Games people play

[antennapedia]

The word that came to mind when I saw this post about this case this morning was "griefing". That's not a plagiarism case, really. Plagiarism was merely the means the griefer used to troll fandom. The desired payoff was the pages of outraged comments to the stolen story, the proof that the long deception had the desired effect. If you want to

Comments

[tx_cronopio]

I did wonder if he's getting off on all the attention.

[antennapedia]

I have to think that's the entire point. Attention by means of the stolen words while the deception lasts; then when the inevitable discovery happens, more attention. And proof that the griefing worked, and people are upset. The only thing I can think to do is interfere with the payoff. Though it's too late, really. Three pages of outrage means the troll has successfully trolled.

[nemaihne]

Some whack-jobs will do anything for attention of any kind. It's sick in both literal and figurative terms and, yeah, I agree the only thing you can do is cut them off. Any kind of reprimand only gives them more attention.

[antennapedia]

Attention is the reward. It's like with a parrot: you have to respond to undesired behavior by cutting off stimulus to the bird. Making noise or yelling or whatever is reward. "Look! I made the apes jump around!" Instead just throw the blanket over the cage.

In this case, make the guy vanish from every aspect of the LJ fannish community. Quietly. Though it's far too late for that in this case.

[ljs]

Congratulations for your nom, and hugs and an umbrella for the rain! Stay safe and warm if you can. [hugs]

[antennapedia]

Thank you! I expect we'll get cold and wet, but it'll all be good :) The dogs brought in a split decision on their second walk this morning: one wanted to keep going, and the other stood still. "We're going back inside now, right? We're done with the getting wet thing, right, boss?"