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Forum Post: List of Trolls

Posted 13 years ago on Oct. 10, 2011, 1:43 a.m. EST by Markmad (323)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

I did create this topic to add the names of possible trolls. May be we should record their activities here for future findings.

130 Comments

130 Comments


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[-] 3 points by thebeastchasingitstail (1912) 13 years ago

Well, let's see. There's lucky troll, bridge troll, obvious troll, donder, blitzen and bambi. That's all I got.

[-] 2 points by oceanweed (521) 13 years ago

CollegeSportsRivalry is a tea peeper

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 13 years ago

blitzen

been stop be the 2 minute clock more than once

just now please wait 9 seconds before making another comment

[-] 0 points by MikeyD (581) from Alameda, CA 13 years ago

Those names are already on my list! I need someone I can arrest, dammit!

[-] 3 points by MikeInOhio (13) 13 years ago

I volunteer to be Troll #1. Please record my activities.

It's great to hear you have no use for freedom of speech.

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

Don't mock the thought police.

[-] 1 points by MikeInOhio (13) 13 years ago

I can't resist!

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

That's right, resistance is futile. Glad to see you've finally come around. Now bend that knee and kiss the sceptre!

[-] 1 points by MikeInOhio (13) 13 years ago

Are you missing it?

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

snicker Oh, the turnaround... shakes head, nods, shakes head again, shrugs, bites lip, giggles

[-] 1 points by MikeInOhio (13) 13 years ago

Talk to me. I don't understand your point.

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

Oh, nothing. I totally agree, MikeInOhio - censorship is completely contrary to the message of true democracy, and the upvote/downvote is the best application of collective 'troll hunting' - it ensures no single small subset (mods/admins/whatever) gets to decide for everyone what merits being at the top. I've been actively insisting on transparency and no censorship - we're on the same page here. In the above, I was trying to joke, but I think this may have gone off track, as you don't seem to get it (I have a terrible sense of humor, so it's no wonder). There was no point, other than noting that censorship runs close to policing thoughts here; I was trying to have fun with a fellow human being. Anyway, hope all is well in Ohio.

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

Oh damn, I may be making the list for my jokes... ;) Oh well. shines bottom, runs away

[-] 3 points by mdsmithbsc (27) 13 years ago

Yay for Censorship! If they disagree, put them on a blacklist! Nice, dude, nice.

[-] 1 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

Trolling is disruptive and actually offends people and in this particular case censorship is necessary.

[-] 1 points by AN0NYM0US (640) 13 years ago

Trolling is for teh cake. It is part of life. We don't (and shouldn't) censor them for we run the risk of censoring someone that disagrees with you. Instead, if they are being inflamatory and disruptive and not being constructive, ignore them, their threads will fade. They will run out of cake, and go home

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

Yeah, I gotta say I agree with some of these points. Albeit some are obnoxious, censoring what a few people deem as trolls really runs the risk of reducing the 99% perspective down to, mm, maybe 50%, 40%, at best, and that's if the people judging the trolldom are very centered in their ideas of what they want for change. I think it's hypocritical to the idea of democracy, and may stymie the change based on true democracy that everyone is talking about. I vote no.

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

"If you don't agree with my point of view, you must be invalid, because I'm obviously infallible, and even though I'm only one person, or even representing one hundred people, I'm smarter than you and will represent you as a part of the dullard 99% who don't really know what is good for them (except for those who agree with me and my way of doing this thing)."

Naw, no way. You have to work with integrity 100%, you can't have nice virtues 80% of the time, and cut corners some times to make it easier on yourself. Let them speak. If this really is the will of the 99%, it will rise above any opposition voice, and may grow stronger and more stable from it. To censor exposes an apparent weakness - that you aren't willing to play by your own rules. Don't do it! Don't fall prey to that trap!

[-] 3 points by teddyr (159) from Bronx, NY 13 years ago

So a troll is someone you do not agree with I take it?

[-] 2 points by OneVoiceInMany (91) 13 years ago

I'd prefer you make a list of common troll posts and a master list of easy ways to address them. Would be more productive, since many things can just be copy pasted that way rather than typed over and over to each new troll.

[-] 1 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

Great idea but who is willing to enforce the rules? Basically I have no intensions of actually creating the infamy’s list. But the idea is quite valid if you do think in terms of participation been a privilege and not a right that depends on the way you do behave. Just as a driver license privilege can be revoke when you do screw-up the same principal should be apply here, in this prominent forum, your participation privileges will depend on the way you do behave. If you do insult other members or instigate against the cause of this community, then your name perhaps should be place in the troll’s list, so other members will be aware that you are a worthless troll.

[-] 2 points by PoliticallyIncorrectBenjamin (50) 13 years ago

So, you are for sensoring free speech?

[-] 1 points by PoliticallyIncorrectBenjamin (50) 13 years ago

I can go to HuffPo and post and not even see my posts, then I can go to a right wing site and get a post out as long as no curse words. If you plan to sensor then sensor spam and curse words but leave the content alone.

Personally I am for no censorship because it allows people to vent and it is only a matter of time before somebody makes a threat on here and it will make it easy for the administration to find them before somebody gets hurt.

[-] 1 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

It’s important to make clear that I do not advocate violence and that my comments are only humble opinion and does not represent in any way the views of this organization (OWS) I do merely sympathize with their cause and do wish them luck in their endeavors.

[-] 0 points by bootsy3000 (180) 13 years ago

I'm just here to point out the ridiculous spelling and usage errors that undercut peoples' rhetoric, not to Censor free speech.

[-] 0 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

Free speech also has limits. Are the media allowed to destroy, let’s say, the life of a public official by printing misleading information about his character that would force him to resign? It's that freedom of speech? No it is not, because nothing is this life is free, those that do claim to be doing something in the name of freedom are usually the first one's to brake that rule. Moderation is the key word.

[-] 1 points by mgiddin1 (1057) from Linthicum, MD 13 years ago

gee, people on this forum printed the personal home address of anthony bologna (the pepper spray white-shirt guy) and advocated stalking him and harassing his family.
i'm not kidding, go see the thread.

[-] 1 points by PoliticallyIncorrectBenjamin (50) 13 years ago

The media does that all the time. I agree that there are limits but like other sites, force people to back up their claims. I belong to many forums and you always got the nut job whom spews slanders and falsehoods and you just label them as a loon or troll, it's she they say it and can back it up that it forces people to see both sides whether they like it or not. I have always said most people only have one side of the story, and media usually only covers one side of each issue, so I always give multiple view points because there are always a few.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 13 years ago
[-] 2 points by Im1percent (30) 13 years ago

Yes Comrade. Lets report their subversive activities to the KGB!

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

Silly... you watch too much TV. Report to your Scoutmaster, Young Pioneer. big grin

[-] 1 points by amanoftheland (452) from Boston, MA 13 years ago

ha ha ha

[-] 2 points by Rmarks1701 (103) 13 years ago

to make this list successful, you will need to do some things first.

  1. How do you identify a troll?
  2. What do you do about said trolls?
  3. How do you identify a single troll using several aliases?
[-] 1 points by TechJunkie (3029) from Miami Beach, FL 13 years ago

Number 3 would technically be a "sock puppet", which could also be a troll.

[-] 2 points by gawdoftruth (3698) from Santa Barbara, CA 13 years ago

this is not the place to do that. if you feel you have a signnificant case against a troll take that up with the admin, nobody wants to play witch hunt and about one third of these trolls i can clue by four till they are black and blue and make them work for us.

[-] 1 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

Its common practice in public chats and public forum to patrol their turf from trolling. The rule is simple if you do disagree with the cause perhaps you should leave.

[-] 2 points by Indy4Change (254) from Columbia, SC 13 years ago

Finally, someone with the balls to stand up and silence any voice of dissent or intrigue... Thank you for taking the initiative Markmad!

[-] 1 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

Thanks Indy, the pleasure is all mind. A word of cautious; trolls your days are counted. Am still undecided what the punishment should be… what do you think… gas chamber, concentration camp or simply hung by the neck?

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

Thanks Indy, the pleasure is all mind.

Whoa, Freudian slip, dude... sorry, trying to cheer people up.

[-] 1 points by Ohcubss (29) 13 years ago

Yes! I agree! More monitoring by the man! Let's track and log everyone and keep it in a centralized database in a government office!

[-] 1 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

Not that far! Only here when they do disrupted the board

[-] 1 points by Ohcubss (29) 13 years ago

Absolutely correct! Until they start saying things somewhere else we don't like. Then we'll need to expand the focus!

[-] 1 points by YourSoDumb (42) 13 years ago

Is this thread a joke? I really hope so.

[-] 1 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

It was until you show up. :-) Why do you ask, the free-speech bit?

[-] 1 points by YourSoDumb (42) 13 years ago

Yep. Just amazed at how people call others trolls that have something to say opposite of their own views. Sad....really sad.

[-] 1 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

Do not generalize; we’re discussing matters pertaining to this board only.

[-] 1 points by YourSoDumb (42) 13 years ago

Which is "we hate capitalism and the 1%", right?

[-] 1 points by JackPulliam3rd (205) 13 years ago

Where's the troll i have to pay the toll if i want to get that boy's soul?

[-] 1 points by JoblessBrigade (34) from New York, NY 13 years ago

They will have you running in circles. The name changes will outflank the recording effort. Forget about it, or preapprove statements the hard way, which draws a lot of spam.

[-] 1 points by patriot4change (818) 13 years ago

Have you heard Jimmy Fallon do his TROLL DOLL Jingle impersonations? It's hilarious!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8sNpup9zL0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKxEjlJwDSs&feature=related

Enjoy.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 13 years ago

put an hour cap on starting new subjects

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 13 years ago

sub categories seriously

[-] 1 points by bootsy3000 (180) 13 years ago

Trolls are annoying, but they'll just get sock monkey accounts and then it will turn into a censorship battle. Best to just have some stock rebuttals to their cliche, ill-informed claptrap, and shut the pseudo-arguments down as quickly as possible. We have real debates to focus on. In my opinion.

[-] 1 points by Rob (881) 13 years ago

To the tune of "Soul Man" Coming to ya On a public post Key-bangin is what I do the most And when you read it You learn somthin Cuz I know I'm right and your bummin I' m a Troll man I'm a troll man.

[-] 1 points by coolnyc (216) from Stone Ridge, NY 13 years ago

Just ignore the trolls. They waste focus time and emotional energy. That's thei goal. Ignore and let their posts die quick deaths.

[-] 1 points by reaganite (100) 13 years ago

very arbitrary discrimination...you guys intimidated by a few trolls...you are obviously glib, and claim to be well educated...or are you just afraid? Seems to me if you only talk to each other, you'll not grow enough to have an impact...but what the heck, if you wanna keep it a private club, it's up to you.

[-] 1 points by Anomnomoose (44) 13 years ago

Pardon me, trolling through here like a OWSer

[-] 1 points by taxbax (159) 13 years ago

what defines a troll? speaking about things not everyone agrees with?

[-] 1 points by chrischrischris (143) 13 years ago

Time spent on the internet and the ability to spot a troll share a direct relationship.

[-] 1 points by taxbax (159) 13 years ago

I'll just point out that the qualifying statement is "with the primary intent of provoking readers into an emotional response." It is difficult to judge intent.

[-] 1 points by powertothepeople (1264) 13 years ago

I don't agree with this "List of Trolls" idea but seriously, how many rightblogs and rightforums would allow what some of you are doing here?

Very few. Some will, many won't. No free speech on freerepublic, right?

[-] 1 points by noahtron (48) from Montreal, QC 13 years ago

don't feed the trolls!

[-] 1 points by jimboinva (6) from Durbin, WV 13 years ago

Markmad Trollhunter. Has a nice ring to it.

[-] 1 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

Bhoo!

[-] 1 points by hotdoghenry (268) 13 years ago

Did I make the list? Where is it?

[-] 1 points by jph (2652) 13 years ago

Trolls are inevitable in public forums, and often fun to play with,. don't take my trolls away,. please. I enjoy "debating" with them,. it helps me hone my own thoughts on many issues.

[-] 1 points by tr289 (916) from Chicago, IL 13 years ago

This guy should definitely make the list of trolls...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w6zPSHSnIc&feature=channel_video_title

[-] 1 points by RichardGates (1529) 13 years ago

i know right. people coming to a place and just hanging out spouting stuff you don't want to hear. sounds like a protest to me. stop trying to hijack a movement that you don't own.

[-] 1 points by hotdoghenry (268) 13 years ago

Who owns it?

[-] 1 points by RichardGates (1529) 13 years ago

nobody, do you really not get it?

[-] 3 points by hotdoghenry (268) 13 years ago

That was my point. You said " hijack a movement you don't own."

Your message implied that someone "owned" the movement or that possibly you did, which I can't imagine you would imply.

censorship is a bad idea

Black listing is even worse

[-] 1 points by trish74 (7) 13 years ago

When things bother people, they are preoccupied with them. It looks as if we may have occupied some confused and scared peoples minds. If you don't like OWS then please find something else to occupy your time with. If you are afraid of change then you will need to start working on that fear. change is inevitable. Always has been and always will be. May I suggest that you look within yourself. Turn off all outside influence and ask yourself, what type of world do I want to live in and more importantly, what type of world do I want to leave for future generations? What am I doing right now to ensure a better life for all living things?

[-] 1 points by JackPulliam3rd (205) 13 years ago

I'll go look under some bridges and get back to you

[-] 1 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

You better hurry up because the trolls are ready to destroy the bridge.

[-] 1 points by Idaltu (662) 13 years ago

Where the fuck did you learn this shit? America is about Freedom of Speech. If you don't like trolls then ignore them. It is that simple.

[-] 1 points by bootsy3000 (180) 13 years ago

In the United States freedom of expression is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. There are several statutory and common law exceptions including obscenity,[73][74] defamation,[73][74] incitement,[74] incitement to riot or imminent lawless action,[73][74] fighting words,[73] information decreed to be related to national security such as classified information,[75] false advertising,[74] perjury,[74] harassment, privileged communications, trade secrets, copyright, patents, military conduct, and time, place and manner restrictions.

[-] 1 points by occupyit (36) from Bourges, Centre 13 years ago

True, but sometimes you loose time, if people would know it is a troll it'd be handy. But how to know? Ah forget it...

[-] 1 points by Febs (824) from Plymouth Meeting, PA 13 years ago

Lists of dissenters. That's what a unity movement is all about?

[-] 1 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

Don’t you worry troll we’ll do your part.

[-] 1 points by Febs (824) from Plymouth Meeting, PA 13 years ago

I am sure you will try.

[-] 1 points by esauedom (8) 13 years ago

Why so mad mark? Did the goyim leave their mark?

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

oO googling goyim

[-] 1 points by powertothepeople (1264) 13 years ago

Stop with the blacklist. We are the 99% - open debate is nothing to be afraid of.

Ignore anything that upsets you. Take a break from reading and get some fresh air.

[-] 1 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

Thank you. But seriously nothing upsets me. In spite of our economy be in the toilet life remains as always beautiful. But I still do believe that trolling shouldn’t be permitted.

[-] 1 points by Anomnomoose (44) 13 years ago

Scared?

[-] 1 points by theman (44) 13 years ago

newfag

[-] 2 points by beardy (282) 13 years ago

i wish /b/ would raid this board every night, for the lulz

[-] 2 points by theman (44) 13 years ago

the internet would explode from the butthurt that would ensue

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

gets foggy look in face, then horror, then mirth, then hunger, walks away

[Deleted]

[-] 2 points by theman (44) 13 years ago

i got so mad i replied

[-] 0 points by MikeyD (581) from Alameda, CA 13 years ago

What will we do with the list once we have completed it? Can these people be sent off to reeducation camps, or will we just stare at the list stupidly, thinking, ok, now what?

[-] 0 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

Can we call them internment camps, instead? grin Dude, seriously... mind police?

[-] 1 points by MikeyD (581) from Alameda, CA 13 years ago

Look, don't worry about the re-education/interment camps. Step one is to collect names. Have we done that?

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

Screw waiting for names. We could just compile a list of statistically likely names, like 'freethinker17', or 'guywhowantstounderstand', or 'factsRme', and hunt them down where they live, begin sodium pentathol injections and loud renditions of the King and I, and brief periods of sensory deprivation where we tell them the only thing they need is agreement with the loving brother OWS. bigger grin

[-] 1 points by MikeyD (581) from Alameda, CA 13 years ago

Those are terrific ideas, so long as the list of names we make up actually lead us to real people we can anesthetize. I especially liked the forced viewing of "The King and I".

Fine. We don't need any real names. Step 2. Gather the brute squad.

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

I vote for Martha Stewart on point.

[-] 0 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

Congratulations! I’ll appoint you as the person in charge of designing a new correction/punishment system. Now that you have been nominated can you tell us what is you strategy regarding trolling at this board? Don’t take too seriously that came about as a joke, I’m not affiliated in any way with the staff and my views are, well, my own. But if you feel annoyed by the trolls and wish to pick up the flag and run with it, be my guess. :)

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 13 years ago

create a system of sub forums to sort troll topics by category

that way deletion can be avoided

[-] 1 points by MikeyD (581) from Alameda, CA 13 years ago

Terrific! I'm a huge fan of lists with peoples names on it. I'm going to forward the list to President Barack Obama and see what he wants to do with it.

[-] 0 points by PoliticallyIncorrectBenjamin (50) 13 years ago

This independent conservative will support the OWS but not the Radical left. It seems that only those from the radical left think I am a troll and I think those retards in Atlanta need to be exiled.

Isolate and purge the whackos and this movement will gain a lot of support. But even the celebrities come in saying stuff that is so far out in Gandawanda Land that it makes the rest of us run. Be careful who is doing your bidding?

Get Rosanne Barr back on with her off with their heads and reconditioning camp mentality and this movement is doomed.

[-] 0 points by Rob (881) 13 years ago

Hello, My name is Rob and I am a Troll. I did not start out meaning to be a troll. i would see things I had a question about and wait for a response. unfortunately even after asking a well thought out question I would receive stupid and often attack comments calling me a troll, or other derogatory term. I started trolling. At first, I was nervous thinking "what if someone finds out who I am, what If they realize i am a troll?. Then It became easier. I started with 1 post, and then another. I tried to stop, but it became like shooting fish in a barrel. i enjoyed it; I began to laugh at my clever retorts. I began to instigate discussions. I am Rob, and I am a troll.

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

Hehe, yeah that happened to me just today. I was trying to make a point, referenced a personal experience, and the guy told me "That's a myth the corporate media is lying to you about." I was stunned. It was like he didn't even read what I said. Talk about wind-up crank monkey. Definitely not a good face for the movement. So ridiculous. I'm not a troll, but I will continue to voice my perspective, and if someone calls me a troll for that, they DON'T GET THE IDEA OF REAL DEMOCRACY, and are making a fallacy of themselves. So silly. So hypocritical. Ugh. Makes me want to start a counter-revolution, against ALL of the players in this drama. I want to start the "LOGIC, UNBIASED FACTS, RESPONSIBILITY, AND THINKING FOR YOURSELF" movement. I would have added, "admitting when you fucked up", but that might not look good on a banner. :)

[-] 0 points by Wymarra (21) from Long Beach, NY 13 years ago

We are the 1% of the 99% more like it.

[-] 1 points by captaindoody (339) from Elizabethville, PA 13 years ago

At best, using million man math, OWS is 100,000 people which is actually 0.03% of the 99%. LOL!

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

Speaking of... now that's more compelling, cap'n. I just talked about you in a comment above! Hmm, it wasn't all that nice, but I was pretty pissed about the way you responded to me. Weird to hear you say something like this, after what you said to me earlier.

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

Million man math? I gotta look that up. Is that a statistical distribution kind of thing?

[-] -1 points by saloman (-2) 13 years ago

Governor Johnson, who has been referred to as the ‘most fiscally conservative Governor’ in the country, was the Republican Governor of New Mexico from 1994-2003.

A successful businessman before running for office in 1994, Gov. Johnson started a door-to-door handyman business to help pay his way through college. Twenty years later, he had grown the firm into one of the largest construction companies in New Mexico with over 1,000 employees. Not surprisingly, Governor Johnson brings a distinctly business-like mentality to governing, believing that decisions should be made based on cost-benefit analysis rather than strict ideology.

Johnson is best known for his veto record, which includes over 750 vetoes during his time in office, more than all other governors combined and his use of the veto pen has since earned him the nickname “Governor Veto.” He cut taxes 14 times while never raising them when he left office, New Mexico was one of only four states in the country with a balanced budget.

Term-limited, Johnson retired from public office in 2003. An avid skier, adventurer, and bicyclist, he has currently reached four of the highest peaks on all seven continents, including Mt. Everest.

In 2009, after becoming increasingly concerned with the country’s out-of-control national debt and precarious financial situation, the Governor formed the OUR America Initiative, a 501c(4) non-profit that promotes fiscal responsibility, civil liberties, and rational public policy. He traveled to more than 30 states and spoke to over 150 conservative and libertarian groups during his time as Honorary Chairman.

[-] -1 points by saloman (-2) 13 years ago

Governor Johnson, who has been referred to as the ‘most fiscally conservative Governor’ in the country, was the Republican Governor of New Mexico from 1994-2003.

A successful businessman before running for office in 1994, Gov. Johnson started a door-to-door handyman business to help pay his way through college. Twenty years later, he had grown the firm into one of the largest construction companies in New Mexico with over 1,000 employees. Not surprisingly, Governor Johnson brings a distinctly business-like mentality to governing, believing that decisions should be made based on cost-benefit analysis rather than strict ideology.

Johnson is best known for his veto record, which includes over 750 vetoes during his time in office, more than all other governors combined and his use of the veto pen has since earned him the nickname “Governor Veto.” He cut taxes 14 times while never raising them when he left office, New Mexico was one of only four states in the country with a balanced budget.

Term-limited, Johnson retired from public office in 2003. An avid skier, adventurer, and bicyclist, he has currently reached four of the highest peaks on all seven continents, including Mt. Everest.

In 2009, after becoming increasingly concerned with the country’s out-of-control national debt and precarious financial situation, the Governor formed the OUR America Initiative, a 501c(4) non-profit that promotes fiscal responsibility, civil liberties, and rational public policy. He traveled to more than 30 states and spoke to over 150 conservative and libertarian groups during his time as Honorary Chairman.

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

How about spamming? Trolls are at least saying something different each time.

[-] -1 points by PoliticallyIncorrectBenjamin (50) 13 years ago

This independent conservative will support the OWS but not the Radical left. It seems that only those from the radical left think I am a troll and I think those retards in Atlanta need to be exiled.

Isolate and purge the whackos and this movement will gain a lot of support. But even the celebrities come in saying stuff that is so far out in Gandawanda Land that it makes the rest of us run. Be careful who is doing your bidding?

Get Rosanne Barr back on with her off with their heads and reconditioning camp mentality and this movement is doomed.

[-] -1 points by Wymarra (21) from Long Beach, NY 13 years ago

You want to make a list of people that you disagree with and attempt to silence them. OK.

[-] 0 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

Who are disagreeing are precisely the trolls whom do not want to see this movement flourish.

[-] 2 points by Indy4Change (254) from Columbia, SC 13 years ago

Not entirely. There are people who are waiting patiently while a disorganized mob mess finds its way and works to flourish. The skeptical ones who aren't willing to just jump onboard this ship because of all the holes in its keel. path the holes, make this ship seaworthy, and your movement will flourish... Like it or not, that means proving the cause is worth it to the skeptics instead of silencing them.

[-] 1 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

Perhaps you’re partially right, but you do have some explain to do, explain to me then why do you only comment on the negative aspect of the movement. Stop antagonizing and try to be a bit more coherent in your comments towards the cause otherwise go back to your ideological brain washed affiliation. This is a grassroots movement without any ideology or theology affiliation so try to stop spewing bogus trash.

[-] 2 points by Indy4Change (254) from Columbia, SC 13 years ago

You want to know why I point out the negative aspects of the movement? The sad part is that those negative aspects do, in fact, exist. If you EVER expect this movement to move forward, then the obvious fix is to allow these "trolls" to point out the flaws and fallacies in the movement (because plenty exist), so you know what you need to do to really garner support from all 99% you purport to represent. Until you move past denial and learn to recognize the movement's deficiencies and move to correct them, this movement will go nowhere - and silencing the voice of dissent is the dumbest thing you can do because that's where you are getting all of the information about how and why this movement will fail.

For the most part, "supporters" are showing a blind allegiance to a movement without direction. It's like a whirlpool, spinning everyone around until they get sucked down and just succumb to the whims of a select few.

As far as this "grassroots" movement not having any ideological or theological affiliation - explain to me why Working Family posted ads in Craig's List to offer jobs to people to help organize the efforts (That's "grassroots"?). Explain to me why this movement is publicly endorsed by unions and left-leaning liberal progressives if it claims to represent 99%. Explain to me why there is a very strong contingency on the ground in NYC that is denouncing corporatism and tying it to Jews. These are all things that, whether you agree or not, are representing THIS movement. It is just a few examples - I could spend hours giving you a long list of many other examples - but the point is, it is what is representing this movement. Silence me (or attempt to) all you want.

I'm not a troll you need to worry about. I am a citizen who is fed up with corruption in D.C. and turned to this movement as a chance for some real hope and change, and instead what I find is a tool that is being used by the liberal progressives as a re-election campaign propaganda piece.

For the record, I have commented on positives - and you may not see that or recognize that (because my positives have been rare), but my job is not to prop up this movement through false rhetoric - your job is to convince me this movement is what is in my best interest. Until then, it's 98%+1%+1% (I'm in the OTHER 1%).

[-] 1 points by Markmad (323) 13 years ago

We cannot live our lives based on labels dude, because there is no way to define with some degree of precision what they really do represent. There is no way to define what socialism, progressivism, libertarianism, republicanism and democracy really is because the possibilities are endless and no one will ever be able to reach an agreement. But we can say with absolute certainty that it is a form of indoctrination to control how humans do behave. So it important for us to learn how to define ideology, theology and economics because if we did know it’s true purpose we would not be so naïve to voluntarily affiliate ourselves to any form of slavery. Humanity still has a long way to go to be in charge of their conscious and to be truly free. Meanwhile we must do our best to coexist.

[-] 1 points by Indy4Change (254) from Columbia, SC 13 years ago

I explained my position to you, and get a political response when asking you to explain a few of your points -- not necessarily fair, but meh - what cant we say right? It's all good. I will tell you this - not every dissenter is a troll. Some people are truly interested in the idea of OWS but are disenchanted (to say the least) by what OWS has become. Silencing the voice of dissent is the wrong way to approach things though - look what happens in the world when dissent is silenced... there's your slavery.

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

I will tell you this - not every dissenter is a troll.

I completely agree.

Silencing the voice of dissent is the wrong way to approach things though - look what happens in the world when dissent is silenced... there's your slavery.

It is completely against what this movement claims to stand for. You are creating the opposite environment. You think you have trolls now? If you act that hypocritically, the movement will crumble. Integrity is absolutely essential in such a radical, changing force.

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

If censorship is the direction of the OWS, I already know how this ends.

[-] 1 points by e000 (371) 13 years ago

When I am most inclined to want something, to believe in something, most especially when I have the desire to have faith in something that isn't yet proven, I must question it. If I don't, I'm acting like just another sheep, following the newest idea and newest mouthpiece to lead people around and use them like tools. Where better to test this idea, this leap of faith (because truly, this movement is heading towards unchartered waters, something new, as I understand it), then in the public forum where both proponents and opponents discuss the ideas? This is the place, and the time, to really test these ideas, put them in the kiln and see what's left when the finished piece comes out. History and wise leaders and followers alike have demonstrated that one person may not have all the facts, may not have all perspective, to find the best, truest path. The collective, though, has the magic of total perspective - we need to use that to find the best, truest path, and we will fail if we cower against opposition voice. We have to consider that these ideas may have flaws. We have to consider that the central virtue being touted is democracy, where every voice is held equal. Is that not the direction this movement desires to reach for? Did I totally misunderstand all those flyers and banners and shouts? We have to grow through this, not just cover our heads, drink our problems silent, and avoid the growing pains of being put to the test. If that happens, this will fail. I promise that.