3 ms·

I agree the author can choose whatever model of discussion he wants. But I don't think the commenters he referred to are "trolls". Those commenters are people w

I agree the author can choose whatever model of discussion he wants. But I don't think the commenters he referred to are "trolls". Those commenters are people who hold their (maybe stupid) opinions and try very hard to convince others. Even though they seem to create inflammatory wars, maybe that's not their intention. Some of them can be civil and they truly believe what they say. They are just stubborn and unwelcomed by the host. But I think "troll" means something else. Surely most authors don't like this kind of commenters. What is different is the nature of the blog, which is focused on medicine. This seems to make the alternative views on the issues kind of harmful to the society. And the author has more reason to ban them. But honestly, I don't believe any doctor in the U.S. comes to the comments section to get prescription advices.

gerikson 5y ago
Poe's law tells us that a parody of a viewpoint is essentially indistinguishable from a sincerely held viewpoint. The best trolls are the ones who are playing true believers.
- TheFreim 5y ago
  > The best trolls are the ones who are playing true believers. I think the best trolls are true believers who know how to not take their own views seriously. This gives them the ability to not only screw with you but also at various points make actual real points about things. The mixing and matching of reality, perceived or real, with content designed to anger and upset makes for a recipe for anger and annoyance.