Regardless of whether one likes or dislikes interacting with trolls, most readers tend to understand that such behavior is likely due to a lashing out, an acting out against unrecognized pain that resides within the psyches of such damaged personas, a pain that has yet to be confronted and healed. The tragedy is that such behavior is often the psychological fallout caused by a slew of abuse most likely inflicted during the formative childhood years. It is abuse (emotional and/or physical) for which they had no control over, for which they did their best to survive through.
It is conceivable (however remote it might be) that allowing such individuals to participate within discussion groups like Vortex-l can eventually help them come to better terms with the horrible demons inflicted on them. Needless to say, this is a tall order, one that many through no fault of their own are not up to the task of lending such "assistance." I also suspect it really helps to be a reformed troll in order to understand where all trolls are coming from. I had my first taste dealing with the troll persona back in the mid 90s when I participated in on-line discussion board services like Dejanews. I particularly enjoyed participating in obtuse groups like alt.alien.visitors. I encountered numerous hard-line skeptics who seemed to relish trashing the beliefs of the true believers. It was within some of these groups that I recall having close encounters with two highly vocal trolls. Over a period of time I eventually managed to befriend one of these trolls, as the result of extended private exchanges. These private exchanges seemed reasonably productive from my perspective because we had managed to get to the point of being able to lend each other advice and insight on occasion. Later when we would once again encounter each other in the pubic arena of Dejanews I suspect we enjoyed each other's sparring much more than had we stayed strangers. Though we remained on opposite sides of the fence concerning many subjects I think we had nevertheless acquired a guarded respect for each other. It's been my experience (and subsequent belief) that each and every one of us is not immune from becoming a troll in our own way. We must constantly observe our own motivations and beliefs when discussing topics that we might feel passionate about. I know for a fact I am considered to be a "fanatic" by certain individuals I'm acquainted with in other discussion groups, such as when I have discussed recent controversial Cold Fusion findings. I've found it to be a good idea to ask myself, "Am I a fanatic?" every time someone challenges me, particularly when I feel compelled to set the record straight. While I endeavor to be diplomatic at all times the passion of the moment occasionally carries through in some of my responses – often with unpredictable results. While some readers may learn something from my posts, something they might not have known before, I also learn another lesson in humility about my own need to set the record straight. After the exchanges have been lobbed and all is done, I sometimes find myself asking: WHY do I occasionally need take on such "crusades". Is it really for the benefit of my readers, or am I just "acting out." Never stop questioning. Regards Steven Vincent Johnson www.OrionWorks.com www.zazzle.com/orionworks
