Trolls and Existentialism in Sport

[NBC]

If this has been discussed to death in earlier threads, I apologize. But since I am somewhat of a CP/message board neophyte, I must admit I have little to no understanding of what one could call "troll mentality". I joined CP because it is the best way of keeping up-to-date on all things Calgary Flames when living abroad. I have, however, struggled with the knowledge that there are many fans of other NHL clubs, most notably Edmonton and Vancouver, that have set up accounts on CP and involve themselves in Flames-related issues/discussions. Why is this? The last thing that I would ever want to do is join an Oilers message board and listen to all of the nimrods banging on about winning Stanley Cups 25 years ago. Forget Dante, that would be my version of hell.

I'd appreciate hearing what people have to say on this. Is it a fairly common occurrence on opinion-based message boards across the Web? Or is it a more localized phenomenon that has more to do with insecurities of certain NHL teams' fans?

[Crispy's Critter]

You have to realize that not all of the fans of other teams that are here are what you would consider trolls. There are a few oiler,shark,wing,wild, and even habs fans on here who actually contribute positively to the board, and are accepted members here. I am assuming you don't mean these people, just kind of clarifying that.

As for the others, generally they sign up to gloat when their team happens to be beating the flames in a particular game, generally to be banned, run off, or just flat out disappear once either the game is over or the Flames come back, or even when their team gets a beatdown next time the two teams play. They seldom last long enough to read any threads other than game day threads, or threads pertaining to their own team/players.

To your question about if it's a common thing or not, I'm pretty sure this happens on all sports team's forums. I don't know for sure, since I don't go to any others, but I would expect there would be fans of all teams in all sports who feel the need to trash talk their rival's fans.

Oh and for the record, all canuck and leaf fans are trolls, even on their own forums

[NBC]

Originally Posted by Crispy's Critter

you have to realize that not all of the fans of other teams that are here are what you would consider trolls. There are a few oiler,shark,wing,wild, and even habs fans on here who actually contribute positively to the board, and are accepted members here. I am assuming you don't mean these people, just kind of clarifying that.

As for the others, generally they sign up to gloat when their team happens to be beating the flames in a particular game, generally to be banned, run off, or just flat out disappear once either the game is over or the Flames come back, or even when their team gets a beatdown next time the two teams play. They seldom last long enough to read any threads other than game day threads, or threads pertaining to their own team/players.

To your question about if it's a common thing or not, I'm pretty sure this happens on all sports team's forums. I don't know for sure, since I don't go to any others, but I would expect there would be fans of all teams in all sports who feel the need to trash talk their rival's fans.

Oh and for the record, all canuck and leaf fans are trolls, even on their own forums

I generally have no problem with non-Flames fans that actually have some circumspection and constructive comments to add.

And I LOVE the Canucks & Leafs comment. Too funny.

[GGG]

The troll concept exists on all message boards. Technology boards are far worse then sports forums for trolling.

I think it has to do with power. If I can sign up on a board and start a ridiculus thread and get 150 reponses and waste 30 peoples time and laugh at how serious they take it.

PS. Athiests Suck and Religion is the key to improving our society

[Antithesis]

Originally Posted by GGG

The troll concept exists on all message boards. Technology boards are far worse then sports forums for trolling.

I think it has to do with power. If I can sign up on a board and start a ridiculus thread and get 150 reponses and waste 30 peoples time and laugh at how serious they take it.

PS. Athiests Suck and Religion is the key to improving our society

I see what you did there.

[stang]

Somehow I think he is directing this at me... and my 3400 posts.

I joined because the Flames are our rivals, keep your friends close, and your enemies closer...haha

Anyways why wouldnt I? I will watch lots of hockey games, even if its not the Oilers. I watch Flames and Vancouver games (even if to cheer against them)

Another reason, I like a good debate. I have friends who cheer for other teams, but noone as knowledgeable as hockeyfans who take the time to spend on a hockey messageboard. I dont call people names, I dont attack posters based on their teams, I like to argue hockey. I do frequent an Oilers board too. Sometimes its nice to see another teams perspective.

More reasons, I am in Calgary quite a bit, and I get lots of good information on the city here. Restaurants, Autowreckers, hell I found someone to work on my guitar for me. (Thanks Redline!)

Last but not least... you suckers gave me a golden tee arcade game!!!

[Mayer]

Another thing you need to think about is that there is a lot of threads on this board that don't have a thing to do with the Flames. This is a good place to keep up on hockey information in general. Add in the Off Topic Forum and you have a place that fans of any team wouldn't mind browsing.

I find it hilarious that you think a fan of any other team on this board is automatically a troll. Perhaps you just need to take a little time and actually read that posters comments before drawing such a conclusion.

[NBC]

'

Originally Posted by stang

Somehow I think he is directing this at me... and my 3400 posts.

I joined because the Flames are our rivals, keep your friends close, and your enemies closer...haha

Anyways why wouldnt I? I will watch lots of hockey games, even if its not the Oilers. I watch Flames and Vancouver games (even if to cheer against them)

Another reason, I like a good debate. I have friends who cheer for other teams, but noone as knowledgeable as hockeyfans who take the time to spend on a hockey messageboard. I dont call people names, I dont attack posters based on their teams, I like to argue hockey. I do frequent an Oilers board too. Sometimes its nice to see another teams perspective.

More reasons, I am in Calgary quite a bit, and I get lots of good information on the city here. Restaurants, Autowreckers, hell I found someone to work on my guitar for me. (Thanks Redline!)

Last but not least... you suckers gave me a golden tee arcade game!!!

Not at all. This was meant to be a general discussion thread, not directed towards anyone, regardless of the amount of posts he/she has made.

As I mentioned earlier, I have absolutely no idea why someone would want to 'hang out' on opposing teams' fan forums, and stir the pot shall we say. Maybe it is short-sighted on my part, but it makes little to no practical sense to me as to why anyone would want to do it. I thought I might be missing some sort of "internet protocol" - that it was the thing to do. It all seems a bit silly.

And to Mayer, I guess I'm just not as 'knowlegable' as yourself when it comes to the standardized definition of what constitutes a troll. In fact it was only about a week or so ago that I was given a semi-coherent definition as to what a troll really is. It is most likely due to my inherent ignorance regarding forum etiquette in why I thought/think opposing fans are trolls. You must excuse my ignorance in this matter. I hope that by the time my post count reaches into the thousands I will have figured it out.

But those are my thoughts, not yours (or anyone else's).

[missdpuck]

This is the first and best place to find tons of hockey news. I don't know how you guys do it, but you beat many bloggers and news outlets.

[Mayer]

Originally Posted by NBC

'



And to Mayer, I guess I'm just not as 'knowlegable' as yourself when it comes to the standardized definition of what constitutes a troll. In fact it was only about a week or so ago that I was given a semi-coherent definition as to what a troll really is. It is most likely due to my inherent ignorance regarding forum etiquette in why I thought/think opposing fans are trolls. You must excuse my ignorance in this matter. I hope that by the time my post count reaches into the thousands I will have figured it out.

I'm sure you could ask 5 people and get 5 different definitions as to what a troll is. Who cares. Read peoples posts and ask yourself "Does this add anything of substance to this forum?". If not, you probably have your answer, but that could go for fans of any team, including the Flames.

[Crispy's Critter]

Originally Posted by NBC

'
And to Mayer, I guess I'm just not as 'knowlegable' as yourself when it comes to the standardized definition of what constitutes a troll. In fact it was only about a week or so ago that I was given a semi-coherent definition as to what a troll really is.

Bingo = Troll

[HOOT]

Originally Posted by Mayer

I'm sure you could ask 5 people and get 5 different definitions as to what a troll is. Who cares. Read peoples posts and ask yourself "Does this add anything of substance to this forum?". If not, you probably have your answer, but that could go for fans of any team, including the Flames.

Flames fans are perfect. Troll!

I don't think you become a troll just because you are signed up and a fan of the other team. It depends on how someone contributes to the topic at hand. I find most notable trolls will turn anything you say negative about their team about how the Flames are the same way or just say something random about the Flames, when really the Flames have nothing to do with it. To me that is my biggest pet peeve with trolls. It doesn't have to always be a Canucks vs. Flames or Oilers vs. Flames discussion when talking about one or the other.

There are some good posters from the Canucks and Oilers, even the Panthers. I find the best usually won't fall into the trap when some posters around here try and bait them in because they know what we are up to.

The really bad ones usually don't last, mainly due to being banned for being useless and some run away when their team sucks and come back at the first win. Give them a month or two and they will be toast unless they are quality posters.

[Matata]

I've been inspired by the likes of mayer and stang to be 'that guy' on our rivals boards. I think these guys help keep us honest and it benefits the board as a whole.It appeals to me for the underdog aspect and the amount of diplomacy you have to carry yourself with, it's pretty fascinating to walk into a situation knowing 90% of the people are going to disagree with your opinion.

[wittynickname]

I find CP is the fastest place to get information, and beyond that, while I know you all laugh at the highs and lows--I've discovered CP is actually one of the more reasonable forums that I've seen. Not completely (no forum is) but it's less exasperating than most other forums I've frequented.

[Peanut]

I don't think every message-board community has trolls, though. I go to a baby/child related forum and nobody trolls there. They do have adsvertising/spam problems sometimes, but it's not the same as trolling. Also there tends to be some drama and arguements (lots of preggo, hormonal women I guess), but again, not the same as trolling.

So IMO the trolling is a bit dependent on the message board focus.

[Fleury2005]

I find these forums much more entertaining because there are some non-Flames fans that post. I don't mind (and maybe prefer) the irrational / angry / crazy anti-Flames fans because it makes the discussions more exciting. Who wants to read a thread of 30 posts from Flames fans trying to decide just how great Dion is.

[stang]

Originally Posted by Matata

I've been inspired by the likes of mayer and stang to be 'that guy' on our rivals boards. I think these guys help keep us honest and it benefits the board as a whole.It appeals to me for the underdog aspect and the amount of diplomacy you have to carry yourself with, it's pretty fascinating to walk into a situation knowing 90% of the people are going to disagree with your opinion.

Haha, you do have to carry yourself differently, and definitly pick your spots. I could sit and argue on most topics, but I try and stick to threads involving my team, and still have to know when to walk away.