In recent years, it seems as though whenever I’ve been involved in a project that’s experienced any level of “success,” the trolls come out of the woodwork, namely on the band guestbook. Our guestbook got hit recently by one of these creatures and it made me think, what a great topic for Rockpage, because I’m sure we’re not the first “www-era” band in history that’s dealt with this from time-to-time.
I’m curious as to how other “band people” handle these attacks. I personally think they’re kind of funny, as long as you don’t take them seriously. I mean, these posts are always anonymous, which means the author lacks the balls to state his or her opinion and stand behind it. I’d actually have more respect for the poster if he or she would sign the entry, but obviously the poster fears reprisal, which is why he or she doesn’t attach the “John Hancock.”
I’d also be interested in reading anyone’s “Fruedian” personality breakdowns of these people. What do you think makes the troll tick? Do they feel empowered by attacking from behind the glow of their computer screens? Are these individuals that bored, jealous or just plain hateful that this is all they can think to do with their time?
If anyone would care to share attack postings, feel free to post them on this thread. It could actually make for some enjoyable reading. Here’s the latest one we received, just today, as a matter of fact:
(Poster signs his name, “SO SAYETH THE TRUTH)
“Wow. I know you won't publish this, but i'm gonna say it anyhow. Y'all need a new front man, seriously, an aging, balding dude does not make for a sex symbol. Especially one who is perpetually stuck in the 80's. And y'all get more hits from dudes than chicks, make the mind wonder about what you really do during all those supposed wild partying nights. (a little boy on boy action perhaps?) I would be very impressed if you douches would post this on your site. We'll see I suppose, but seriously, re-evaluate your midlife crisis and put it to better use please!!!!!
23 December 2004”
r:>)
Let's analyze the "troll," shall we?
Let's analyze the "troll," shall we?
That's what she said.
Funny (cause I know you) and sad at the same time.
I think it's the anonymity that makes this happen. Most of these guys wouldn't have the nards to say this stuff in person, and if they did, I'd simply point at them, laugh, and walk away.
Guys, especially, will eventually attack your masculinity or intimate that you're gay, and if you're secure in your manhood (which you obviously are), it's pretty much wasted breath. I, myself, am not afraid of gay people, ideas, or anything like that, so that stuff is water off a duck's back. Gay politics scares me, but that's another thread)
This dude attacks you personally, which leads me to believe he feels threatened by you on some level... I've been there, man. Maybe your wife is prettier than his, maybe he swallowed down the rock-star dream years ago, most likely you're more outgoing than him and rather than be angry and frustrated with himself, he aims that at you. Outgoing people don't need to make anonymous Internet posts.
It's also possible that he harbors his own little "secret." Like Shakespeare said, "Methinks thou dost protest too much." You are, after all, one fine piece of ass.
Don't let that crap bother you, man. Really wanna piss him off? Point out that websites run on hit counts, and whether he loves you or hates you, he just upped that count.----->JMS
I think it's the anonymity that makes this happen. Most of these guys wouldn't have the nards to say this stuff in person, and if they did, I'd simply point at them, laugh, and walk away.
Guys, especially, will eventually attack your masculinity or intimate that you're gay, and if you're secure in your manhood (which you obviously are), it's pretty much wasted breath. I, myself, am not afraid of gay people, ideas, or anything like that, so that stuff is water off a duck's back. Gay politics scares me, but that's another thread)
This dude attacks you personally, which leads me to believe he feels threatened by you on some level... I've been there, man. Maybe your wife is prettier than his, maybe he swallowed down the rock-star dream years ago, most likely you're more outgoing than him and rather than be angry and frustrated with himself, he aims that at you. Outgoing people don't need to make anonymous Internet posts.
It's also possible that he harbors his own little "secret." Like Shakespeare said, "Methinks thou dost protest too much." You are, after all, one fine piece of ass.
Don't let that crap bother you, man. Really wanna piss him off? Point out that websites run on hit counts, and whether he loves you or hates you, he just upped that count.----->JMS
gfhjfghjm
I hear you, Johnny. I know I’m not gay (not that there’s anything wrong with that ... Seinfeldism), I know that I have an extremely beautiful wife — one who insecure bastards like this one that haven’t been as lucky as I have should be jealous of — and yes, I’ve always been very secure in my masculinity. Like I said, I’m not bothered on a personal level by these kind of attacks. I don’t lose sleep over them and they don’t make me question my worth.
I am bothered that this subhuman mentality subsists in this world and I wonder what kind of worthless existence one has to drudge through to get to a point in his life where he’s this pathetic. That curiosity led to this thread and I just thought it’d be interesting to get everyone else’s take on it. We’ve all dealt with “metalrules,” “the reason” and others like them and this could turn into a very interesting topic.
How do you deal with these flare ups? Example: On our Rockpage band page, each of us in Bad Daze has our “nickname” included with our name. I didn’t really have a nickname to speak of when we added the nicks — and I think I mentioned that fact on our guestbook — so I just wrote “no nickname” next to my name.
A few months ago, a troll by the name of ANTHRAX (always signs and usually writes in all caps, along with horrible spelling and grammar) started in with the same old troll game plan — attack the masculinity (no such thing as an original thought with this species) — and then it made a suggestion for a nickname for me for the Rockpage site. “Spineless Douche” was its suggestion (funny how the word “douche” was used by this latest troll, as well).
So I assumed the nickname on our band page. It has since morphed to read “Robby Douche’” in tribute to Adam Sandler’s “The Water Boy” character. After that, ANTHRAX moved on to attack Kenny, our lead guitar, and its attacks were answered in much the same fashion.
The thing is, getting pissed only dumps gasoline on the troll’s campfire, as many have learned here dealing with “the reason” and the like. When you piss on the flames, they don’t know what to do, mainly because they’re unarmed in a battle of wits.
I agree these “things” are intimidated by the success of others and that’s sort of sad, because anyone who really knows me knows I’d rather make a friend than an enemy. What we do on the weekends is a helluva lot of fun and the more people involved with it — even reformed trolls — the better.
r:>)
I am bothered that this subhuman mentality subsists in this world and I wonder what kind of worthless existence one has to drudge through to get to a point in his life where he’s this pathetic. That curiosity led to this thread and I just thought it’d be interesting to get everyone else’s take on it. We’ve all dealt with “metalrules,” “the reason” and others like them and this could turn into a very interesting topic.
How do you deal with these flare ups? Example: On our Rockpage band page, each of us in Bad Daze has our “nickname” included with our name. I didn’t really have a nickname to speak of when we added the nicks — and I think I mentioned that fact on our guestbook — so I just wrote “no nickname” next to my name.
A few months ago, a troll by the name of ANTHRAX (always signs and usually writes in all caps, along with horrible spelling and grammar) started in with the same old troll game plan — attack the masculinity (no such thing as an original thought with this species) — and then it made a suggestion for a nickname for me for the Rockpage site. “Spineless Douche” was its suggestion (funny how the word “douche” was used by this latest troll, as well).
So I assumed the nickname on our band page. It has since morphed to read “Robby Douche’” in tribute to Adam Sandler’s “The Water Boy” character. After that, ANTHRAX moved on to attack Kenny, our lead guitar, and its attacks were answered in much the same fashion.
The thing is, getting pissed only dumps gasoline on the troll’s campfire, as many have learned here dealing with “the reason” and the like. When you piss on the flames, they don’t know what to do, mainly because they’re unarmed in a battle of wits.
I agree these “things” are intimidated by the success of others and that’s sort of sad, because anyone who really knows me knows I’d rather make a friend than an enemy. What we do on the weekends is a helluva lot of fun and the more people involved with it — even reformed trolls — the better.
r:>)
That's what she said.
troll
It's typical....behind the computer anyone is tougher....smarter...more talented...more educated...a better musician....ect.
Just look at the idiot who wrote the Dimebag article.
Not giving them the attention is probably the best way to get rid of that problem. To bad that wasn't the way to get rid of my palmetto bug problem down here. THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!
Just look at the idiot who wrote the Dimebag article.
Not giving them the attention is probably the best way to get rid of that problem. To bad that wasn't the way to get rid of my palmetto bug problem down here. THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!
www.seventides.net
On a pillow of your bones
I will lay across the stones
Of your shore until the tide comes crawling back
On a pillow of your bones
I will lay across the stones
Of your shore until the tide comes crawling back
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ToonaRockGuy
- Diamond Member
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- Joined: Tuesday Dec 17, 2002
- Location: Altoona, behind a drumset.
I agree with Justin, Rob. Just ignore him and maybe ban his IP from your guestbook and all is done.
Most "www dot" band trolls are spineless dicks who never got the stones to get onstage and do what musicians do,but always wanted to. It's easier to criticize than to do it yourself, so that's the attitude he takes. Ignore the f*cker.
And hey, ya boner, I never did get a nickname over the summer. And no, Vin F*CKING Diesel don't count...
Most "www dot" band trolls are spineless dicks who never got the stones to get onstage and do what musicians do,but always wanted to. It's easier to criticize than to do it yourself, so that's the attitude he takes. Ignore the f*cker.
And hey, ya boner, I never did get a nickname over the summer. And no, Vin F*CKING Diesel don't count...
Dood...
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bassist_25
- Senior Member
- Posts: 6815
- Joined: Monday Dec 09, 2002
- Location: Indiana
Man, I can't even access the webpage. I wonder if it's because of the scumware on my computers?
Rob, I bet that the dude was someone from the Valley job. It could have been the guy who had a problem when you politely asked him to stop groping Shel, or it could have been the "tough guy" trying to fight Ken (drunks always seem to cop an attitude with old sKool, which is funny because he's one of the most laid back guys you'll ever meet).
Either way, I've learned that success often times breeds contempt. And besides, how could you still be stuck in the 80's - Kenny Loggins hasn't called you demanding his hairstyle back. Anyways, you asked for a Freudian analysis so...
Bassist "Sigmund Freud" 25's Psychoanalytical Model of the Internet Troll (Master's Thesis)
The troll's anti-social behavior often times begins at an early when he or she is having trouble resolving an oedipus/electra complex. The subject harbors sexual feelings towards the parent of the opposite sex until about age 4 or 5 when the superego begins to develop. Society begins telling the troll that having sexual desires for one's parent is immoral, and thus places guilt upon the subject's pysche. The ego resolves the parental lust of the id and the immoral attachments of society by projecting homosexual tendencies. Once the troll reaches the genital stage (provided he/she has successfully completed the oral, anal, phallic, and latency stages) he/she will then begin to expirience ridicule from peers because of the blatant homosexual activity he or she is projecting. Once again, the ego will make an adjustment between the id and superego and male subjects will then begin displaying overly masuline features (because nobody would ever expect the dumb alpha-male to be gay). Later on in life, when the troll is a big loser who gave up those rock star aspirations he had when he got his ditzy girlfriend knocked-up, he will begin to scout band messageboards. Here, the troll express a defense mechanism known as reaction formation. In an attempt to divert attention away from the subject's on blatant homosexuality, he will accuse the band of being gay themselves. The troll will appear to be a champion of heterosexuality.
Next week, we will be reviewing Bassist "B.F. Skinner" 25's Model of Reinforcement and Punishment as how it deals with the operant conditioning of interenet trolls along with comentary from Bassist "Howard Gardner" 25 and his 7 Forms of Stupidity.
Rob, I bet that the dude was someone from the Valley job. It could have been the guy who had a problem when you politely asked him to stop groping Shel, or it could have been the "tough guy" trying to fight Ken (drunks always seem to cop an attitude with old sKool, which is funny because he's one of the most laid back guys you'll ever meet).
Either way, I've learned that success often times breeds contempt. And besides, how could you still be stuck in the 80's - Kenny Loggins hasn't called you demanding his hairstyle back. Anyways, you asked for a Freudian analysis so...
Bassist "Sigmund Freud" 25's Psychoanalytical Model of the Internet Troll (Master's Thesis)
The troll's anti-social behavior often times begins at an early when he or she is having trouble resolving an oedipus/electra complex. The subject harbors sexual feelings towards the parent of the opposite sex until about age 4 or 5 when the superego begins to develop. Society begins telling the troll that having sexual desires for one's parent is immoral, and thus places guilt upon the subject's pysche. The ego resolves the parental lust of the id and the immoral attachments of society by projecting homosexual tendencies. Once the troll reaches the genital stage (provided he/she has successfully completed the oral, anal, phallic, and latency stages) he/she will then begin to expirience ridicule from peers because of the blatant homosexual activity he or she is projecting. Once again, the ego will make an adjustment between the id and superego and male subjects will then begin displaying overly masuline features (because nobody would ever expect the dumb alpha-male to be gay). Later on in life, when the troll is a big loser who gave up those rock star aspirations he had when he got his ditzy girlfriend knocked-up, he will begin to scout band messageboards. Here, the troll express a defense mechanism known as reaction formation. In an attempt to divert attention away from the subject's on blatant homosexuality, he will accuse the band of being gay themselves. The troll will appear to be a champion of heterosexuality.
Next week, we will be reviewing Bassist "B.F. Skinner" 25's Model of Reinforcement and Punishment as how it deals with the operant conditioning of interenet trolls along with comentary from Bassist "Howard Gardner" 25 and his 7 Forms of Stupidity.
"He's the electric horseman, you better back off!" - old sKool making a reference to the culturally relevant 1979 film.
I think there are a few things at work in most trolls' minds. Jealousy. Insecurity. The inability to deal with one's own shortcomings. Rather than actually work at improving their own lives, some people find it easier to lash out in jealousy at others anonymously from behind a computer keyboard.
Fortunately, we seem to have eliminated mostly all of the trolling that plagued Rockpage, especially during the early years several site upgrades ago.
I notice that most bands' websites deal with trolls at one time or another, few bands don't encounter that problem. Other websites get trolls, too, including my broadcast employer and the magazine I write for. In fact, on one other regional music website (which will remain nameless), a few misguided and jealous individuals constantly get their jollies off bashing on Pennsylvania Musician - funny, considering that Pennsylvania Musician has been around for over 23 years; where are the trolls' magazines?
Those who can, do. Those who can't, get jealous and bitch about those who can.
Fortunately, we seem to have eliminated mostly all of the trolling that plagued Rockpage, especially during the early years several site upgrades ago.
I notice that most bands' websites deal with trolls at one time or another, few bands don't encounter that problem. Other websites get trolls, too, including my broadcast employer and the magazine I write for. In fact, on one other regional music website (which will remain nameless), a few misguided and jealous individuals constantly get their jollies off bashing on Pennsylvania Musician - funny, considering that Pennsylvania Musician has been around for over 23 years; where are the trolls' magazines?
Those who can, do. Those who can't, get jealous and bitch about those who can.
Yeah, people get real tough behind a keyboard and computer. Little do most people know how easy it is to actually find out where the "masked" signer is typing from. Most people have no clue about IP addresses and how they can be blocked all together. I always challenge the critics to sign their names, yet you always get some bogus name from the person writing their reviews. Look at it this way - whoever wrote that to you Rob, obviously has seen your band - that equals money in your pocket. They've paid to see you at least once, looks like you got the last laugh!
The Louder We All Play, The Harder It Is To Stay Unnoticed.
www.facebook.com/jason.r.fetterman
www.solegion.com
www.facebook.com/jason.r.fetterman
www.solegion.com
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Punkinhead
- Diamond Member
- Posts: 1431
- Joined: Thursday Jun 19, 2003
- Location: The ninth circle of Hell
I laugh about this too, we had a person do this one time. It took myself and my bass player about 2 hours to find who this "troll" was. Man was it funny to see who it was (an ex friend of ours). So funny in fact that instead of retaliating we just let it go.
Alot of times jealousy plays a role in these. People get jealous cause of what you're doing and for some reason jealousy causes people to act like they are cavemen living in 1500 B.C. or something.
Alot of times jealousy plays a role in these. People get jealous cause of what you're doing and for some reason jealousy causes people to act like they are cavemen living in 1500 B.C. or something.
If youth knew; if age could.
Just as a side note, blocking IP addresses is not a good solution, since they can change at any time, even with cable or DSL connects.
Each ISP (internet service provider, such as AOL or Earthlink) gets a range of IP addresses, and all of the IP addresses they assign to their subscribers are within that range.
If you block one of those IP addresses, then the next time the troll connects to the internet, he will probably get assigned a different IP within the range, and another person with the same ISP will get blocked from your site.
Your best course of action is to log the IP address and the time, do a reverse lookup on the IP to get the ISP's name, and then notify the ISP of the troll, the IP, and the time. They can then find out which phone number / cable connection the troll is using.
The results of a complaint to the ISP depends partly on the ISP's terms of use agreement, but most will drop the offender if there are repeat violations.
90% of the time, simply deleting their posts and ignoring them works fine.
Each ISP (internet service provider, such as AOL or Earthlink) gets a range of IP addresses, and all of the IP addresses they assign to their subscribers are within that range.
If you block one of those IP addresses, then the next time the troll connects to the internet, he will probably get assigned a different IP within the range, and another person with the same ISP will get blocked from your site.
Your best course of action is to log the IP address and the time, do a reverse lookup on the IP to get the ISP's name, and then notify the ISP of the troll, the IP, and the time. They can then find out which phone number / cable connection the troll is using.
The results of a complaint to the ISP depends partly on the ISP's terms of use agreement, but most will drop the offender if there are repeat violations.
90% of the time, simply deleting their posts and ignoring them works fine.
... and then the wheel fell off.
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bassist_25
- Senior Member
- Posts: 6815
- Joined: Monday Dec 09, 2002
- Location: Indiana
Well, let's face facts. There is only one way to truly beat a troll: challenge them to a LAN game of Warcraft. Oh wait - we're talking about trolls, not orcs. Oh well, you should still challenge them to a game of Warcraft. And after your knights pummel their spear-throwers, you'll never have to worry about unwanted visitors to your site again.
"He's the electric horseman, you better back off!" - old sKool making a reference to the culturally relevant 1979 film.
Or Age of Empires/Mythology/etc. 
I've had a few of what I call "drive-by flamings" on the guestbook of my website before. Both incidents were local people just passing through, although they didn't know me; They were just people who came across my site somehow, and took issue with one of my 'blog posts I guess.
I tracked both of them down via my logs, and outright challenged the one to confront me in person with what they said (took a few stabs at my family in his post, otherwise I wouldn't have cared). He didn't, of course, and that was the end of it. Just some punk trying to throw a little shock my way, not thinking he'd be held accountable for his actions.
The other was someone telling me to "get over myself". Pissed me off because I feel I'm a very down-to-earth and humble person, and this lady was more or less accusing me of being an arrogrant prick with a big ego. (whoa, deja vu!
)
I guess living in a small town, having my own website makes me egotictical. I guess I'm supposed to take my seat amongst the rest of the rednecks, and not dare partake in bold endeavors such as making web pages and posting my opinions on them, lest I be convicted of exceeding my boundaries.
I've had a few of what I call "drive-by flamings" on the guestbook of my website before. Both incidents were local people just passing through, although they didn't know me; They were just people who came across my site somehow, and took issue with one of my 'blog posts I guess.
I tracked both of them down via my logs, and outright challenged the one to confront me in person with what they said (took a few stabs at my family in his post, otherwise I wouldn't have cared). He didn't, of course, and that was the end of it. Just some punk trying to throw a little shock my way, not thinking he'd be held accountable for his actions.
The other was someone telling me to "get over myself". Pissed me off because I feel I'm a very down-to-earth and humble person, and this lady was more or less accusing me of being an arrogrant prick with a big ego. (whoa, deja vu!
)I guess living in a small town, having my own website makes me egotictical. I guess I'm supposed to take my seat amongst the rest of the rednecks, and not dare partake in bold endeavors such as making web pages and posting my opinions on them, lest I be convicted of exceeding my boundaries.
I always just turned the power back on to them.
"Look, I can remove your posts just as easily as you put them there. However, not that I have your IP, I can now block you. Do it again - and you're done. Bottom line."
I usually give them a last chance, and if they botch it, remove all the post and replies made about it, and block the IP. Plain and simple.
"Look, I can remove your posts just as easily as you put them there. However, not that I have your IP, I can now block you. Do it again - and you're done. Bottom line."
I usually give them a last chance, and if they botch it, remove all the post and replies made about it, and block the IP. Plain and simple.
Jae Smith
Root and The Fifths
www.rootandthefifths.com
www.facebook.com/rootandthefifths
www.twitter.com/rootfifths
www.pabands.com
Root and The Fifths
www.rootandthefifths.com
www.facebook.com/rootandthefifths
www.twitter.com/rootfifths
www.pabands.com
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orangekick
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 778
- Joined: Monday Dec 13, 2004
- Location: Johnstown
I don't care what people are talking about as long as they are talking about my band. Any publicity is good. 
CYPHIN
Hey Rob hows it goin. This is Jason from CYPHIN. I seen your post about people signing shit in your guestbook. I think at one time or another we have all had some dipshit that has to feel he's powerful setting behind his computer bashing bands or someone for that matter. But what really got me was, that someone who wrote you said your band needs a new singer because your old and bald. I had to laugh. Not at you but because I think damn I'm 30 and I'm bald so what are these people going to think of me.
No what I say FUCK'EM. Later man. Jason/CYPHIN
No what I say FUCK'EM. Later man. Jason/CYPHIN
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Amy_Lee_Wannabe
- New Member
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- Location: The Hills of West Virginia
- Contact:
Re: Let's analyze the "troll," shall we?
BadDazeRob wrote: Do they feel empowered by attacking from behind the glow of their computer screens?
Let's review the basic F*ckwad Theory of Anonymity.
A**hole with a computer + Anonymity = Total and complete f*ckwad. 
...any questions?
MAKE THE STUPID PEOPLE SHUT UP
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esa
- Diamond Member
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- Location: I am the Who when you say "Who's there?"...
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hell, have you ever thought of this as a reason? i remember three bands in the year 2004 having the same douche writing in their guest books... he'd write poetry...to praise then in the same breath slam them down and make them feel like the best part of them ran down their momma's legs... and most of the people got pissed until they found out it was a friend of X who was just doing it to rile...rial? risle?...eh... piss 'em off and anger 'em up just so they would bitch to friends and fans...and that would make more people come to their website. ::shrugs:: in a sick demented way, it worked. lots of hits came to the visitor counter and much more signing of guest books were to be had. boom. insta-fame in a box.
do you think that might be the case for you?
do you think that might be the case for you?
~*~Esa~*~
I'll be the one left standing behind you, looking the other way as you glance back at what you've lost.
I'll be the one left standing behind you, looking the other way as you glance back at what you've lost.
Rob, I don't no If your last post was applying to me, but what few words we had between each other years ago is old news. It was stupid and alot of it really has nothing to do with you. It was just a situation gone bad. You no what I mean. I have no problem with you. Diden't then and don't now. Later Jason/CYPHIN