The Very Short History of Trolling By Daniel Kershaw

Daniel Kershaw | 27/02/2009 - 12:30

A troll is an internet term for a user who makes anonymous and usually irrelevant, if not malicious comments on forum threads. Little do people know how the term became a regular part of the internet lexicon. A troll in the literal sense is a large and fearsome creature of Norse mythology that lives in underground dwellings, caves or dark, stuffy rooms, smelling of body odour and nightly emissions, with only a singular light from a rectangle fixture to illuminate the room. Originating in mythology, the idea of the troll has developed into a malicious being that can be found in modern fantasy narrative and computer gaming. A troll can also be used to describe a person with malevolent intent, without a sense of humour. But this must not be confused with a jerk, who registers on a forum and proceeds to make obscene and silly comments. A troll does not reveal his or her (but mainly his who is dealing with being flaccid) identity to protect themselves from the harsh mentality of the forum mob, who are rather fond of a good internet lynching.

The term troll was first used on the internet with the phrase, “trolling for newbies,” where illiterate, pseudo-experts, on whatever subject, searched forum threads for new users (newbies) to taunt about their lack of knowledge (example from a popular computer game forum: "u dun kno shit about css you newbie i lol and pwn you ass biatch nigga). This later expanded to encompass all users, including those who were experienced and learned. In the case of the latter, the troll, instead of taunting them about their level of understanding, made obnoxious comments about the individual's person life and physical appearance, so the term was shortened to just trolling or troll as a noun.

The 155th edition of the medical journal ‘medical journal of America’ stated that “[T]rolling was a modern, psychological disease caused by Erectile Dysfunction and a Irritable Bowel Syndrome”. It further comments that the best course of action is for the afflicted to stop being a wanker and a shit. However, there are severe cases where the individual continued to troll for many years and this has had a significant impact on their well being (i.e. having no social life and in extreme examples, morbid obesity). No cure has yet to be found, but consensus among the medical community agrees that not feeding the trolls will help destroy their craving for derogatory comments and thus restoring them to normal human behaviour.

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DFT Seahorse shadow puppet
Author: Na
Date: 27/02/2009 - 13:45

DFT Eye-wink

Seahorse shadow puppet for sale at
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 27/02/2009 - 21:17 Stoner Dan (not verified) Takes One To Know One
What an enlightening and
Author: Daniel Kershaw
Date: 27/02/2009 - 21:49

What an enlightening and well constructed comment.


Daniel, I do not know you,
Author: devils advocate
Date: 28/02/2009 - 12:48

Daniel, I do not know you, however, your comment(s) make you sound incredibly arrogant. At what point did you think that what you were saying was of interest to anyone else.

It would appear that all you have written is a pompous piece of old tat, pasted straight from the pages of wikepedia or some other similarly sourced site. I fail to see any kind of point...maybe you have been hurt in the past by a 'troll' if so, tragic as it might be to you...get over it.

If you reply to this please do not do so with malice or pun...just be yourself and make your point with clarity.

I feel you need to get over this snobbery and arrogance that everyone has to communicate with the same beautiful elogance as you. Believe me Daniel the world would be such a more beautiful place if it had more people like you in it, unfortunately, the world is populated with average Joes like myself who are humble in their opinions and write in order to just communicate - and not wear it as a badge to show formal education and how learned you might be. Your over compensation could well be a cover for what you identify in yourself as inadequacies...am I right in thinking that you have a BA from UWA, maybe in literature?

Let me know.


Fair points
Author: Daniel Kershaw
Date: 28/02/2009 - 15:39

Devil's Advocate,

I am not sure whether you simply do not care for what I wrote or do not understand my intention. As with my previously blogs, I write them as satirical pieces for the entertainment of theatre.asn users. I have had many comments from people who have enjoyed them and several, like yourself, who do not.

In regards to your claim of plagiarism from Wikipedia: that is false. In fact, I parody the peer publisher by creating my own article, which is mostly made up. It is my hope that you saw the underlying humour of the piece.

I am doing a double BA in creative writing and film.

I hope this clarifies things for you.

Thank you.


A friendly word in your ear
Author: Tim Prosser
Date: 28/02/2009 - 15:56
Tim Prosser's picture

A friendly word in your ear Daniel; the above is hardly an example of 'writing correctly and fluidly' in view of the numerous mistakes you've made. Surely your Creative Writing lecturer has stressed the importance of checking over your work prior to presenting it for public perusal. If he or she hasn't done so, then you are receiving sub-standard instruction.


I am happy to be corrected
Author: Daniel Kershaw
Date: 28/02/2009 - 16:18

I am happy to be corrected Tim, but feel a PM is the appropiate channel to do it in.


Personal message sent,
Author: Tim Prosser
Date: 28/02/2009 - 18:06
Tim Prosser's picture

Personal message sent, Daniel. You may be surprised at its content.


typos
Author: Walter Pigeon (not verified)
Date: 28/02/2009 - 17:45

To paraphrase the irish song.
"Oh Danny boy the typos the typos are apalling"
but who cares I enjoyed the post.


Yes, I admit my typos can
Author: Daniel Kershaw
Date: 28/02/2009 - 19:07

Yes, I admit my typos can sometimes be bad, especially if I rush. I usually allow others to proof my work because I have a tendency to over look errors.


Well, you know what you
Author: Tim Prosser
Date: 28/02/2009 - 19:24
Tim Prosser's picture

Well, you know what you need to do then, Daniel. Do you want to graduate from that course with Honours, or will you be content to be counted amongst the mediocre majority?

Don't be so lazy!


Daniel, Daniel,
Author: devils advocate
Date: 01/03/2009 - 14:09

Daniel, Daniel, Daniel..your 'satirical' piece of writing may bring joy and happiness to many people, however, it would appear as it has gone down like a luke warm cup of sick (to put it bluntly).

I called you arrogant before, however, you are clearly quite a humble man who doesn't like to blow his own trumpet (no matter how tiny it is).

Tell me Daniel, were you bullied much as a child? Again, just a thought...

Oh well, Daniel please feel free to continue to entertain the world with your satire and unique opinion of the world through 'wacky' observations and cutting remarks, just make sure you don't make errors, otherwise Tim Prosser will once again identify your many mistakes and be little your genius work.

ps please do't get offended again and regulate/censor/moderate (or what ever the process is called) my post...it's not very nice.

Toodles
x


Devil's Advocate, I was not
Author: Daniel Kershaw
Date: 01/03/2009 - 18:59

Devil's Advocate,

I was not responsible for moderating your comments. I go to Curtin University.


Ps forgot to ask where are
Author: devils advocate
Date: 01/03/2009 - 14:11

Ps forgot to ask where are you doing your 'double(?)' BA??


 01/03/2009 - 21:52 devils advocate of course you did
Checking...
Author: Labrug
Date: 02/03/2009 - 10:39
Labrug's picture

Checking the tracking, he didn't, but apparently some others did. 

Coming to Danny's defense.

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no)

Jeff Watkins

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The question then is why? I
Author: devils advocate
Date: 03/03/2009 - 10:36

The question then is why?
I cant see what might be offensive, I've read alot worse.
Just reinforces the pathetic nature and fragile egos of those that contribute. This may in some way explain the massive flaws and attitudes toward theatre in this state.
I would look forward to a response but I guess this will get moderated to.


Feelings
Author: Labrug
Date: 03/03/2009 - 10:40
Labrug's picture

Possibly some readers found your posts to be derogetory, non-constructive, insulting or what-have-you to someone they may consider a friend? Who knows? I'm just guessing. You may want to note that some of Danny's posts have also been voted down.

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no)

Jeff Watkins

Home Page
Yahoo Blog Page

SN Profile


Moderation
Author: Logos
Date: 03/03/2009 - 10:53
Logos's picture

Interestingly enough if you change your setting to "Best of the Best and have another look you will find the only comment still visible is Na's original response.
There has been a major epidemic of moderating on this site for the last 3 - 6 months. Everything gets hit. Which is the opposite of what used to happen.
I never notice because my setting is "All the Rubbish".
So you're not alone devils advocate. It happens to us all a lot. Don't be paranoid the regulars don't usually moderate down unless the message is genuinely unpleasant or scurrilous or just plain spam.
You must if you are dispassionate about own up to being a bit trollish. You do like to stir things up and haven't often been very constructive.

Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing.
www.tonymoore.id.au


Just to quantify
Author: Na
Date: 03/03/2009 - 10:55

"There has been a major epidemic of moderating on this site for the last 3 - 6 months. Everything gets hit. Which is the opposite of what used to happen."

This is not because of more moderating, but because Grant tweaked the algorithms that aggregate the votes. In other words, the moderations may be affected by these new calculations, rather than an actual change in how people are voting.

Seahorse shadow puppet for sale at
Puppets in Melbourne


Qualifying quantifications
Author: Grant Malcolm
Date: 03/03/2009 - 11:28

Na wrote:
> This is not because of more moderating

Actually, for the most part it is.

While I have made some minor adjustments to how votes are counted and weighted, there has been almost a ten-fold increase in moderation and voting - most of it negative. 

Apparently we know what we don't like but are much more circumspect about what we do like.

Cheers
Grant

--
Director, actor and administrator of this website


So it goes
Author: Labrug
Date: 03/03/2009 - 11:34
Labrug's picture

Quoting Grant = '...there has been almost a ten-fold increase in moderation and voting - most of it negative.  '

I strongly urge all registered members to start posting UP your favourite posts. Not only does it ensure that your posts will be seen, it is also a great way to TRACK WHAT YOU HAVE READ! Don't just vote when you don't like something, vote when you do also else the nay-sayers will have rule.

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no)

Jeff Watkins

Home Page
Yahoo Blog Page

SN Profile


how do we vote on posts please?
Author: Lisa Skryp
Date: 03/03/2009 - 11:44
Lisa Skryp's picture

Hi Jeff et al - I did look @ the FAQs but have perhaps missed the bit about how to vote on posts. I don't see anywhere that we do this - can you "please explain" or point me in the right direction?

Thanks!


Look Here.
Author: Labrug
Date: 03/03/2009 - 11:47
Labrug's picture

http://www.theatre.asn.au/book_page/voting

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no)

Jeff Watkins

Home Page
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SN Profile


Moderation
Author: Logos
Date: 03/03/2009 - 11:48
Logos's picture

The little box in the bottom left hand corner of posts called "Moderation" allows you to post your opinion. Call up the drop down select the comment you wish to make. Do this to all posts which you wish to moderate then at the bottom of the thread you will find another button called moderate posts. Hit that and your moderation will be applied on all the posts. Have fun but please remember to vote up as well as down.

"Everything in moderation especially moderation"

Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing.
www.tonymoore.id.au


yes, one of my favorite quotations!
Author: Lisa Skryp
Date: 03/03/2009 - 23:17
Lisa Skryp's picture

I first heard it from one of my ultra-healthy, macrobiotic vegan, greenie friends... as he lit up a (very rare) cigarette.


Sadly I have found that the
Author: Na
Date: 03/03/2009 - 11:58

Sadly I have found that the majority of posts these days don't merit a vote up. Maybe if the quality of posts would increase, so too will the quantity of upwardly mobile posts.

Seahorse shadow puppet for sale at
Puppets in Melbourne


Still Voted
Author: Labrug
Date: 03/03/2009 - 12:04
Labrug's picture

At least we could vote for Good or Average Posts. At least you could track what you have read or not.

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no)

Jeff Watkins

Home Page
Yahoo Blog Page

SN Profile


Curtin
Author: Greg Ross
Date: 03/03/2009 - 11:03
Greg Ross's picture

Damn it Daniel,

Couldn't you have applied for Yale, or Eton? I mean really, a West Australian uni???

However, if one puts aside faux intellectual snobbery, the end-game is in the achievements of an academic institution's graduates. I was a very proud father attending Curtins' Graduation ceremony a couple of weeks ago for one of my daughters.

Curtin was the perfect choice for her - she had a new baby and knew her studies would take several years, five years later, heavilly pregnant (due this week) with another baby, she gleefully accepted her graduation certificate.

I would like to think that her daughters will proudly attend their mum's Alma Mater in future years.

But my dear DA, enlighten us, which was your choice of uni? And where has it led you? Surely not to the dead-end of anonymous posting??

Cheers

Greg Ross

Minister for Good Times


Thanks
Author: Daniel Kershaw
Date: 03/03/2009 - 18:23

Ross,

You're absolutely right. All universities have specialities. Curtin is reknowned for their film course and creative writing units. I went there, not to improve my chances for employment, but for self development and interest. I appreciate your comments, but please, don't feed the trolls (Devil's Advocate)!

and Lubrug...

Thank you for throwing your weight into my corner.

If anyone believes my blogs to be inappropiate,irrelevant or even boring, please tell me and I will no longer write them.


The wonderful thing about
Author: jeffhansen
Date: 04/03/2009 - 06:07
jeffhansen's picture

The wonderful thing about the site is......you don't have to read stuff you hate. Keep writing Daniel.

www.meltheco.org.au


To quote Voltaire's
Author: Logos
Date: 04/03/2009 - 06:10
Logos's picture

To quote Voltaire's biographer.

"I may not agree with what you say but I defend to the death your right to say it."

Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing.
www.tonymoore.id.au


Im sorry I left it so long.
Author: devils advocate
Date: 07/03/2009 - 16:12

Im sorry I left it so long. Ross I afraid you have completely missed the point, but thats ok, as it simply serves to reinforce the fact that we react first in order to save face. I ask you to consider the 'Errol Flynn' fiasco, i remember reading the volley of comments and criticism pointed at you for your dire direction and lack of creativity. However, instead of taking on board the many comments that were made in order to help you, you and your buddies directed abuse at trolls etc...why?
Are we so insecure that you need to know all the details of people who post comments???
Why?
isnt it the right of all to maintain anonymous if they so desire?
You and Daniel are as paranoid as you are talentless...now that is enough from me...for good you will be glad to know...im off to find my calling!
as for what uni i went to, i was educated at a uni in melbourne called nida, thanks for asking

xxxxx


Errol
Author: jeffhansen
Date: 07/03/2009 - 16:26
jeffhansen's picture

I think you have your wires crossed DA. Errol Flynn's Big Adventure Book....etc... was directed by one P. Nettleton at Harbour Theatre last year. Mr Ross did, however, post a review of it.

www.meltheco.org.au


Where?
Author: Walter Plingey (not verified)
Date: 07/03/2009 - 18:14

"uni in melbourne called nida"... did you mean NICA? Or perhaps, 'uni in Sydney called NIDA'?


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