Ever notice how the trolls come out at election time?

PascalFleischman · #1 10-09-2008, 05:43 PM

This is only one of two forums where I am a member. Like my other forum (it's about deer hunting), this one has one main topic of conversation (handgun carry), with numerous "off topic" threads. One such thread is politics. Like this site, the deer hunting forum has seen a spike in "troll" new members. I say troll, because here at USACarry, we all seem to discuss at one point or another Carrying topics. Well, at the other site, most folks have at least a passing comment about deer hunting. With the election ramping up, these trolls come into the political forums ONLY to talk about liberal politics and stir the pot at an otherwise very conservative-leaning site. Take for instance, our boy JWTOLLETT21. Of 113 total posts (as of 3:41 CST 10/9/08), all but 5 have been in the political forum. 3 of those were political in nature, and two were fluff pieces just saying "Hi".

Sorry for the rant, it just makes me wonder. Does the DailyKOS send out liberal activists to "infiltrate" conservative-leaning forums such as this?

Is this how they "research" the opposition?

HK4U · #2 10-09-2008, 06:11 PM

I had never thought about it but that vey well just might be.

tattedupboy · #3 10-10-2008, 04:05 AM

OR could it be that there are a few gun owners out there who aren't conservative Republicans? I disagree with most of what Jwtollett says, but I like debating him and telling him why I think he's wrong, and I enjoy his responses, as long as it doesn't degenerate into name calling or insults, which they haven't. He's entitled to his opinions and we're entitled to ours, but having a difference of opinion, by itself, doesn't make anyone a troll.

PascalFleischman · #4 10-10-2008, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tattedupboy

OR could it be that there are a few gun owners out there who aren't conservative Republicans? I disagree with most of what Jwtollett says, but I like debating him and telling him why I think he's wrong, and I enjoy his responses, as long as it doesn't degenerate into name calling or insults, which they haven't. He's entitled to his opinions and we're entitled to ours, but having a difference of opinion, by itself, doesn't make anyone a troll.

My point is this:

On a forum CLEARLY created for the gun carrying community (or deer hunters), why would someone join up ONLY to jump on the political forums and stir up chat? Does this guy even own a gun? How about debating the fine points of DAO vs. SA/DA? Why must a person do nothing but create posts designed to do nothing but rile people up?

Oregon Vet · #5 10-10-2008, 03:01 PM

Geez, I better watch it, someone will be calling me a troll because I am always complaining about what's his name.

festus · #6 10-10-2008, 03:10 PM

They have a right to an opinion even if they are wrong. If he is a Anti-LIberal...hes a brave SOB in here with all us gun nuts. Maybe if he hangs out long enough he will figure out that the second ammendment is what gives the first ammendment

teeth.

PascalFleischman · #7 10-10-2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oregon Vet

NICE! You mind if I steal that picture?

Palmach · #8 10-10-2008, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PascalFleischman

My point is this:

On a forum CLEARLY created for the gun carrying community (or deer hunters), why would someone join up ONLY to jump on the political forums and stir up chat? Does this guy even own a gun? How about debating the fine points of DAO vs. SA/DA? Why must a person do nothing but create posts designed to do nothing but rile people up?

I have to agree with you.

This is not a political site, and I noticed the party in question almost always posting on politics. I have no problem with a member who participates regarding "concealed carry" giving a different opinion politically, however, if this is the only area that they are participating, then you are right on the money.

"Troll"

Glock Fan · #9 10-10-2008, 05:01 PM

As long as the trolls post in the appropriate place, I don't mind. Maybe they just enjoy being abused????

My simple solution is to treat them like a 3rd grader looking for attention....DON'T FEED THE TROLLS!!!!

gf

BoomChick · #10 10-10-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by festus

They have a right to an opinion even if they are wrong. If he is a Anti / LIberal...hes a brave SOB in here with all us gun nuts. Maybe if he hangs out long enough he will figure out that the second ammendment is what gives the first ammendment

teeth.

I agree. Festus is right on.

I think it's important to be welcoming to folks here and encourage them to get talking -- especially if they are anti. I've "converted" my fair share of folks from being anti and my advice is to get people talking to find out what is really at the root of their opinion and address that specifically. It's not always the same reason for everyone. They're usually surprised when I stay fairly rational, calm, compassionate and considerate because they are expecting me to get intimidated, emotional, angry and belligerant. When I don't, they become prepared to listen. I'm not afraid to be respectful and listen to them either. If one can get them out on a range with folks who are polite, calm, safety conscious, etc. -- they tend to change their mind pretty quick.

There is no reason for someone to be expected to sign on to an entire package of political mindsets for them to become pro 2A. One of the folks I converted is a "flaming" liberal, but he loves his newly discovered freedom of carrying a concealed firearm and is decidedly pro 2A. I left the "us" vs. "them" mindset when I was a teenager and now prefer the change the mentality while caring for the person model.

I hate to be the one to say this, but there's plenty of liberals on this site. It's obvious. I'm a centrist myself.

Just my 2cents.

Boomchick