Ok...I sometimes see posters referred to as a "troll"...I know the definition ...creature lurking under a bridge...but am guessing that's not what we're talking about here. So, what is a troll? What kinds of postings make someone a troll? Could I have unknowingly been a troll???? Just want to make sure I understand some of the postings....

Well, old-timers here can answer better than I, but I think it is a person who poses a provocative question, or maybe a supercilious one, simply to get people to respond, and maybe have a disagreement. It is not an honest request for informatiobn.

Anyone? Is that what is a troll?

ok, great, so just posting this question I have committed a "troll-ish" act...sorry. I really do hate the postings which serve no purpose like What color napkins should I have at a wedding? or What's your favorite breed of dog that you encounter when traveling?

Here is a good definition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_troll

I don't consider off-topic topics "trolls". What I think of as trolls are questions designed to ignite a fire - sort of a verbal arsonist - and then stand back and watch the excitement.

I think it can also be someone that posts something that seems too outrageous or dumb to be true. Or maybe he/she asks for advice, and then proceeds to argue and dispute everything that is said.

It's a troublemaker. Not a person that sincerely wants advice.

Just asking a question, no matter how off topic it may be, doesn't make someone a troll unless it's done only to cause trouble.

The "exact question" is raised about every three to six. There are at least 7 topics with the exact same title.

A good sign of a troll is that the post is the only one by that individual. Also, after asking the original question, they do not post again until the activity in the topic dies off, then they add another post to refuel the flames.

Many times, troll questions relate to moving or visting a place and the alleged questioner has "heard" the denizens of such burg are violent or hateful towards the posters ilk.

The best thing to do when you see a topic you believe has been started by a trll is to notify Fodor's editors and maybe post a comment that you think the question is by a troll. Do not feed them by posting a response to their question. They thrive on controversy and anger.

troll - "to fish by trailing a lure or baited hook from a moving boat"

Throwing in an odd question just to see who will bite, and what comments and controversies can be stirred up.

Like the dude on the Airline board this morning....

As with so many things here, your question may be best answered when you use the search feature with the word "troll"
;-)