What is a troll?
 

I enjoy reading the Fodors bulletin board but keep coming up the the word- "troll". <BR> <BR>What is a "troll"? <BR> <BR>It seems like some people who write things on this bulletin board all the time use the word troll for a postings that they disagree with or they would prefer not to be on the bulletin board. Seems silly, if they do not like a posting- ignore it! <BR> <BR>Also an observation, there are more postings on the bulletin board during the traditional 8-5 working period Monday to Friday than on weekends or evenings. It appears like we have alot of goof offs on this board. I am not at work, I am a student. <BR> <BR>Anyway, what is a troll?

Not my definition but it will suffice... <BR>it is typically used as a noun when describing the person who has placed the "troll" posting. <BR> <BR>1) As a verb, the practice of trying to lure other Internet users into sending responses to carefully-designed incorrect statements or similar "bait." In a real example, a Usenet newsgroup contributor mentioned the discovery of an ancient African carving containing a list of prime numbers. The contributor further listed some of the prime numbers found and included some numbers that, in fact, are not prime numbers. Other contributors then sent serious replies, correcting the list of prime numbers cited. <BR> <BR>

Jackie: And why are YOU not STUDYING, young lady?

I'm wondering too. What is a troll?

Jackie: When you grow up and get a job you will find that even demanding bosses recognize the need for employees to take a break. In years past, that would entail perhaps chatting with your coworkers around the watercooler about the home team's big game, or stepping outside for a smoke. Today, it includes a quick visit to a favorite discussion forum or chatroom. Most employers have no problem with that type of thing unless the time usage extends far beyond being just a "break" or the worker is visitng sites that are not appropriate. In my case I often come in early and stay late (and spend my lunch hour) surfing the net because my work 'puter is soooo much faster than my home computer. <BR> Not everyone who surfs from work is a goof-off. <BR> And I suspect that you are a very clever troller, who has disguised the lure well.

Uh....Wondering? Owen answered this in his response. You get a D for attention!

Honest, <BR> <BR>Jackie is just making a point, you sound self conscious about your work ethic! <BR> <BR>When people try and call out trolls they always think the poster is 10 years old but Jackie points out that the majority of the posts on this board are from working people, even the trolls I bet. <BR> <BR>Just because she's a student doesn't mean she's not grown up. She could be 50 years old for all you know. <BR> <BR>We keep close statisctics at my compnay and over 80% of net traffic is in violation of the "Internet Usage Policy"

Ok "get back to work" if your company keeps stats and 80% of net use is in violation of the use policy what does your company do about it. Seems fruitless to monitor and collect stats if nothing comes of it.

Great explanation Owen! To bad some of the others started on their Trolls again! Keep up the good work Owen! I like reading your replies. To bad some of the others cain't do that!