... of trolls and websites

[Ben Gruagach]

Hi my MysticWicks buddies.

I really enjoy the friendly discussion, the camaraderie, the sharing, the thought-provoking ideas and opinions that we're able to share through the generosity of our hosts who set up and maintain this site for us. I've gotten the real feel, from reading the wide variety of discussion here, that there is a healthy mix of newbies and experienced folk who are willing to share and learn from each other. And you know, it's also really nice when there are differences of opinion (as there always are) and people are still friendly and respectful of each other. I don't remember seeing any "flame wars" here - either because our hosts who maintain the site are so on the ball, or perhaps because the people who come here are genuinely nice people who just do a good job at getting along. And that's why I keep coming back, and why I recommend this site to others.

I have my own little website up (the link is down in my signature at the bottom of this if anyone would like to visit). There is a very small messageboard there, with only a tiny fraction of the posts that MysticWicks has, because my site doesn't get a lot of traffic. That doesn't bother me - it's not a competition to see who gets the most hits. I just wanted to share my own thoughts about my pagan path, and give others an opportunity to share and discuss. And it's done that pretty well, despite the fact it's a pretty quiet discussion board on a quiet site.

Today, however, that changed. I got what I could only think of as a "troll" who came by and left a rather rude posting on my message board. The person felt the need to put down the newbies who had posted in the messageboard, obviously because they don't know nearly enough and asked newbie type questions. And the poster said the "community" of my website was crap.

The only useful thing the poster mentioned was they recommended people come over to MysticWicks.com. I visit here, I read here, and I post here. I recommend the site to people too. But I don't put down the site where I post my recommendation. My parents raised me to be a better person than that.

I'm not holding any of this against the people here at MysticWicks.com, and will continue to recommend the site as I always have. I know the person who tried to bash my website and the people who posted on the messageboard isn't representative of the wonderful people I've seen here at MysticWicks.com. I will continue to participate here. One stupid post on my own website isn't enough to change my mind about anything.

What I would like, though, is to hear how other people who have websites handle this sort of thing. The poster who left their bashing message at my site didn't leave an email address, so I can't contact them if I wanted to. I did post a response to the message so anyone visiting the board would know that I will not tolerate bashing messages like that in the future - I'm planning to just nip them in the bud and delete the posting. Any suggestions for how others handle trolls? Has anyone seen a "flame war" starting up that was handled particularly well and defused?

Please, no "gossip" that might start flame wars - I'm interested in ideas for good ways to keep things constructive.

Thanks for letting me rant!

; )

Ben

[Yvonne Belisle]

We have it happen sometimes here too. :( In the meantime while you seek answers you can join us ladies in the Arrgggggggghhhhhh thread and toss a few cheap vases at the wall :) we will make room for you.

[Ben Gruagach]

Thanks!

Virtual cheap-vase throwing is much tidier than real vase throwing. And much less likely to get caught in little kitty-toes from the bits that you miss sweeping up!

; )

Ben

[Yvonne Belisle]

This is very true.


I would like to say something to the member that did this little stunt. When you do things like that it does reflect upon Mystic Wicks. It reflects rather poorly too and people are less likely to visit a site that is recommended by someone who does that.

[Myst]

Incidentally, the administration of MysticWicks currently knows which member is involved here, and as an admin I'd like to tell said person that this kind of behaviour is not appreciated, and will not be tolerated.

Do *not* continue trolling other boards in the name of MysticWicks.

[Xander67]

Ben, WELCOME :wave:

it is nice to see people who take the time to find out for themselves rather than believe the ramblings of another...

let them talk and bash us, but you know what?
people come here and they see the love and support .

and the people that spread the lies end up looking like fools...

[Myst]

Actually Xander, unless I'm reading it wrong they were bashing Ben's site, not MW.

[cherrywind]

Ben, I'd just like to say that whoever that was obviously has too much time on their hands. At least you're making an effort and helping others, as opposed to that person who's doing absolutely nothing to support anybody. I read your response and it was very well worded :).

[Xander67]

:( yeah, I misunderstood the post, my mind was preocupied with the porn thread in Pagan Family

sorry for the mix up

[Loon]

Originally posted by Ben Gruagach

I did post a response to the message so anyone visiting the board would know that I will not tolerate bashing messages like that in the future - I'm planning to just nip them in the bud and delete the posting. Any suggestions for how others handle trolls? Has anyone seen a "flame war" starting up that was handled particularly well and defused?

I started a message board once in response to a troll on another board, and of course the person followed the link and tried to continue his trolling at my board. I had a set of rules for my board and made it clear that that behavior would not be tolerated. I deleted the offending posts and blocked the person when he tried again. After that he continued to make trouble at the other board but left mine alone.

[Myst]

Incidentally, I agree that such messages should simply be deleted, and the person blocked.

There are certain situations where it has occured here at MW - different people and different bashing, but when you know the person's only joined to be destructive to the site I feel you have a right to prevent it. It's one thing for someone to be argumentative or different, and another for them just to be there trolling!

[flar7]

Ben,

we get our share of trouble. Usually in the "Hot" forums where
discussion is often heated. We advise in mod mode, threaten
and cajole........and if that dont work we delete! Is always better
if they will edit their own posts! Then there are the repeat
trouble makers who eventually seal their fate and have to be
banned. Luckily this is rare.

Thick skin is essential, as well as a diplomatic tongue. Even so,
sometimes you just cant convince a mule and you have to take
one of the drastic steps.

We do edit posts if they are TOO offensive and cant be left out there!

[Danustouch]

Ben,

I'm really sorry that that happened on your message board. Some people are just so rude, and self centered! I'm glad that you realize that whoever did this does not represent mysticwicks as a whole, and that most of us here, would know better than to act in such a rude and immature fashion!

What I would suggest doing, is either deleting the thread, or simply closing the thread and stating that in fact, you've already spoken about this post at mysticwicks, and know that the person posting this message does not reflect the opinions of mysticwicks as a whole, and that the individual is acting in their own immature self interests. That the thread is now closed, as bashing of members is not allowed on your message board.

Just my suggestion. :) Again, i feel terrible that this happened on your board.

Take care.