Here, Try Some Nilbog Milk
For much of my life, I knew trolls to be little hairy dudes that hung out under bridges, and stopped people from crossing. But in Age of the Internet, everyone knows about the new trolls that have emerged–the lurking creatures that live for the cheap thrill of commenting negatively on anything and everything.
Here’s what I don’t get: if one does not like a website – or more specifically a blog such as Atlanta Metroblogs – why would he or she consistently visit that site? I mean, if you read a particular blog a few times and you decide, “The authors on this site ain’t talkin’ about shit I like,” why come back? Why not just find something you’re more interested in and read/comment on that? I’m sure someone out there can explain it to me.
The bottom line is, we think it’s nice that Atlantan authors are informing our community about local politics, sports events, and some cool spots to hang out. We know there are people out there who like to learn what others think about current events and good nightlife. What I’d like is to see people using this site not only for information, but as a means of strengthening a sense of community that is sorely lacking in the world today. So why be a troll?
Oh dear.
Two things to note here to dealing effectively with Internet trolls: let go of misconceptions and don’t fight a losing battle. Most Internet trolls are manipulative as hell, often resorting to ad hominem attacks and other fallacies to foolishly proving a point. Why they don’t just go off and start their own blog to debate it is beyond me — I guess it’s better to squat upon others.
With all that said…let’s talk more about Atlanta!
The modern mass audience has been trained to take in information from a variety of sources, such as this one, and doesn’t necessarily share the same sense of activism that you may feel.
When applying this logic to other media outlets, you should to also ask:
Why don’t more people contribute editorial pieces to the newspaper?
How come more radio listeners don’t call in to request their favorite songs?
Wouldn’t these actions also “strengthen the sense of community”?
I appreciate the feedback so far. But personally, I don’t see the logic in the last comment. MetroBlogs is a community-centered media outlet…hence my community-oriented comment. Feedback is always good, but of course it’s best if it’s related. For instance, it makes sense to get your panties in a bunch and write in a bunch of critical comments if you disagree with the political opinion stated in a blog post. But what the hell is the point of being critical and irritated at a post about stuff to do around your town?
Re: Michael O’Brien –
The modern mass audience has been trained to take in information from a variety of sources, such as this one, and doesn’t necessarily share the same sense of activism that you may feel.
That’s why we’ve got the nifty new “suggest a story” feature. If they don’t share it, chances are we don’t know about it.
Why don’t more people contribute editorial pieces to the newspaper?
Who says they don’t? Most Op-Ed pages I read are certainly edited for content and space.
How come more radio listeners don’t call in to request their favorite songs?
Who says they don’t? With Clear Channel/LiveNation running most of the stations these days, user input is hardly applied unless it’s the mundane Top 40.
Dear Aradia,
It is often a good idea to ask why? And your posing this question is good idea.
You defined internet trolls as “the lurking creatures that live for the cheap thrill of commenting negatively on anything and everything.”
Good question. I often wonder why people do a lot of things that don’t positively & ethically advance theirs and or others’ lives.
Some are troubled, some don’t like to see others succeed. Some are angry and vent on everyone. Sad, but true. What really gets me is when others use their ability to find mistakes/shortcomings as a way to forget about their own lack of contribution in life.
Some folks don’t get inspired or encouraged. Maybe they had bad parents or make bad decisions, the result of which leaves them bummed out. Then they lash out at web site and blog owners!
It seems to be a fact of life, but don’t worry. Keep up the good work.
Wow. Beautifully put “FTP”! I think I’m in love :-P
Its always easier to dismiss those who speak out at odds with youm than it is to let them have a say.
Get off your high horses.
The “sense of community” that you wish to create in this forum is undermined by your attacks on first time posters.
Assumptions about family history and life decisions have little place in a healthy discussion.
As a long-time Atlanta resident, I have enjoyed reading the blog in the past, but this little exchange certainly sours the experience.
‘The “sense of community” that you wish to create in this forum is undermined by your attacks on first time posters.’
Where do you see an attack on first-time posters? Surely not in my blog entry.
I’m a bit confused as to why you would be put off because someone expressed a lack of understanding regarding people who repeatedly visit a site only to criticize it in a most immature and simply mean-spirited way.
As to those who comment with words such as “We have to read your crap so just let us bitch if we feel like it,” I beg to differ. No one is forcing you to read our “crap.” At least acknowledge that we make a sincere effort to offer something to the public with our writings.
a 3-word comment calling you a shill cuz yall are endlessly plugging yuppie mojito spots & tapas bars (for $$$? free drinks?? “sense of community”??) scarcely counts as “trolling” – i find plenty of legit atlanta news on metblogs but the overenthusiastic thinly disguised advertisements are some bullshit & bad writing to boot
& i see you deleted my ‘payolablogging’ comment already – very sensible, strong journalistic integrity there- only your tireless censorship & suppression can keep metblogs safe for hard-hitting reporting like “Next time you’re on a shopping excursion or you happen to be in Decatur, stop at So Rare. You never know what you’ll find!”
I was wondering where you were, plum! I actually have no problem with reading your negative opinions about the places or things I review. You’re totally entitled to think the places I go to suck. I, however, can’t stand yuppies and don’t go anywhere that I consider to be a yuppie hangout. If you have suggestions on better places to go, let me know. I’m all “ears.” But, I wouldn’t be so quick to criticize my writing style. I at least know how to use proper grammar, and I’ve read your blog…
That’s right, plum…always tryin’ to keep you down!
maybe write more like a journalist & less like a used-car salesman???? did yuo really have no criticisms at all for some shitty clothing store in decatur?? even the bitch in the ronco infomercial pretends to be a lil bit conflicted
Dude – you are too funny! It’s a slow day at work, so this is great for passing the time. I know what you’re saying, but I know you’d feel differently if I wrote bad reviews on stuff around town. That’s part of the reason why I have not posted more lately. If I wrote about everything I did in and around town, a lot of it would reflect disappointment. So, I try to keep it light and positive. I feel better about helping to boost someone’s business (because I actually like it) than I would about discouraging people from visiting a location.
whats that chick who gets paid by plugging shit in her lifestyle column for the sunday paper? cuz some of these metblogs posts make her look like ralph fuckin nader n shit. look im not sayin yall cant give props to any burger joint or tapas bar or happy ending massage parlor that yall wanna, just at least TRY not to come off so glib & corny about it!! is the ‘blogosphere’ (ugh) just some click who learned to write from tv commercials or what?? endless forced boosterism is not better for the community than honest & insightful reportage
I hear you man. All I’m saying is that what I post IS honest. There’s nothing in it for me – except the satisfaction of writing. I don’t think I’m corny either. But maybe that’s just because I don’t write in slang-speak or whatever. And as far as insightful, maybe you should read my personal blog. From my perspective, there’s only so much I can say on this blog since it’s Atlanta-centered, which is fine, but it’s not the place to get down and dirty about world events and all the political stuff I discuss with my friends.
yeah its cool i didnt mean to air you out or whatever, it was just these 2 paid spokesperson lookin posts right next to each other that got me to thinkin some shit was up round these parts. as far as corny it wouldnt hurt to turn down the cliches (‘you never know what youll find!’) & maybe focus more on personal experience or something, i dunno – just cuz this blog is bout atlanta doesnt mean you cant say whatever you wanna say or even talk some shit, its all good
Right on. Lemme know when you find a good spot. If we bump into each other, we’ll either be great buddies or we can finally beat the crap out of each other ;-)
I can’t believe it, my co-worker just bought a car for $11685. Isn’t that crazy!
was in the movie troll two played the dad did not drink any nilbog milk here
That is so awesome if it’s true…