I hope that......

A troll! I think.
I think therefore I am, if I think you're not? perhaps you are? Very

Galen you are still a spring chicken .

No Rose you are NOT Atroll!

No. You!

Bugger that Galen! I'm not!

You start!

Message deleted by Gransnet for breaking our forum guidelines. Replies may also be deleted.

Eglantine I suppose at my age I am hormonally neuter!

Oh God! Don't start arguing! Or that will be another thread down the pan.

nanaej, so you perceive me as a bully ??

Shame !

Me too Galen

"I am my own man/woman/person!"

Galen are you sure you don't know which?!

Galen, you are one of the most un-troll-like members of this forum!

In 'real life, I am renowned for speaking my own mind, so I don't see why I should be any different here!

Determined trolls can become apparent after a few posts but some are more subtle at being difficult. As that article suggests if the trolling type of behaviour becomes suspected or apparent ignoring it totally is the best plan.

The idea of a moderator "muting" or bonzo-ing the offender (so no one else can see their post but themselves) rather amuses me.

I used to work in a situation where we would get a number of phone callers who would behave in a difficult and troll like manner. Just being persistently awkward and argumentative. That was definitely attention seeking behaviour.
I did notice that some others in the office found it a lot harder to disengage from such difficult callers. It might be me being more intolerant.
"I am sorry Mr/s Bloggs I am going to end this call now" worked nicely."

I am my own man/woman/person!

I have me a few GNers at 2 get togethers. One in the NE and one in Surrey.

My views are entirely my own though they will co-incide occasionally with other posters. I am used to being a minority!

Having spent many years on different expat forums, I can say that Gransnet is a haven of kindness, interest, and fun compared to most forums! I have made many great friends and had the pleasure of meeting several members. Long may it continue, and we will spot the trolls and see them off - eventually!
I do not wish to be sexist, but the truth is that some of the most vicious 'fights' I have seen on forums have been between the men!

nanaej , may I enquire whether you "buddy up" or should I mind my own beeswax?

nonu I feel your comment 'it's all in your mind' in response to another poster's comment could be construed as a type of bullying.

Not accepting how a person feels when comments are made about them is not very empathetic.

Anyone is free to say they would not react in the same way or that they do not understand a particular response but another person cannot know what another person is feeling..particularly on a forum when we do not really know one another.

Cheers Galen X

On this subject, that is.

I don't know about these "trolls" you lot seem to have experienced! Perhaps I've been lucky. But that isn't what this thread was meant to be about.

It's about fairly innocuous posts being deleted, as, I think, has been happening in the last day or two.

Apologies to anyone concerned.

I will (endeavour) to say no more.

Interesting article jane thanks for posting it.

Trip trap trip trap, who is that commenting on the thread?

It is good to remember that the troll got his come-uppance in the story!

Trolls are all over forums and GN will not be exempt. On line targeting /bullying also exists on all kinds of forum. I am not paranoid but anyone with an ounce of awareness can see when some posters buddy up and always respond in a very similar way to particular posters. It is irritating as it often detracts from the original discussion!

Fortunately most GNers are friendly and just want an interesting on line social life to while a way a few spare minutes!