There are four basic types of Troll.
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Subject: 3.1 The old definition
The old definition of a Troll is one who posts to generate
the maximum number of follow ups. These are a very minor
irritation, and can be considered to be advantageous to
newsgroups.
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Subject: 3.2 The Irritating Troll
Some merely post drivel, or tirades against netnannies and
netcops, often at a BI of over 20. In general they cause
little real damage to newsgroups.
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Subject: 3.3 The destructive Troll
In about the year 1999 a new breed of Troll appeared who
have the declared intention of destroying a specific Target
newsgroup. This is done by a variety of posts, (see
Section 4) intended to drive normal posters away from the
specific newsgroup.
When the percentage of Troll posts, including followups
exceeds about 75% of the total posts, most readers seem to
just give up and unsubscribe. Usenet, and particularly the
uk.local.* hierarchy is for most users a hobby and if that
hobby ceases to be enjoyable, the obvious answer is just to
find another hobby.
Once a specific Target newsgroup has been laid waste as
was uk.local.birmingham it becomes a Old Target newsgroup,
This happened in about February 2000 it is being maintained a
wasteground by crossposts from the current Target ng.
Alt.astrology.metapsych at the time of writing is totally
destroyed by destructive trolls. This is repported at:
http://www.astroconsulting.com/FAQs/abusive_ISPs_list.htm >>>
Here is a useful FAQ that explains what has happened to
the group I created alt.astrology.metapsych:
http://www.hyphenologist.co.uk/killfile/anti_troll_faq.htm<<<
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Subject: 3.4 The nasty Troll
If anyone does anything which will interfere with the
troll's ability to cause mayhem, they can become very
nasty, posting from obviously incorrect variations of the
name etc. insults, call them netcops, netnannies,
homosexuals.
Various off usenet methods are also used to force the
victim to stop posting: Subscribing the victim to hundreds
of unwanted pornographic email newsletters, and sites.
Complaining to employers about non existent misdemeanours.
Sending garbage emails without indication of sender.
Telephone calls at dead of night. Harassing the close
relatives of victims.
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Subject: 3.5 The evil and illegal Troll
If anyone does anything which will interfere with the
troll's ability to cause mayhem, they also forge posts in
that persons name and internet address and libel them on
usenet. Both these are illegal.
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Subject: 3.6 How they are organised
They use private listservers to communicate between
themselves. An archive of one such listserver is at
http://www.uklocaltrolls.fs2.com. For less important
communications, they use Troll Communications newsgroup(s).
The listserver must have an owner(s) who can approve or
deny access. Other than that anarchy reigns where each
member does what he/she thinks fit. Thus because no leader
or committee exists coordination with the group is
impossible. Any agreement reached with one or more can
instantly be abrogated by others.
Coordinated action can occur where it forwards their
general aims.
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Subject: 4. What do they do?
There are several quite formalised methods of trolling.
Non of these actions occurring singly or in moderation
indicate a troll attack. When they occur in combination or
large amounts they may indicate a troll attack.