Quote:
Originally posted by SLM3
Well, I guess we all have our own deifinition of trolling. I don't define it as lying so much as posting with the intent of generating predictable responses and/or flames. In this case, based on popo's stringent defense of Israel in past discussions and his often times contempt for Palestinians, I could only see this relatively trivial news story as a ploy to further demonize them.
The people that already do not think favourably of Palestinians will see it as further evidence of anti-semitism and those who think it's a lame attempt at creating controversy will sigh and dismiss it. In my eyes, atleast, that's what's happened here.
So I call it a troll.
SLM3
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Well, I would have to agree that we all have our own definitions of trolling.
The way I look at it, repeating controversial topics (usually our pet ones) is ok, SO LONG AS we can bring something new to the table when we post.
That is why we don't lock the ad naseum "Look what George Bush did NOW" thread of the day/week, because most of the time it is something new. (Although I probably should have locked that April's Fool Day GB post as worthless.)
The same for Kerry posts, Iraq posts, etc.
Now however if someone just keeps posting the same thing OVER and OVER without putting something new into it...well...you might get a friendly suggestion from a mod to knock it off.
And finally, it isn't a perfect system. All the mods have slightly different styles and some leeway to use their best judgement. Add to that the fact that we are human and miss somethings, have our own bias (in spite of trying to be impartial) and, well, you get my drift.
So to me, popo's only real mistake was the relatively minor one of not adding his own commentary. The fact that this is a new news story from a legitimate source to me makes it fair game to discuss. The fact that popo has a noted bias for Isreal doesn't enter into the equation anymore than your bias for the Palestinians would enter into the equation if you posted a pro-Palestinian/anti-Israel piece.
The only thing after that would be that forum rules were followed regarding flames, respect, etc. (which can be challenging drawing the line, let me tell you...)