Oh sure, I'll bite a little here.
I don't like to use the word "Troll" myself. Along the same line as "giving the benefit of the doubt" as I always try to do, especially on message boards, I also try to remember that behind every individual, there's a person sitting there. And chances are that person does have a passion for what they do, how they do it and have many of the same goals as myself. That's not to say that our styles or approaches will mesh well, but nor do they have to please me in the least. The problem I have is when three things occur:
1) Lack of objectivity in a way that doesn't add value generally. Bullish or bearish.
2) Influence of others less knowledgeable that are looking for objective information for which to become better investors or traders.
3) Outright lies or deceit, offensive/insulting attacks or factless boasting (see lies and deceit)
A vast, vast majority of people that I've come across on SI and other boards are great individuals, traders, investors .... people. Whether they are just learning about the stock market or have been trading/investing for years, I get a lot of value out of almost everyone. I'm always happy to share what has worked for me, what hasn't, learning points, major failures and just about anything else. I'm ALWAYS willing to champion anyone looking to increase the flow of objective information from which we can all profit (financially or otherwise).
But as is the case in every segment, there are individuals that seem to relish in immaturity, offensive posting and basically everything that #3 above implies, which also then checks the box #1 and #2. These individuals are caustic and abrasive, love believing that they are doing a public service in their own minds, like playing the role of the agitator and making others feel poorly, or simply love to incite negativity and reprisal. These same individuals are usually also overly boastful about everything from their successes to their status in life. Just seems to go hand in hand.
I do believe that we all need to share in our successes AND failures and being excited about a winning trade/investment is a great way to say Yay Me and have others share in the success. But it's very obvious when this takes a wrong turn. What's so very interesting is that these individuals just don't seem to recognize that it's very obvious the truth of the matter.
Personally, I feel that some individuals should not have the continued ability to behave as they do after a level of permanence about their style has been established. Because they are "right" in their own mind or have a small following of like-minded followers doesn't excuse certain behavior.
Whether they are called trolls or something other, objective information has a place on these boards. I very much like to hear conflicting viewpoints on my own thoughts, trades and investments toward balancing them and getting new perspective. A good investor/trader that is also objective in the information they share is worth their weight in gold.
What is very sad to me is that many of these individuals, most in fact, are very well written and obviously intelligent. I'd love to hear their objective information related to a stock or discussion. But because of their fundamental inability to conduct themselves in a manner that is useful, ALL weight of their words is lost. It's a shame every time I get to the point where a poster's words and posts are now worthless. It can take a while to get to that point but some can fast track it.
With every post, each of us increases our balance sheet for better or worse. I look at posters much in the same way I look at stocks with value. Those that go bankrupt are off my radar and prelude to bankruptcy is usually seen well before the actual event. I believe that each of us needs to champion our own integrity and balance sheet with every post.
Make no mistake though. When I see violations of those items above, I will champion, where I can, individuals and information that I believe need it. Misinformation, deceit or even just bad/overly-subjective information needs to be called out and highlighted so that the influence of it is minimalized. I don't take it lightly when I feel I have to label or call-out another poster and I pick my battles very carefully. But I will do it at least until such a time that the poster is recognized for what he/she is and the weight of their post is reduced.
So, once again, I won't name those that many would consider trolls. I believe most of these individuals relish in that label, wear it as a badge of honor or it could even be unfair to them. A poster has value that is increasing or decreasing over time and I will value each of them based on what they provide. But that is just for me. Each must make the same judgment.
Cheers!
Tj
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