In the two years since I started blogging I’ve had very few comments from trolls – and by trolls I mean people who leave comments, often anonymous, which are basically personal attacks.
Recently I seem to have attracted a troll. I say attracted… judging by their comments, which I haven’t published, they really don’t like me.
I’m fairly certain I’ve never met them, but if I’m honest the tone of their comments is starting to unnerve me. They’re making me feel uncomfortable.
I know, I know the best thing to do with trolls is simply ignore them. I know you should never feed a troll.
But I’d really like them to go away and leave me alone.
Has anyone got any tips for dealing with trolls?
[…] what it’s like to have a troll, because I had a persistent troll problem – until I wrote this post, in fact, when they suddenly […]
I can never understand trolls. Why comment and antagonise someone online, anonymously? If you don’t like a site, or someone’s views, by all means have a sensible debate on the subject; it’s debate that helps us learn and empathise with other views. But don’t attack the person personally.
I’m really sorry you had a troll, but pleased to hear they disappeared.
Thanks for highlighting the issue. I’ve heard of a couple in the mummy blogosphere recently. It’s not acceptable. Stay strong.
Sorry to hear it, must be horrible 🙁 I think everyone has given good advice, to just ignore it, but you might find it useful to read this article and the links/comments too.
http://offbeatmama.com/2010/01/musings-on-babies-blogging-and-privacy
Yes, I’m with the others. What I’d also suggest is that as soon as you see a comment in your dashboard from them, don’t even bother to read it. Just delete instantly. That way, you won’t get involved, or feel hurt if it’s nasty. You have the control over this one, happily. x
Don’t let them get to you. You’re doing a great job here, Liz. They’re obviously just jealous and need this pathetic way to compensate their jealousy…
Trolls like to be fed apparently..if you starve them(give them no attention), they wither up and die…or move onto someone else! I like to think they are complete and utter nutters….no normal sane person would behave in such a way..or would they? They are too cowardly to publish under their own names, but I wonder if they realise that their IP address can be traced…and that harassment is against the law (cyber bullying or stalking). It’s a shame they don’t realise this before they behave so ridiculously. Good luck in ridding yourself of the pest!
Wow what timing, I’ve been doing some troll work myself today in a slightly different arena. Something I found really fun actually is to play around with how I see or hear my troll – so what if your troll looked more gnomish than trollish? What would happen if you read it’s comments in a silly speeded up voice? Or a sloooow motion one? How you choose to respond outwardly, if at all, is entirely your choice. As is how you respond inwardly 🙂 Good luck & have fun 😉
Just ignore them, if you don’t give them any attention they will bugger off soon enough.