Impertinence: How do you continue dialogue without appearing to be a troll?

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 13:00:56 -0500

I've come across several posts on social media, including here, that are short, to the point, and appearantly strong opinions that could be perceived as biased, prejudiced, angry, resentful, etc.

RallyPoint forums have been fairly respectful considering the attention many topics garner, the media's portrayal of these topics as well as the well-policed trolls.

So how do you express your strong opinion without being a troll?
(From wikipedia: In Internet slang, a troll is a person who sows discord on the Internet by starting arguments or upsetting people, by posting inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a newsgroup, forum, chat room, or blog) with the deliberate intent of provoking readers into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion."

How do you address perceived trolls on social media?
What are the risks of doing so?

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 1:04 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 13:04:11 -0500

My opinion, being as specific as possible. Avoid anything vague, use examples, and generally avoid short critiques and opinions. It seems RallyPoint encourages lively, enlightened dialogue which is really impressive in this day-and-age's character-constrained tweets and responses.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 4:25 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 16:25:20 -0500

Sir, part of the troll definition implies presenting something in a disrespectful manner. I think that expressing a strong opinion is fine, in fact welcome in a professional discussion forum, as long as courtesy and respect are observed.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Dec 10 at 2014 4:37 PM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 16:37:07 -0500

My methodology for RP posts is the following:
- Restate the question.
- Lay out pertinent facts, assumption, questions in bullet format.
- Clearly, concisely, and accurately lay out my analysis of the above.
- Let the rocks (perceptions) fall where they may. A well laid out argument using the above points is generally factual, logical, and non emotional. It therefore drives the discussion to the argument itself rather than the emotional "end conclusion" that too many people focus exclusively upon.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 12:06 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 00:06:39 -0500

I don't. I'm a troll. My GF called me out on it the other day on Facebook and she's right, I am. lol

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 12:32 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 00:32:56 -0500

I address them by not feeding into those types of people/comments

My method poses no risk.

It is the internet where many feel empowered to say silly things.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Nov 4 at 2018 5:17 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 17:17:19 -0500

Had come across a few.., these ones are friends of friends and it seems they come when a discussion is in process.. they want to turn it into a brouhaha.. So i’d Say to who I was comming with.. “Joe, I got to tell you s’thing over on messenger,
See you over there.... so we go and continue and finish up and close out..
party 3 is left hanging.. rude? Hmm.. maybe a bit ! I’ve told Party 3 to back off. . And I try to be civil.. when that didn’t do then it was off to messenger..