The NY Times on How To Be A Troll. Though, as I’ve pointed out elsewhere, there’s a distinction between being a curmudgeon/pill (being contrary because of general anger at the universe or because of ignorance) and being a troll (being contrary to get a rise out of folks).
Still, these sorts of things see to take up about 85% of the bandwidth on the boards, which is one reason I don’t read much except for the Dev repsonses and occasional explicit research into player guides.
1. Use the strongest language possible. Calling names is always effective, and four-letter words show that you mean business.
2. Having a violent opinion of something doesn’t require you to actually try it yourself. After all, plenty of people heatedly object to books they haven’t read or movies they haven’t seen. Heck, you can imagine perfectly well if something is any good.
3. If it’s a positive review that you didn’t like, call the reviewer a “fanboy.” Do not entertain the notion that the product, service, show, movie, book or restaurant might, in fact, be good. Instead, assume that the reviewer has received payment from the reviewee. Work in the word “shill” if possible.
Etc.
I’ll up the ante here.
I don’t visit the boards at all. I let you and Doyce pass on the important stuff.
Well, I usually hit the PGs when I create a new alt (which rules out a lot for you). Plus, like I said, the Dev post board, which are relatively easy to get through.
I will, on occasion, read up on other posts, just to try to find some info on a particularly controversial topic (e.g., ED), but signal-to-noise ratio is usually pretty minimal.