Flame Warriors ~ View topic

Clueless Newb Joined: 18 Dec 2010 Posts: 12 Location: US

Hi, here are a few examples I have noticed on a few boards. I am not sure, but please correct me, if they have already been included as I read through a lot of the suggestions, so here goes:

Fearless Misleader - Usually is and is found in the company of The Truth, Fanboy, and/or Blowhard, but is much more hesitant to engage others unless he has absolute mastery of a topic. He is very similar to Tireless Rebutter, Lonely Guy, and Vulture/Tiger; especially, defending his personal pet topic. Generally, the Fearless Misleader title gets bestowed when he has a moment of clarity in a topic outside his purview, which is rare, then writes something that senior warriors are unable to defend against, or he effectively does something, usually by accident, to vanquish a problem troll(s). Upon his new found glory, Sycophants will flock to follow him further building up his ego. Due to his inexperience of handling board-wide popularity, he feels that it is his responsibility to use his powers for the greater good thus expanding his territory board-wide. His prime focus is championing the under-represented & downtrodden of the board which draws the ire of The Royals and makes him the target of Trolls. Due to his naivete or obliviousness, the majority of his entourage may consist of Trolls in hiding who take glee in manipulating his agenda in order to make him look like a jackass. It is this entourage who usually set him up to be an unwitting Rebel Leader.

The rebellion is quickly crushed by senior warriors, whom let it be known the Fearless Misleader was misled and was misleading other posters. Upon being publicly shamed and spared, the Fearless Misleader returns back into his original form and to his corner of the board.

Avenging Emulator- A poster, usually a long-standing warrior with two/three accounts, who makes it his mission on a board to screw around with trolls or other posters; particularly, the Blowhard, Rat, and Whisper. The emulator uses tactics similar to Mirror and Imposter, but his goal is to frame his targeted poster of a particular crime or simply wants to discredit him. Generally, the emulator will adapt his style of posting and interests to suggest to others that he and his target are one and the same. The animosity this poster will have towards another usually comes from a past previous slight -- even so far back as two-three years ago on another forum.
The emulating tactic works best when the target is currently in a heated argument between two Ideologues. So, with somewhat similar spelling errors and syntax, the emulator dives deep into the argument siding along with its target. It is also ideal if the account is created during the time of the flame war, as well. The goal of the emulator is to not ouright mock, so patience is always utilized when dropping hints and making friends with its target. Avenging Emulators may even indulge in Troll-Slaying when the board is slow.
This tactic works well on boards such as IMDB since many posters do not have easy access to Mods & Admins to pin-point blame, etc.

Clueless Newb Joined: 18 Dec 2010 Posts: 12 Location: US

Troll-Hag -- Usually a cross between Newbie, Issues, and Therapist, she is attracted to preposterous statements and will vow to debate the validity in any claim proposed by a Troll. Typically, deep down she is attention-starved, feels she can turn the Troll around, and constantly needs her opinion validated, but, in theory, not a troll herself. She is also an Artful Dodger, and refuses to debate with someone who may be more enlightened on a topic. She delights in the feeling that she is the smartest kid in first grade. When she feels threatened, she will blurt out unsubstantiated accusations of misogyny, homophobia (even though she was agreeing with the Troll's homophobia in a previous thread), and racism in order to get the last word.

Elder posters usually steer clear from debating with her as this mistake could lead the posters into losing credibility on the board as a whole. Captain Fantasdick and/or Strumpet occasionally poisons her topics by stating "This thread is useless without pics" or by using any sexual euphemism.

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks for the suggestion. I feel they are outstanding descriptions, and capture the warriors well.

I really like Misleader and troll hag, having realized I've seen both but had trouble summing them up simply. . Emulator is a great description, it holds close relationship to Mimic
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The important thing is knowing who owns the fence

Clueless Newb Joined: 18 Dec 2010 Posts: 12 Location: US

Hey thanks, I am glad you enjoyed it. I was worried that I was the only one seeing these posters.

That's the nice thing about a good observation and capture of traits that lends itself to a good warrior definition.

Once lots of little traits can be bundled into an idea that defines their behavior, other undefined characteristics also come to mind as these warriors plod and plot in the battle field.
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The important thing is knowing who owns the fence

Blowhard Joined: 07 Nov 2010 Posts: 227

Just go away already.

Blowhard Joined: 07 Nov 2010 Posts: 227

You're starting to make sense! The drugs must be wearing off! Quick, take some more!

You are a loser and always will be.

Clueless Newb Joined: 18 Dec 2010 Posts: 12 Location: US

Indecent Proposal – A trolling tactic used for the specific purpose of mining data on a target for personal gratification, gain, or blackmail. The Troll's disguise usually takes on the form of a Siren, Innocence Abused, and/or Eagle Scout. Typically, the attack will occur after the Troll has generally been accepted into The Swarm, and is well-regarded as a reliable and reputable contributor. The attack will start off innocuously enough as the Troll will drop subtle hints to a certain problem in sensationalized topics. The Swarm will, usually, provide their cursory support, but a hive member may stray and suggest to the Troll to pm him/her. The Troll will then send the pre-written response elucidating on how no-one is assisting with this issue, and that no-one could possibly understand. Doctored and/or acquired pictures are usually sent from the Troll to further detail this issue. The target may feel compelled to respond with his/her own prior personal experiences with this problem. The Troll may not stop the pity party until pictures are sent from the target, and the desired physical response has been achieved. This tactic typically works on the naïve and/or those with emotional problems, and it can be witnessed on female sexual health forums in various states of success. However, this tactic is extremely dangerous when used with criminal intent (i.e. suicide pacts, drug smuggling, murder, etc.).

I'm not sure if this one has been brought up before. Thx for the warm welcome, btw.

Interesting tactic / suggestion. Yes I'm sure a few before have touched on this, as a means to dig up some dirt, however you have summed up the tactic and type of troller rather well.

We had a member here some time ago who was trolling a vulnerable teenage forum and if my memory isn't wrong, that was one of the things he did as well.
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The important thing is knowing who owns the fence

Clueless Newb Joined: 18 Dec 2010 Posts: 12 Location: US

Yeah, I was a bit inspired after reading an article about William Melchert-Dinkel. The guy that liked to encourage suicidal people to kill themselves.

Was that member Dinkel by any chance? Idea

But, I am sure there are many more like him out there. Sad