Has trolling blurred the line between offence and humour?

[Shaun]

As a member of a fair few social networking sites I'm well aware of the act of trolling - that is, posting something that could be (whilst sarcastic or ironic) offensive or controversial in order to provoke a reaction. But when this has seeped into very mundane acts, such as spreading false rumours of a celebrity death on Twitter, or winding someone up on a forum... can it really be passed off as harmless fun?

Because I think a lot of us on here have probably been guilty of it at some point - replying to a thread we don't care about with "k" to take the piss, or spreading a meme that uses sexist jokes (lord knows how many kitchen jokes Facebook has to account for...)

So at what stage do you cross the line?

There's an example for all Tumblr users - there's this popular blogger called wwiao who regularly posts crudely-edited images of Lady GaGa and Madonna, citing Madonna as a rip-off of GaGa, but with loads of obviously ridiculous 'facts' (eg. the Vogue video ripping off Alejandro, which violates chronological order :laugh:) - of course, the majority see the joke. But then there's someone a little bit dim who'll reply "MADONNA IS DA BEST!!! SCREW U!!" etc.

And you have to wonder - what is exactly gained from this? And then I wonder if the person saying "MADONNA IS DA BEST!!!" is also trolling...

:bored: I think I just hate everyone trying to be a comedian. In addition to this - the rise of trolling is also providing a pretty decent mask for those who are genuine racists, or misogynists, or anyone of a hateful disposition, to get away pretty much scot-free by just adding LOLOL or some other form of get-out clause.

[Beastie]

Trolling crosses the line with constant phrases such as..

"wurk it gurl"
"Stunning"

^^^^^ Allight when said once in a while but not constantly.

Also the constant gifs!

Really I don't care about the wurk it gurl or the gifs. Just the insults members give out really. Causing arguments and "baiting" people. lol

[Benjamin]

Trolling crosses the line with constant phrases such as..

"wurk it gurl"
"Stunning"

^^^^^ Allight when said once in a while but not constantly.

Also the constant gifs!

Really I don't care about the wurk it gurl or the gifs. Just the insults members give out really. Causing arguments and "baiting" people. lol

Thank you!

[Beastie]

Thank you!

Ben. You should become a policeman! :hugesmile:

[Shasown]

Thank you!

No need for sarcasm Turtle, dont think Beastie was having a pop at you.





:wink:

[Benjamin]

Ben. You should become a policeman! :hugesmile:

Never! I'd never get out of the uniform. :hugesmile:

No need for sarcasm Turtle, dont think Beastie was having a pop at you.





:wink:

There was no sarcasm, I was actually thankful that somebody mentioned the trolling with gifs. :)

[Shasown]

Never! I'd never get out of the uniform. :hugesmile:



There was no sarcasm, I was actually thankful that somebody mentioned the trolling with gifs. :)

I know I was taking the pee.

You are both quite right about the gifs though, no need for most of them.

[Beastie]

I know I was taking the pee.

You are both quite right about the gifs though, no need for most of them.

I have used one in that other thread.

The odd one is fine. Just the constant ones of god knows what.. Lady Gaga popping up every 2 minutes!

[Zippy]

to get away pretty much scot-free...

pun!


*trolls*

[Beastie]

Also yes I know.. I have been the most guilty of bumping old thread.. lol

But bumping lets say.. 1 thread a night is not bad is it?

*Tempted to bump an old thread* lol joke!

[Beastie]

pun!


*trolls*

:laugh:

[Stacey.]

They do overuse gifs tbf, but a 5point infraction's a bit harsh

[Beastie]

They do overuse gifs tbf, but a 5point infraction's a bit harsh

Not harsh enough. Back in the day there were longer bans. I think it was Lily who had a 16 month ban. I am sure other members had long sentences too!

[Stacey.]

Not harsh enough. Back in the day there were longer bans. I think it was Lily who had a 16 month ban. I am sure other members had long sentences too!

They don't deserve long bans just for posting a lot of gifs though. :nono:

I was on about infractions though, I never even knew they went that high, thought they only went up to three D:

[Beastie]

They don't deserve long bans just for posting a lot of gifs though. :nono:

I was on about infractions though, I never even knew they went that high, thought they only went up to three D:

Nah I think I still have one worth 4 points. Probably to do with some of my crude sexual references :hugesmile:

Sorry Stacey.. I would swap Scott and Bettiepage for Setenta and Wombai anyday.

Unfortunately this will never happen.

[Zippy]

They don't deserve long bans just for posting a lot of gifs though. :nono:



think it depends how many times theyve been told. Its not like members can't post gifs. Just certain members overuse them. Or have done in the past.

plus we all know that there is often a hidden reason behind the official reason given for infractions.

[Stacey.]

Nah I think I still have one worth 4 points. Probably to do with some of my crude sexual references :hugesmile:

Sorry Stacey.. I would swap Scott and Bettiepage for Setenta and Wombai anyday.

Unfortunately this will never happen.

LOL!!! More than likely.

Omg :shocked: I do like them all though, Setanta and WOMBAI were both good members too.

think it depends how many times theyve been told. Its not like members can't post gifs. Just certain members overuse them. Or have done in the past.

plus we all know that there is often a hidden reason behind the official reason given for infractions.

That's true I suppose D:

[Locke.]

There is no harm in it really it's just a laugh when you're bored.. some people take it far too seriously

[Kerry]

Harmless yes. Gets dull though. Especially when they do actually troll you around the board spamming.....

[Shaun]

I did actually mean this thread in general, not about TiBB :tongue:

[Benjamin]

Hahahaha Shaun I just seen your sig from that spammer! It made me laugh when I saw them post that part. :laugh2:


But yeah I do agree with you about the fine lines between humour/spamming, it's a hard one to call sometimes.

[Iceman]

They do overuse gifs tbf, but a 5point infraction's a bit harsh

Not really, considering they dont take the hint with a 2-3 point infraction.....next time will be 6, time after that 7....

[Beso]

It's funny.

[Vicky.]

Not really, considering they dont take the hint with a 2-3 point infraction.....next time will be 6, time after that 7....

Exactly.

Do people expect us to just give out constant 1 pointers? Even when they make no difference?

In answer to the OP, I find some trolling funny, I have to admit. I hold the unpopular opinion that a lot of an ex members made up stories were funny :joker:

Other trolling (eg, constant gifs, spamming, made up death stories, purposely starting arguments) I think is sad

[Niamh.]

Not really, considering they dont take the hint with a 2-3 point infraction.....next time will be 6, time after that 7....

This. I don't see the point in giving 2 or 3 points to the same person over and over for the same thing, obviously it will keep increasing if they carrying on doing what they've previously been infracted for.

[arista]

Ben. You should become a policeman! :hugesmile:


what for Women to watch him strip?



Life In The City.

[BB_Eye]

The fact that trolling has gained a degree of acceptance and respect on the internet (thanks to the world's most sophisticated trolling machine, Anonymous) now always reminds me of the phrase "back in my day, trolling meant something".

However I think trolling, when successful and done right, can be hysterically funny. Repeatedly posting tired catchphrases and gifs is not trolling. It's spam.

[Benjamin]

what for Women to watch him strip?



Life In The City.

:laugh:

[MTVN]

The fact that trolling has gained a degree of acceptance and respect on the internet (thanks to the world's most sophisticated trolling machine, Anonymous) now always reminds me of the phrase "back in my day, trolling meant something".

However I think trolling, when successful and done right, can be hysterically funny. Repeatedly posting tired catchphrases and gifs is not trolling. It's spam.

This

[Smithy]

Can I make a point about gifs, surely if someone has a gif in their sig/avatar (or 4 in BB_Eyes case) then surely that's the equivalent of posting a gif everytime they post, why is it noone picks up on them, but they do whenever someone posts a gif?

[Stu]

Because most people who dislike .gifs dislike them for being highly repetetive, unimaginative ways of posting. Not for the amount of kb they take up.

[Shasown]

Can I make a point about gifs, surely if someone has a gif in their sig/avatar (or 4 in BB_Eyes case) then surely that's the equivalent of posting a gif everytime they post, why is it noone picks up on them, but they do whenever someone posts a gif?

Quite simple really, if gifs in the signature annoy other members have the choice of switching signatures off in their user CP. Unfortunately if the post in the thread is simply as a gif then other members have to view it while viewing the thread.

It may not bother you, but repeated use of gifs is not only annoying and boring but can affect other peoples computers in relation to page downlaod and cache memory.

[Smithy]

Because most people who dislike .gifs dislike them for being highly repetetive, unimaginative ways of posting. Not for the amount of kb they take up.
Thats fair enough, but the reason we've been told is because they slow down the forum.
Quite simple really, if gifs in the signature annoy other members have the choice of switching signatures off in their user CP. Unfortunately if the post in the thread is simply as a gif then other members have to view it while viewing the thread.

It may not bother you, but repeated use of gifs is not only annoying and boring but can affect other peoples computers in relation to page downlaod and cache memory.

No they don't theres also the option of turning off images, people say they don't wanna turn images off, but they also say they don't wanna turn off sigs/avs

And you can clear your cache, so I don't see the problem there >.<

[Vicky.]

People are just sick of seeing gifs every other post. Its really that simple. And they shouldnt have to put up with it. Surely the people who overuse gifs can have some decent input into conversations other than an animated image? If not, then a forum is not the right place for them, perhaps try a soft play area or something...

And yes, theres the added problem of slowing down peoples computers. People shouldnt have to turn off images just because of one or two people abusing gifs. And as far as I am aware, the people who say gifs slow down their computers...already have signatures off. I know two people have :/

[Stu]

The whole turning off images thing is down there with the ignoring members thing. Forums should take action against things people don't like. Not instruct members to censor things for themselves.

Someone might absoloutely hate a certain member but they are never going to ignore them. It just feels odd. Show me someone who uses the ignore feature and I'll show you a liar.

[Smithy]

People are just sick of seeing gifs every other post. Its really that simple. And they shouldnt have to put up with it. Surely the people who overuse gifs can have some decent input into conversations other than an animated image? If not, then a forum is not the right place for them, perhaps try a soft play area or something...

And yes, theres the added problem of slowing down peoples computers. People shouldnt have to turn off images just because of one or two people abusing gifs. And as far as I am aware, the people who say gifs slow down their computers...already have signatures off. I know two people have :/


Which is why they were restricted to chat and games, even then you post them you get warned, a couple of us were having a laugh in the loft the other day and Ben came in and told us to stop posting gifs. Even though there was about 5 gifs over 100 posts, and he wasn't even contributing to our conversation.

[Stu]

Hey at least he wasn't starting terrible music topics.

jk

[Benjamin]

Which is why they were restricted to chat and games, even then you post them you get warned, a couple of us were having a laugh in the loft the other day and Ben came in and told us to stop posting gifs. Even though there was about 5 gifs over 100 posts, and he wasn't even contributing to our conversation.

Other people don't like all the gifs Smithy. You need to realise this. A couple of you may find them hilarious, but a lot of members get hacked of with the constant use of them.

[Smithy]

Other people don't like all the gifs Smithy. You need to realise this. A couple of you may find them hilarious, but a lot of members get hacked of with the constant use of them.

Other people don't like you creating god loves the ##'s then stickying it for IthinkIloveyoutoo to spam with a whole artists discography from that decade but you don't hear us complaining.

[Benjamin]

Other people don't like you creating god loves the ##'s then stickying it for IthinkIloveyoutoo to spam with a whole artists discography from that decade but you don't hear us complaining.

That is not me spamming up lots of threads with a pointless GaGa gif that means nothing in context to majority of conversations. If you cannot say it in words then don't bother posting a response.

All we ask is that you cut down on them, not stop altogether, but you have to make it a drama and make it sound as if we are not allowing you to post any.

When somebody says something you don't like, replying with a gif of GaGa crying is alittle bit pointless.

[Smithy]

That is not me spamming up lots of threads with a pointless GaGa gif that means nothing in context to majority of conversations. If you cannot say it in words then don't bother posting a response.

All we ask is that you cut down on them, not stop altogether, but you have to make it a drama and make it sound as if we are not allowing you to post any.

When somebody says something you don't like, replying with a gif of GaGa crying is alittle bit pointless.

Ugh fgs it's like talking to a brick wall, WE HAVE CUT DOWN, WE ONLY USE THEM IN CHAT AND GAMES!! WE USE THEM INFREQUENTLY!!! :hello: :hello: ← READ THAT PLEASE!!

And it's a joke fgs :bored:

[Benjamin]

Ugh fgs it's like talking to a brick wall, WE HAVE CUT DOWN, WE ONLY USE THEM IN CHAT AND GAMES!! WE USE THEM INFREQUENTLY!!! :hello: :hello: ← READ THAT PLEASE!!

And it's a joke fgs :bored:

I never said you hadn't. But not everyone has/had. I was using GaGa gifs as an example.

[Smithy]

I'm not going to reply to that with a proper response, because apparently Im causing drama for the sake of it.

[Kerry]

Because most people who dislike .gifs dislike them for being highly repetetive, unimaginative ways of posting. Not for the amount of kb they take up.

Yep. Plus I have sigs off anyway so can't see them. I don't just moan about them for the sake of it like some people love to think. The odd one or two can be funny. Being chased around the board by certain members posting them after every post I make was funny - for about 5 minutes...

[Kerry]

Oh and while I'm at it will people stop referring to me as some kind of Claymores sidekick

Right, moan done for tonight :D

[Claymores]

Oh and while I'm at it will people stop referring to me as some kind of Claymores sidekick

Right, moan done for tonight :D

Who did that? Usually I'm called sooty's sidekick cos I don't accept nice people getting crapola and will be spiteful at idiots no matter the consequences.

[Kerry]

Who did that? Usually I'm called sooty's sidekick cos I don't accept nice people getting crapola and will be spiteful at idiots no matter the consequences.

In general people do, as if I can't speak for myself or something

[Claymores]

In general people do, as if I can't speak for myself or something

Let's become turtle's sidekicks :thumbs::wink:

It's safer cos he's a mod awake @ 4am!!!!!!

[Benjamin]

Let's become turtle's sidekicks :thumbs::wink:

It's safer cos he's a mod awake @ 4am!!!!!!

Haha, I don't have sidekicks. And from next week I won't be online as I'm moving and don't know when I'll get access to internet again, could be a few months (hears the sigh of relief from many members). :hugesmile:

[Claymores]

In general people do, as if I can't speak for myself or something

I think it is because there are only a handful in the wee small hours of the morning and it was you and me vs Novo/Locke. But as I explained on another thread, all 4 parties have reached an accomodation of talking to each other, so a 2010 issue - past. Hell - me and Shaun have even reached an accomodation not to bicker at each other today.

[Claymores]

Haha, I don't have sidekicks. And from next week I won't be online as I'm moving and don't know when I'll get access to internet again, could be a few months (hears the sigh of relief from many members). :hugesmile:

Bristol? Looking forwards to it?

[Kerry]

I think it is because there are only a handful in the wee small hours of the morning and it was you and me vs Novo/Locke. But as I explained on another thread, all 4 parties have reached an accomodation of talking to each other, so a 2010 issue - past. Hell - me and Shaun have even reached an accomodation not to bicker at each other today.

Yeah I know. It was 'us versus the forum' (or seemed it) there for a while due to crazy hours kept by all :joker:

[Benjamin]

Bristol? Looking forwards to it?

Yep, looking forward to getting my life back on track. Since returning from Oz I've become this mopey and annoying guy, which even I cannot stand. Another reason to I'm glad to cut down on the internet as I seem to have absorbed my life into it and forgotten the real world. :hugesmile:

[Claymores]

Yep, looking forward to getting my life back on track. Since returning from Oz I've become this mopey and annoying guy, which even I cannot stand. Another reason to I'm glad to cut down on the internet as I seem to have absorbed my life into it and forgotten the real world. :hugesmile:

I wish you well on that - Bristol looks an interesting city these days. As you've travelled widely, I'm sure you have no qualms about leaving the safety of things you know behind and going out to meet new people.

[Benjamin]

I wish you well on that - Bristol looks an interesting city these days. As you've travelled widely, I'm sure you have no qualms about leaving the safety of things you know behind and going out to meet new people.

I'm not one for playing it safe, it bores me and leaves me feeling frustrated. Hopefully Bristol will be cool, although I still don't see it as my settling ground. :)


*Just realised that I have gone waaaaaay off topic, sorry*

[patsylimerick]

I've been shocked on TIBBs by how often people view new posters as a potential target rather than someone they might have an interesting debate/conversation with. Which is why I've posted so little since I joined. It's a pity, really. It's all about playing to the gallery and impressing the buddies.

[James]

To make a general point and not this site specific I'd say trolling is rife on the Internet because users are - usually, not always - anonymous and they are never held to account for anything, and there is little responsibility.

[Kerry]

I've seen worse sites for trolls *cough C4 cough*. I'm not talking people posting gifs. I'm talking people (if you can call them that) making posts laughing (at least) in threads about the death of a baby. So nothing surprises me anymore

[Beso]

I put trolling down to boredom.