What do trolls get out of trolling?

[Twad]

Endorphin shot in the brain.

 

[WorldCritic]

Back when I was a troll I stopped trolling because it got old. After a while I figured that I wasn't really achieveing anything anymore so I stopped. Not sure how other trolls can keep it up. I guess they get some enjoyment out of it, but my sense of having fun by trolling dried up quickly.

 

[The_root_of_all_evil]

But, I pose a question; Could you reform a troll, and for a forum, what would be the best troll deterrent?

Reformed trolls are often prime moderators. Send a thief to catch a thief, and all that.

The best troll deterrent is the forum-goers themselves, although they're also the best troll food.

Just remember that a troll needs you to exist; without attention, they're just another lonely tantrum.

 

[MagicMouse]

They do it for money, actually.

You see there is an organization call "Anonymous" that funds trolls for their actions.

It is not uncommon for a good, professional troll to make over 9000 dollars a month just by trolling.

 

[Therumancer]

I was just thinking, in general, how bad things make people feel good. I know about the whole stomping-on-sandcastles logic but, seriously, how do trolls keep it up? Perpetually doing the same thing over and over.
I can't help but think how emotionally hollow it must be. I get the greatest boost from helping people.

But, I pose a question; Could you reform a troll, and for a forum, what would be the best troll deterrent?

"I did it for the lulz" pretty much defines trolling and griefing.

I'd normally refer you to Encyclopedia Dramatica, but they are pretty much dead now. Read their various articles and you'd learned a surprising amount about what makes trolls tick.

Something Awful's "Second Life Safari" is dated, but can also be insightful into trolling as these guys recorded their antics, and a bit of the thought behind them.

 

[Ladette]

The lulz, and because its funny to see how pissed off people get over bullshit on the internet.

 

[Debirufisshu]

Trolling isn't just a pastime, it's a way of life.

 

[Wintermoot]

jelly?I think it,s attention or the fun of pissing people of.

 

[The SettingSun]

Shits and giggles is my best guess.

 

[Troublesome Lagomorph]

Lulz, obviously.

 

[AndyFromMonday]

I'll answer your question with another question. What do you get out of gaming? Exactly.

 

[zyzzyx]

Because it's

A) Fun to do
and B) Funny when it works.

 

[Above]

Lulz,Thats what they do it for,THEY FEED OF OUR NEGATIVITY!