Since the Policy seems to be the place to discuss "problems with trolling," I've decided to post this here instead of the Conversation.
It's occured to me that modthree is correct in that I have been the only person courageous/foolish enough to openly and publicly confront him on his behavior. Understandably, if no-one's telling him what an asshole he's being, how is he possibly supposed to know, let alone have a chance to modify said behavior?
However, a great many people have told me what they think of modthree, his behavior in general and his treatment of me in particular. This has been done mostly through Private Messaging; because of the clandestine nature of the medium, it is rather difficult to express the panoply of feedback without compromising the privacy of those providing the feedback.
Ever so often in the Village Voice, gossip columnist Michael Musto offers up an entire column of "blind items" – scandalous tidbits of information on various celebrities with nary a name mentioned. he calls it "Blind Date," and it is up to the reader to figure out who Musto is talking about. I realized that by using a similar method I can not only make clear to the populace of Barbelith that I am not the only person who feels modthree is a detriment to the board, but perhaps I can also allow modthree a certain awareness of where he stands, an perspective he clearly does not have and badly needs.
The following quotes are from genuine PMs that I have received on the subject of modthree. (It is a small sampling of the feedback I've received.) Each one is dated and timed according to when it showed up in my profile. I've tried to be roughly chronological, spanning from late February 2002 to early April. And I have no intention of naming any names – I will only say that these are all people who post to the Magick Forum.
Modthree has a fragile ego and seems very insecure intellectually. He compensates by making bold, aggressive assertions and undermining others. I've seen him try to intimidate others with his "knowledge" and then play victim when challenged. – 3/21/02 4:45 PM
I'm sorry you've taken as much shit as you have over that mess. Unfortunately, I think that a lot of people think those who are 'enlightened' should sound mysterious and inscrutable. If you can't understand them they must know more than you. Self-esteem issues anyone? – 3/1/02 11:46 PM
obfusciation is intoxicating but it has a short shelf life, whereas you'll always have something to offer – sound ideas, expressed in a clear, intelligible way. Some people round here appreciate that. – 2/26/02 8:29 PM
The fucker's got his agenda again and he's hell bent to make his views accepted. It's not very surprising to see that the things he's advocating are so damn similar to the same thing he tried to cram down people's throat in the Dizzy thread. – 3/16/02 9:37 AM
As for modthree, I allow myself one systematic deconstruction of his flimsy positions per thread, then I drop the subject...Sadly, I think mod may be one of those college-student types who doesn't really know the valuative difference in an argument between an emotionally-charged opinion and the varying degrees of "fact," "precedent," "authoritative reference" etc. that actually adds weight to an argument. – 3/19/02 4:32 PM
...he's not going to impress anybody with the kind of comments we've seen lately... – 3/18/02 4:06 PM
I wanted to share your fustration over mod's admitted trolling ("No I didn't admit it I said it was POSSIBLE" = "I've got a plank. Just KIDDING") – 3/27/02 4:29 PM
I notice there are still problems with modthree. I still find his jargon-heavy, obscure posting style irritating. Just like you, I don't get how he can essentially admit to being a troll and think this is a good thing. (I say essentially, because I reckon he thinks it's ironic.) I'd advise steering clear of him...all he does is throw abuse at you while accusing you of using ad hominem arguments. Odd, considering that he never addresses what you say but who you are. He has a *thing* about you. – 3/31/02 8:38 AM
This was the most interesting PM I recieved during this period:
I am sorry to hear you getting grief from some of the members. Especially since i think it is possibly in defense of a poster I am subject to in real life...so I *know* exactly what they are defending.
In other words, don't let it get to you, they are NOT worth it, you have just seen through it early enough not to get burned to the extent othwers are sure to in time. You will not be the one to look foolish in the end.
The smoke and shadow routines are just that, smoke and shadow...I have been shocked to see first hand the persnality change some people attempt to portray on the internet. – 3/16/02 12:23 PM
I really hope this helps, because I really want him to leave me alone. |
