A serious question about trolling.

[Metalchic]

If by means of what would normally be considered 'trolling' the reaction you intend to incite is to get someone to stop and actually think about what you said and what they are about to say?

For example I've been using a technique like this for years to teach people things they want to know and i know about, but I've noticed that trying to explain it in a direct and straightforward manner (like how i would have it presented to me) causes their eyes to glaze over. And its just something I've started thinking about consciously again and wondering what other's might think of this approach.

 

[JoJo]

I'm with Aylaine, insulting someone is generally the fastest way to get someone to dismiss your arguments. The key to convincing someone is to make an argument from their point of view, emphasising values which they find important: for example if you want to convince a fiscal conservative of that climate change is an important issue, use economic rather than moral arguments.

 

[Angie7F]

I agree too.
Especially since typing gives you time to go over your thoughts, I think its a good opportunity to generate constructive discussion than causing petty arguments and insults.

 

[Chairman Miaow]

I honestly have no idea what your first sentence is trying to say. Sorry.

 

[Rednog]

Trolling is doing it for the lulz/and or satire.
The example you use really sounds like you're just being a jerk.
Funnily enough this video pops up just now:

 

[DoPo]

I honestly have no idea what your first sentence is trying to say. Sorry.

I'm with you. But I'll try to guess:

If you troll somebody to try and make them see a different point of view...erm, question mark. What are you asking, actually, OP?

 

[Kpt._Rob]

As someone who likes this form of trolling myself, I'll give you this advice. Don't get caught up in the desire to change the other person's mind. I like to call it subversive existentialism. The goal of subversive existentialism is to point out that things shouldn't be taken so seriously. You do this by annoying someone to the point at which they are very clearly taking something way too seriously, and then you create an abrupt shift to try and break the illusion. It doesn't always work, and like so many things of this sort, you have to enjoy the ride, because results are not guaranteed.

Still, I will always support a creative troll with a method or meaning to his madness. It's kind of its own form of performance art.

EDIT: Provided here an hilarious example courtesy of Tristan Newcomb of IRL trolling with a purpose.
GRRF: The Last Lecture

 

[Metalchic]

i think that you guys miss the point, there's an overt form of trolling in the form of directly insulting another person. such as name calling, the type i refer to is a more subversive type its the only form i use because the direct type gets you banned anywhere before you can snap your fingers.

The way it works out results in a "AHH i cant believe i didn't think of that" reaction that almost always results in resentment towards me until they figure it out and everything becomes clear.

i cant exactly explain it or give any direct examples off the top of my head at the moment because its just something that comes naturally to me i didn't read about it anywhere i figured it out myself. it also doesn't work very well written down like this because sarcasm doesn't come across well in written English...

(i also sincerely thought this had been buried or i would have replied a while ago :X )

As someone who likes this form of trolling myself, I'll give you this advice. Don't get caught up in the desire to change the other person's mind. I like to call it subversive existentialism. The goal of subversive existentialism is to point out that things shouldn't be taken so seriously. You do this by annoying someone to the point at which they are very clearly taking something way too seriously, and then you create an abrupt shift to try and break the illusion. It doesn't always work, and like so many things of this sort, you have to enjoy the ride, because results are not guaranteed.

Still, I will always support a creative troll with a method or meaning to his madness. It's kind of its own form of performance art.

this illustrates it pretty well, i don't use it to change others minds or opinions i use it to show them the answers to the problems they come to me with, without spoon feeding them. i cant stand spoon feeding people information, if you cant take it in its raw form you need to feed yourself.

 

[HardkorSB]

If by means of what would normally be considered 'trolling' the reaction you intend to incite is to get someone to stop and actually think about what you said and what they are about to say?

For example I've been using a technique like this for years to teach people things they want to know and i know about, but I've noticed that trying to explain it in a direct and straightforward manner (like how i would have it presented to me) causes their eyes to glaze over. And its just something I've started thinking about consciously again and wondering what other's might think of this approach.

Well, Anonymous are basically internet trolls with hacking skills.
Banksy is a troll (and so are other graffiti artists who do illegal works).

You have to put some effort into your trolling to actually make an impact on someone.

 

[Metalchic]

i think that you guys miss the point, there's an overt form of trolling in the form of directly insulting another person. such as name calling, the type i refer to is a more subversive type its the only form i use because the direct type gets you banned anywhere before you can snap your fingers.

The way it works out results in a "AHH i cant believe i didn't think of that" reaction that almost always results in resentment towards me until they figure it out and everything becomes clear.

i cant exactly explain it or give any direct examples off the top of my head at the moment because its just something that comes naturally to me i didn't read about it anywhere i figured it out myself. it also doesn't work very well written down like this because sarcasm doesn't come across well in written English...

(i also sincerely thought this had been buried or i would have replied a while ago :X )

As someone who likes this form of trolling myself, I'll give you this advice. Don't get caught up in the desire to change the other person's mind. I like to call it subversive existentialism. The goal of subversive existentialism is to point out that things shouldn't be taken so seriously. You do this by annoying someone to the point at which they are very clearly taking something way too seriously, and then you create an abrupt shift to try and break the illusion. It doesn't always work, and like so many things of this sort, you have to enjoy the ride, because results are not guaranteed.

Still, I will always support a creative troll with a method or meaning to his madness. It's kind of its own form of performance art.

this illustrates it pretty well, i don't use it to change others minds or opinions i use it to show them the answers to the problems they come to me with, without spoon feeding them. i cant stand spoon feeding people information, if you cant take it in its raw form you need to feed yourself.

I feel I know what you meant, but as many people have said, insulting someone just isn't the way to teach most people anything. The main problem I see is most forums do not allow trolling, and hurting someones feelings or otherwise riling them up to teach them something likely won't get the intended point across to the majority of forum posters. It could work for some forums, but a less antagonistic approach would likely be preferred on most others.

Just my 2 dimples.

well i don't usually use this approach on forums because of that reason. its something i use when people bring me a problem they want solved on a 1 to 1 basis.

i couldn't see myself playing the 'good guy' i play the bad guy because people don't view me as the 'good guy' because apparently he cant be cold calculating and logical.

 

[MeChaNiZ3D]

Coming across as abrasive in any way pretty much dooms your argument as far as the other participant goes. They tend to just get defensive and not think about what you say. For onlookers though, I think it could be just as effective as a rational argument.

 

[Macgyvercas]

I'm with Aylaine, insulting someone is generally the fastest way to get someone to dismiss your arguments.

It's the whole reason ad hominem arguments are weak.

 

[Metalchic]

Coming across as abrasive in any way pretty much dooms your argument as far as the other participant goes. They tend to just get defensive and not think about what you say. For onlookers though, I think it could be just as effective as a rational argument.

if people cant take a little abrasion, well i don't know what to say.

 

[FalloutJack]

I have a +5 Troll-Slayer.

(I tend to frustrate the little buggers by not playing by the rules of their little game. You see, when they don't get their joy out of their target, they keep redoubling their effort harder and harder while you sit there with the calmness of Samurai Jack - especially against Mad Jack - while they keep at it. In the end, the one who's laughing is you, because they're losing their temper, not you. Their efforts are turned against them.)

 

[Chairman Miaow]

I honestly have no idea what your first sentence is trying to say. Sorry.

I'm with you. But I'll try to guess:

If you troll somebody to try and make them see a different point of view...erm, question mark. What are you asking, actually, OP?

From other people's answers I would assume it is "Is trolling a good way to get somebody to listen to your point of view?"

It's almost as big a trainwreck as "Has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?"