IF YOU'RE A NEW USER, READ THIS!

Trolls. It appears that many people are unable to spot internet trolls -- there are even some who have never heard the phrase. Well, allow me to help some of you people
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What is a troll?
The term troll, when used online, means someone who goes on the Internet to make people mad for a laugh. In a sense they're like imps in mythology, which is probably a more appropriate term for them. You may read more about trolls on this wiki page.

Huh, I went to the BBS and some people were calling the OP a troll. Does that mean he is?
Not necessarily, at the midway through this post I'll give you a list to identify trolls. Use that list ONLY as a second opinion. You deciding a troll is your choice only. However, the sad truth is, many people will call someone a troll, when they really are not.

So, what is not a troll?
- Someone who disagrees with you.
- Someone who has an opinion
- Someone who likes something you don't like

Basically, people are calling someone a troll because they don't agree on a subject and they're trying to discredit them?
In a nutshell, yes.

So, how do I identify a troll?
Real, legit trolls can be identified due to their profiled actions. Allow me to make a list:

1.) Post strange images -- usually of funny faces, or disturbing images.
2.) Use of wretched grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.
3.) Host an aura of stupidity. Meaning that they'll ask questions any preteen would know the answer to -- however, this is a bit tricky and could be confused with stupidity/inexperience.
4.) Heavy use on memes.
5.) Try to start a fight with controversial subjects on a regular basis.
6.) Direct insults on a community.
7.) Copypasta. IThis usually will follow Number 6, but in a long block of text. Most trolls wouldn't waste their time writing out a big paragraph for any reason.
8.) Random insult to any user for no reason.
9.) Overuse of a certain theme -- particularly homosexuality and Nazism. For some reason the find that funny. This could follow mentioning the word "fag" a lot or placing pictures of Hitler on their profile page.
--- Newgrounds specific-----
10.) If a user is on the BBS is barely active all of which their posts are about something as stupid as conspiracy theories, they're likely just trolls with a gimmick.
11.) The most obvious way to tell if a troll is a troll is seeing is if they're users with Level 1, Neutral Aura, Male. and N/A age. They may also have an age that's really high up if they're more active trolls.
12.) Now, though a bit more tricky, trolls may make a thread on the day that they sign up. However, though they may seem like idiots and likely trolls, it could be that they're new BBS comers and happen to be on a very rocky start.
13.) Mass amount of spam Flashes.
14.) Common themed reviews.

Gee wizz! So, if they hit a lot of these they're trolls?!
In my mind, I would say yes. However, as stated, I would like to reiterate that you should only use this list as an adviser. They may not be a troll, it's easy to confuse stupidity with trolling.

Okay, so AS YOUR OPINION, what would you say would be a good amount of checks before deciding someone is a troll? How many hits on your list should the person get before deciding if they're trolls?
My opinion? I would say if they hit three or four they're likely trolls.

So, what should I do if I come across a troll?
PMs? Ignore it, block sender. Reviews? Mark as abusive. BBS? Tell a mod.

They keep insulting me! Should I reply to them and tell them off?
That's what they want, so no.

What if I tell everybody on a thread that the person is a troll?
Doesn't really matter. You're only helping to feed the troll, so to speak.

So, basically, all I need to do is ignore it, and maybe report the thread and everything will be hunky-dory?
Yup.

So, is this for every troll?
Not even. This is mainly a guide for finding "fail trolls." Generally, they're easy to spot. However, a number of people still fall for their tricks.

Thanks for the information, but I have some questions of my own.
That is fine. You may either leave the question in the comment box or you may send me a PM, if you wish to keep things more private.

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Well, this is all I have for now, as time moves on I'll add more. If some people want to me to add some things that are reasonable to the list, I'll be grateful.

Have a good day.