Thread pick: With Apologies to Bragadocchio!

What motivates a lurker’s conversion to active participation? Yannis kicks off an interesting Cre8asite Forums thread by using a little positive troll power. You got it: Positrolling

From Wikipedia’s definition of Internet trolling: “Often, a person will post a sincere message about which he is emotionally sensitive. Skillful trolls know that an easy way to upset him is to falsely claim that he is a “troll.” In forums where most users are similar to each other, outsiders may be perceived as trolls simply because they do not fit into the social norms of that group. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between a user who merely has different values, views, or ideas, and a user who is intentionally trolling. This can lead to genuinely hostile behavior, including flame wars.”

What would define a “positive” troll?

Demonstrating Altruistic Goals Yannis directed his “troll” towards encouraging discussion of an issue for the greater good, without a hint of personal gain or personality attack.

Showing Respect for the Target Yannis chose well. Bragadocchio has the largest number of posts in Cre8asite Forums. Bill is quick to respond and I’ve never seen him react impatiently. The social norms of our forums have a culture of respectful consideration.

An Attention-Getting Strategy is Not Enough Personal follow-through is part of showing respect. Seeking the attention of others without putting one’s self on the line is disrespectful of opportunities provided by the interaction of others. Relationships are like The Velveteen Rabbit; they become real through tender loving care.

“Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. “When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.”

“Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,” he asked, “or bit by bit?”

“It doesn’t happen all at once,” said the Skin Horse. “You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”

by Margery Williams, from The Velveteen Rabbit

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