I’m instituting a “no trolling” policy

In an effort to prevent trolling at 2ality, I’m instituting a new policy.

Trolling

Tollish comments ruin the experience of a web site for everybody. I’m especially tired of summarily dismissive comments, be it in reaction to a post, be it in reaction to another comment. Example:

that is just bullshit. lol.

Telltale signs: Swearwords, all-lowercase, the word “LOL”. Even if the language is less offensive, blanket statements always make comments worthless:

This post makes no sense.

There is nothing to respond to here. Unless a comment makes specific points, it does not add anything to a discussion. A simple rewrite makes a big difference:

I don’t understand this post.

While still lamentably unspecific, I do not consider the above trolling, because it isn’t opinionated. It makes it easy to follow up with the question “What is it that you don’t understand?”. And everybody profits.

The “no trolling” policy

I’m therefore instituting a new policy for 2ality: If there is trolling in a comment, I will reply with the following warning.

Trolling warning: This comment is overly general and/or uncivil. Please argue your point more carefully or your comment will be removed after 24 hours.

The 24 hours are to make sure that the author still has time to react if the warning reaches her or him at an inopportune time.

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