(Sigh)
Well, since this has turned into a circus. Might as well throw in some sarcasm, with a pinch of cynicsm for good measure....
How to avoid troll confrontations:
1. Rule number one, never, NEVER directly post to the troll. Though this may seem like a good first step to cower the troll, and allow you a chance to escape. Really this only emboldens the creature, and that is not all. Science has not verified it yet, but it appears that trolls have the ability to communicate telepathically. And one baited troll usually means many more will eventually join in, and you will have a voracious pack upon your hands.
P.D.F.T. (Please Don't Feed Trolls)
2. Rule number two stands in stark contrast to Rule one. Never run from a troll. Though you can usually escape from the thread in question. It tends to make you look rather foolish in front of your friends. And also studies of trolls in their natural habitat have been found to hold excellent memories of previous confrontations. Specifically if you left the thread where they attacked you. This only leads to further attack by the same troll who nows has the taste of blood.
Proactive Troll Defense:
One troll avoidance option is to drop a small post that appears to the creature to be agreement on your part, but really in a thinly veiled note of disapproval wrapped inside a post of sarcastic rebuke. Trolls have no sense of humor, so they will gobble this little delicacy up. But as they then realize that their gluttonous display of self centered quest for worship by other posters has made them look the fool, they will tend to be cowed and avoid any direct posts in a thread to you in the future.
Root/admin Gambit: This less known trick is perhaps best left to the professional. Essentially you: Square your shoulders, and in your post try to give the troll that look that says "I am not afraid of you, I am a Moderator*. And your puny little barbs bounce off of me". Generally content of the post does not matter, the less sense it makes the better. After all you are dealing with a troll here, the more confused and uncomfortable he is the better it works for you. Care must be taken though, as a troll can hold his own if he has studied his Agrippa, especially on rocky subjects, like AR vs. AK, Ford vs Chevy, etc.
*It helps if you really are Moderator, a/the Moderator knows you, or you are a retired Moderator. Though this tactic is usually the most post intensive, and can take many posts and quite some time. It does give you a certain sense of accomplishment and satisfaction at vanquishing some of the most hardened trolls. Generally those defeated in this way tend to leave the internet entirely, and hide under bridges, or muttering to themselves about precious rings the rest of their lives.
Tricksees Trollses
....It's none of my business, that's why we use handles and have friendly exchanges of opinions, etc.....
