:
Question: Is there a way to block the Off Topic portion of the forum. Reason being most of the topics on the New Posts are from that forum. Speaking for myself, I don't need that forum, my interests are firearm related only and it's too easy to push the New Posts button and before you know it you're the topic of trolling by a bunch of people that you don't know or care to know.
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That's odd. When I hit new posts just now only 5 of the 32 posts on the first page were from the off topic section. Which is about the average in my experience.

There isn't any way to block a section of the forum. There are certain "request access" sections that you either will or will not see based on if you have requested access or not. But the rest of the forum is open to the public.
 
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OldNascar said:
Question: Is there a way to block the Off Topic portion of the forum. Reason being most of the topics on the New Posts are from that forum. Speaking for myself, I don't need that forum, my interests are firearm related only and it's too easy to push the New Posts button and before you know it you're the topic of trolling by a bunch of people that you don't know or care to know.
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Whats even more odd is that your last 20 posts have been specifically in "Off Topic" forums.
 
Chdamn said:
That's odd. When I hit new posts just now only 5 of the 32 posts on the first page were from the off topic section. Which is about the average in my experience.

There isn't any way to block a section of the forum. There are certain "request access" sections that you either will or will not see based on if you have requested access or not. But the rest of the forum is open to the public.
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Thanks for the info.
 
OldNascar said:
Question: Is there a way to block the Off Topic portion of the forum. Reason being most of the topics on the New Posts are from that forum. Speaking for myself, I don't need that forum, my interests are firearm related only and it's too easy to push the New Posts button and before you know it you're the topic of trolling by a bunch of people that you don't know or care to know.
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Can't you just not click on something if you don't like it? Problem solved.
 
Chdamn said:
Mayonnaise is only for Canadians and people that use the phrase “A whole nother” or say things like “irregardless”.

It is a tasteless slimey Bi product of snail milking farms.
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Agreed. The only thing worse than mayo is ranch dressing.


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