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Originally Posted by Ustwo
If someone posts an article for discussion from an obviously biased and untrustworthy web site is it a troll?
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I know we've been through this several times. It is bad form to dismiss an article or fact merely because of its source, whether that source is some partisan website or the NY Times. In fact, it verges on being a threadjack, unless the thread is about the trust-worthiness of the source in question (not to mention a COMPLETE fallacy). What I'm saying is that if someone posts something from truthout.org, address the facts, not your assumptions about the presentation. That's the only way we'll ever get anywhere.
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Originally Posted by Ustwo
I hope I can be surprised and see the liberal moderators (which is all that seem to be active these days) see the difference, and not interpret poster reaction as an indication of a troll post.
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A troll is in the intent and possible result of an OP, not the enraged reaction of those who don't like the post. If you are posting reasonable material that looks like it is geared towards creating a respectful discussion, then an ensuing train-wreck would represent a breakdown in people's reactions. You'd be fine. If, on the other hand, you post material that is intended to inflame other people and inhibits discussion, you'll be seen as trolling. This extends to the commonly seen practice on this board of bating others into flaming.
As for your concerns about differing perceptions regarding flames, trolls, bating and the like, I agree that it is a touchy area. It can hardly be anything other than a judgment call. This is the exact reason that moderation happens by discussion and consensus. It is also the reason that Tecoyah wrote that you are welcome to PM an admin if you have a problem or concern with a moderator's actions. I hope you'll believe me when I tell you that we are extremely concerned with preserving respectful discourse, whatever the content of that discourse is. We're also probably not as biased as you think we are... A team like ours has all kinds of viewpoints represented.
It's best if moderation happens in concert with the community's input - please report posts proactively and PM moderation staff when you have concerns. We're trying to make big things happen, but it will take lots of little decisions and actions on everyone's part (including member's making respectful choices) to get there. It's a joint venture.