Figmentations

Just learned a new internet concept, YHBT, or “you have been trolled“, which according to Wikipedia refers to someone who has been goaded online by:

“someone who intentionally posts derogatory or otherwise inflammatory messages about sensitive topics in an established online community such as an online
discussion forum to bait users into responding.”

Another form of this is called “hit & run posting“. Apparently it’s disrespectful to be the one dropping these type of posts and/or links.

However, it seems to be equally embarrassing to be baited by one of these instigating type of comments.

I’m starting to see the value of forums that have regular members that get to know each other. Though there are times when I’ve experienced forum regulars getting cliquish and ignoring newbie comments which unfortunately results in newbies not feeling like a part of that community.

So, while trolling tactics might be used by some people as what-they-believe-to-be legitimate traffic-generating methods, it’s good to know that the “Rules of Netiquette” have ways to address and discourage this type of behavior.