How to catch a Troll...

[Viva_La_Revolution]

Hypothetical situation...

In the midst of a thread, someone says "you're wrong".

so you post 6-8 links to back up your point.

7 minutes later there is a reply -
"nope, none of those apply, you are still wrong"

so you ask if they are a speed-reader, and you politely suggest they might want to go back and read it again.

reply - You're wrong.

so you ask for links to back up their statement

you get nothing, but another "you're wrong"

now you might be thinking... who is this person, and why won't they back up their argument? you might want to click on their profile for info, but alas, no profile. But they have over 1000 posts. hmmm. name isn't familiar, and you've been here for several months. curious.
so you might do an advanced search, and see what kinds of things this person has been saying, perhaps they are just having a bad day, and they are cranky.
but you find..... no history before March 2, and lots and lots of strong comments that might be construed as inflammatory. You also find several conversations where this person has engaged others into long conversations with no links to back up their points.

What would you do in this hypothetical situation?

[progmom]

1. alert

[Viva_La_Revolution]

5. but if they havn't said anything

really over the line, and you want to make sure you don't get someone banned just because they are cranky or uninformed.

on the other hand, what of the innocent DU'ers who are going to run into this person? The thought a troll in our midst makes me feel creepy and violated.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. Alert mods, then use the "ignore" button.

Even if they don't do anything, you certainly won't be bothered any more.

[demnan]

3. You're wrong

just kidding.

[Crankie Avalon]

4. I'd probably just stop wasting my time with them...

...:think:

[Viva_La_Revolution]

6. It was my first Troll, I couldn't help it! fun stuff

in a twisted superior sort of way.

[tuvor]

7. Give up.

You can lead a horse to water, and all that.

Let 'em live their life in ignorant bliss if that's what they insist on.