Lionel Edriess wrote on Nov 22
nd, 2014 at 6:37pm:
Ok!
I have now been watching this thread with some interest because I, myself, have been the subject of occasional attention of those that some would classify as 'trolls' or 'trolling'.
I suppose on occasion that I represent, or am deemed as representing, all the things that Herbert now stands accused of by his detractors. After all, I'm pro-gun, anti-Islam, anti-radical, white, agnostic and heterosexual.
This comment is made in the spirit of things because I am aware of a number of other posters who could make the same claims. You all know who you are.
The reason Herb becomes an item of interest to what he labels 'trolls' is possibly because he is a prolific poster and starts a number of threads with a provocative headline, or, frequently responds to other posters with a humour that they either misinterpret or cannot understand. I enjoy the understated humour and the effort taken to compile some of his posts.
The 'sensai' remarks are an example.
As a fiurther example, I have a long term love/hate relationship with Brian Ross that rarely descends into the type of flaming that I have seen Herbert (or others) endure. We have a relationship that is often compromised by my ability/reluctance to engage in in issues where we already know each other's stance and see no point in pushing the issue. We can debate/argue without the spiteful exchanges that I have seen others endure on an almost daily basis. Yet Brian and I can maintain an interesting dialogue without resorting to personal insult.
Datalife is another poster whose posts I enjoy because he often offers a thoughtful opinion on diverse subjects. Yet he often gets flamed for offering a different point of view. Again, one wonders whether the points made are considered, or merely rejected and criticised because they differ from the viewpoint of the flamer.
I tend to ignore 'trolls', simply because the nuances of the English language tend to be lost on them and sarcasm is very hard to convey in the written language.
I think that most of us here are aware of the'usual suspects' but are reluctant to engage because - what is the point?
By the same token, I'm not above the occasional caustic comment myself.
However, that is often just a knee-jerk reaction to those who who would bring a knife to a gun-fight.
Just sayin'.
Remnants from Debate & Relate .... all.
One of my golf mates received a postcard in the mail yesterday.......unsigned and Australia Post had mis-delivered it. It simply read:
"Your IQ test results came back negative."
Anyone lost their results?