Question: how to deal with trolls? Can't anybody do something about them?

romik · Jun 12, 2015

Don't mix trolling with constructive criticism, the latter is an essential part of an open discussion.

dbphoenix · Jun 12, 2015

bone said:
Two Points:

1. I foresee a gazillion threads with only three or four posts each that reinforce the OP's point. We live in narcissistic, self-centered times where our egos require constant stroking and reinforcement. Lots of thin skins and hair trigger tempers on this site. A possible exception would be some of the more notorious members simply talking to themselves repeatedly ( hyper-posting under the original OP journal-style ) and at great length just for shits and giggles.

2. Any site sponsor, individual or company, who pays to keep Elite Trader going should not be exempted from participation in any thread or forum by any Member other than Baron. If Members want to exempt site sponsors from participating in their threads, then by all rights every Member should be paying to participate on ET and let's get rid of paid sponsorships entirely.

As for the first point, who'd want to read it? There are more than one journal that consist of the journalist talking to himself. No reason not to let them be.

As for the second, I can't imagine why a sponsor would intrude on a thread where he's not wanted. I should think they have better things to do.

dbphoenix · Jun 12, 2015

romik said:
Don't mix trolling with constructive criticism, the latter is an essential part of an open discussion.

I agree. But constructive criticism must also be informed. Otherwise it's just rationalized trolling.

Buy1Sell2 · Jun 12, 2015

And my final point--Giving people who have no financial or recognizable benefit from a site, the power to determine the publicly viewed content on that site, is counterproductive to the viabilty of the site's purpose.--Thank you for your time--

pauk · Jun 12, 2015

dbphoenix said:
There are more than one journal that consist of the journalist talking to himself.

You know what? I've noticed that. More so recently than ever before.
Lots of journals where it's just the OP talking to themselves. I imagine that this wasn't their intention, but I think onlookers read the 'calls', see that the person doesn't have an edge (and so aren't interested as they can't learn anything) and move on.
Then the journal soon dies as the OP gets bored.

justrading · Jun 12, 2015

dbphoenix said:
Should be, but it doesn't work out that way. But rather than beat that particular dead horse, I suggest we give Baron's suggestion at least a try. I doubt that those who aren't interested in my threads are going to be reading them anyway.

If the problem is with moderation, then that needs to be fixed. If the problem is with people being overly sensitive, then they should be told as much. I don't see declaring open season as the way to deal with this.

bone · Jun 12, 2015

dbphoenix said:
As for the second, I can't imagine why a sponsor would intrude on a thread where he's not wanted. I should think they have better things to do.

db, as long as you allow me to make a fair point before you banish me. I honestly do try to post constructive content.

JTrades · Jun 12, 2015

Buy1Sell2 said:
The ES thread wa started by me and is the longest thread on ET and also the most views. In fact, it is one of the longest threads on the interweb. I have stated that it is open for all to post to and have outlined rules for posting. Romik and Builder17 are the only ones who follow the rules, but I don't hit report etc.--Rather we just go on. I have stated that it is the people's journal and am very tolerant of others. I don't ask for special controls of the journal. I am a student of human nature. I know what the end result of the block feature will be. Debaters and debate will be silenced. It's as simple as that.

I do check in there from time to time. It's a quality thread. Do you know if ammo will return (after his boat is built?) ?

barcadia · Jun 12, 2015

Are there actually moderators here other than the owner? Trade2win has loads of them who use their discretion to decide when someone is 'trolling'.
Couldn't something as simple as that be the solution?

dbphoenix · Jun 12, 2015

bone said:
db, as long as you allow me to make a fair point before you banish me. I honestly do try to post constructive content.

I'd very much appreciate your input. I've been reading your posts for quite some time and you appear to be the real deal.

(If you're not, I'd rather not know)