There are two conflicting definitions of the phraseinternet troll, just as there are two conflicting origin stories.
Ideally, they cause no harm, other than what the target inflicts upon themselves.
Trickster trolling is a skilla skill I will teach you.
Their trolling takes the form of harassment, threats, insults, or simply annoying behavior.
Either way, bully trolls are the best target for the trickster trolls.
When someone frustrates or offends you online, it can be tempting to respond with your own vitriol.
Sometimes this is an appropriate reaction!
But sometimes youre just letting this person ruin your day and encouraging them to ruin it further.
Handled right, trickster trolling is a great way to relieve the pain of bully trolling.
It helps you re-cast yourself from victim to empowered jokester who is not to be fucked with.
Put on a Friendly Face
Trickster trolling is like comedic acting.
The beauty of the troll lies in the gap between the character and the actor.
If your aim is to frustrate your target, you should present yourself as helpful and cooperative.
This sometimes wins the troll over, which can leave everyone feeling happy.
Most importantly, its fun as hell.
Third-party reactions will help you determine whether your trolling is ethical, and when its time to stop.
If your trolling pokes at widespread annoyances or bigotry, making it public can help others.
Some of these men managed to recognize their sexism and, hopefully, improve themselves.
Always Give Them an Out
If youre trolling a troll, theyve usually made the first move.
But that doesnt necessarily mean you’ve got the option to go nuclear.
Sometimes you shouldNazis need punching!
The process should take less out of you than it takes out of them.
Give your troll an outsome way they could stop engaging.
This is another way to ensure you dont become the bad guy.
He replied, at the length to which he is accustomed.
I replied, at mine.
After three iterations, he realized he didnt actually have to reply, and took his out.
If you actually care more, you should consider a different approach.
If you work extremely hard to demonstrate that you care less, maybe you actually care more.
Sometimes you actively dont want to.
Do I wish I hadnt sent that final k email?
Absolutely, and in admitting so, I have now retroactively lost that fight.
Troll-on-troll combat is not a boxing match; its a game of hot potato.
The last man standing loses.
Sprezzatura is a studied carelessness, the kind the trickster troll strives for.
But it’s possible for you to only show, not tell, sprezzatura.
The more you take a stab at prove that you dont care,the less convincing youll be.
This caring-about-not-caring might sound exhausting to you.
If so, be free!
Block and report your trolls!
