Just thought I'd respond to mention that I like this story (below). As it turns
out, this is exactly what my strategy was when I was still competing in martial
arts competitions (non-contact karate back in the 60s). I would just watch and
wait, and then respond only when the other person had committed themselves. I
didn't actually compete in that many tournaments (other interests -- like
discovering LSD -- took me away from my karate studies soon afterwards), but I
never lost a match using this strategy. The only memorable match I did lose was
when the other guy ran this same number on me, but better, forcing me to make
the first move. And I can't feel too badly about that loss, because it was to a
young Chuck Norris, who went on to win the World Championship that year. :-)
Interestingly, I can see how it would be just as effective a strategy when
dealing with Internet trolls. Just let them sputter and call names and curse.
There is simply *no need* to ever respond unless they cross the line and
actually commit to a course of action that requires a response, like (citing
recent history) posting actual libel and encouraging others to act on it.
It seems to me that this strategy will be even more effective for dealing with
our remaining trolls in the Age Of Buck. They won't be able to stop trying to
"get" those of us they're obsessed with, but to do so they actually have to
make the first move and attack or insult us. The moment they do, THEY are the
ones guilty of "being unkind, belligerent, exploitative, degrading, insulting,
using slurs, profanity or ranting," and thus if Doug is doing his job, they'll
not only defeat themselves like the young guy in this story, they'll be
moderated and "outa here," and we won't have to worry about them any more.
From: "[email protected] [FairfieldLife]"
<[email protected]>
There once lived a great warrior. Though quite old, he still was able to defeat
any challenger. His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land and
many students gathered to study under him.
One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was determined to
be the first man to defeat the great master. Along with his strength, he had an
uncanny ability to spot and exploit any weakness in an opponent. He would wait
for his opponent to make the first move, thus revealing a weakness, and then
would strike with merciless force and lightning speed. No one had ever lasted
with him in a match beyond the first move.
Much against the advice of his concerned students, the old master gladly
accepted the young warrior's challenge. As the two squared off for battle, the
young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. He threw dirt and spit
in his face. For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse and insult
known to mankind. But the old warrior merely stood there motionless and calm.
Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself. Knowing he was defeated, he left
feeling shamed.
Somewhat disappointed that he did not fight the insolent youth, the students
gathered around the old master and questioned him. "How could you endure such
an indignity? How did you drive him away?"
"If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it," the master
replied, "to whom does the gift belong?"
