That might seem obvious.
A “troll” in social media speak is someone who comments or posts things that have NO relevance to the topic at hand.
Since this blog and group of authors are here to help establish a new social media culture, the message is simple: STOP TROLLING!
This came to a head with me last week during the last US Presidential push and Hurricane Sandy. I can’t tell you how many tweets, posts, and comments I saw that twisted the tragedy in the east coast political. Here is something tame I found on nbcnews.com last week.
Ok, look, I’m all about someone’s opinion but why bring something political in when it wasn’t needed or part of the story? Let’s use some common sense.
How not to be a troll:
- Comment on a story when you have something to add or you like what was posted.
- It’s OK to stir the pot when it adds to the discussion or if you disagree with the opinion but you should still keep it within the topic.
- Your mama told you – “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything.” True here as well, don’t attack someone personally because you disagree with them or because you don’t like them. Keep your keyboard quiet.
- Don’t creep. That’s creepy.
- Don’t bully. Especially if you have some influence online. There is room for lots of different ways to do things and your way isn’t THE ONLY way.
- Don’t be foolish with the power of social media. You have the power to build up or tear down. Be responsible.
What other suggestions do you have to be responsible and not be a troll? Leave them in the comments below!
@JeffHowell76
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Jeff, it may be my age, raised in the South or something else but I see an extreme lack of civility these days and the rudeness easily manifest in the openness of the web! My folks like yours many others shared, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything,” today I think many do not understand that a debate is not a boxing match! Share your point of view and allow the other(s) to share theirs. No need to slay!
Hey Randy,
I think there are many reasons behind the lack of mutual respect and comment wars. Hmmm, perhaps that would make a great post in itself.
It's unfortunate, but it seems to be a direct reflection of the changes in our society. As Randy points out the days of “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything” seem to be long gone. Having said that trolling has been a part of the internet since bulletin boards and online games first appeared, it's just leaking into mainstream now that social media has taken off. Ditto to the sentiments you both share – there is absolutely no need for that kind of behaviour!
Hi Kittie.
I think I might do a separate post on why this has happened to our culture.
That sounds like a great idea, looking forward to it!
Well for me I had many Troll dolls when I was a kid, and I loved them……For me, a pet peeve, people who comment that have clearly read the piece, and are commenting on what they believe the piece is about by the title. Drives me nuts, don't comment just to comment. OR the ones who comment "Good Post" …really??
For me I would rather have someone who has some spelling and grammar errors that actually is commenting using their brain, they read the blog, they are speaking their thoughts. Know what I mean. Many people are rude because they feel they can hide behind the anonymity the social space provides. BE nice or Be gone…
Good Post (couldn't resist)
Ha Gerry.
Ugh, I hate the token "good post" as we'll.
I think that responsible posters could also do well by monitoring their comment sections to set ground rules and delete comments when needed.
Gerry, this post from HubSpot kinda sums up your pet peeve… http://bit.ly/SHuhOj …think how much is being generated and how much is consumed!
Makes me wonder how many of the 135 (as of this comment) tweets were actually responses to reading this post or just retweets? Stop Messing With My Engagement Data!!
Wow, 14.62% of all RTs had 0 clicks… ouch. Nice find Randy.