Trolling is a art

A poor troll argues with others. A good troll gets others to argue amongst themselves.

It can be harmless and exquisitely funny. See Ken M.

In the original sense, trolling is a forum post that attracts predictable responses from ignorant participants while being obvious to those who are more knowledgeable. In moderation, it’s a harmless practical joke.

It has come to mean internet harassment meant to make someone miserable, which is never harmless. Some might argue it’s justified if the target is harming others.

Trolling in its original sense can be extremely annoying but is ultimately harmless and easily and safely ignored (“Don’t feed the trolls”) because the troll will eventually be bored at not getting a reaction. The term has unfortunately come to be used for legitimate criticism that the speaker doesn’t like as well as actual harassment. Sending dick pics or calling out terfs is not trolling.

Personally — my definition is any time you post something that isn’t constructive to the topic (or the comm) with the intention of distracting others from constructive discussion (typically, by getting them to engage with you instead).

I think there’s an art to it, and some trolling can be fun, as long as everybody’s having fun. Personally, I’m not very good at it. I say what I mean and mean what I say. But I don’t mind as long as it’s fun.