Another pro-tip to the LJ community

[paperclipchains]

Since I am clearly an expert in internetology, I have come to provide you all with another valuable nugget of knowledge about word usage and the internet (which is, as we all know, serious business).

A Troll, ladies and gentlemen, is not merely someone with an unpopular and/or stupid opinion. For example, Fred Phelps of godhatesfags.com is not a

Comments

[glitteringlynx]

I think the main problem is that it's hard to know whether or not the person believes what they are saying. Generally speaking, the people I've seen who are a perfect example of troll merely insult and bitch at everyone for no apparent reason. It could very well be that they don't mean it, but I'm not always sure that's the case.

At any rate, they're attention seeking.

[paperclipchains]

So's mine. I am well versed in the ways of the Troll. To see this ancient art degraded pains me most greatly.

[slate_canada]

Actually I need to thank you for the most precise definition I have seen to date. As incredibly naive as this is going to make me sound, I had no idea what a "troll" was until I joined the feminism forum and got accused of being one. In my world a troll is an old man that chases young boys (I plan to be called that variety of troll within a few years as well). Thanks for the explanation and the comedic sarcasm was perfect.

[paperclipchains]

That would be an example of misuse of the term, yeah. It's an incredibly obnoxious and ignorant way to discredit a person.