I have rated threads with a single star. This was the result of my feeling that the thread (as of the time that I rated it) was a poor one. It might have been the result of much misinformation being posted or a high amount of bigotry being demonstrated or having fallen into a "You did...I didn't" type of argument. There was no intent there to insult any person. Hoping that somebody does not have a happy birthday is definitely an insult and when done under the cloak of darkness is an anonymous insult.

Earlier in this thread you will see that I favor returning the reputation system -- as long as it is not anonymous. I do not, however, see it as a replacement for the current rating system. One is a comment on a poster, the other is (or at least should be) a comment on an entire thread.

You also know that I have not accused any person who has not admitted posting in the birthday threads of having done so.

Your contention, as far as I understand, is that 18 people independently and without any consultation, all decided at the same time to hit the very same birthday thread. Then, six of these people, again without any consultation, decided to attack another particular birthday thread.

This certainly is possible. It is also possible to for number 18 to hit on the roulette wheel six times in a row. I just wouldn't want to my money bet on such a long shot.

Counsellor, I believe this is the "mewling and puking" you are referring to. After all, AlanW doesn't like birthday threads because he only got six posts (after soliciting them). Like the first grade teacher, you don't want his "poor weak little flickers of self-esteem stamped out by the people who do get a lot."

Well thank you counsellor. I was going to say all that but you did it more eloquently than me.

Let me put it more succintcly & YMMY - but in my lifetime - NEVER - will I care or put importance on a thread I start or others do w/ stars - not to put too fine a point on it - who gives a crap what you all think? or I think for that matter! you like it - rate it; you don't like it - rate it. it evens out.

more importantly, much as i love you dearly, you are NOT the be all & end all to my travel existance - hello? get over yourselves! if i'm having a fab time or have posted a fab time & you all give it zeros - guess what - i don't care!

good gawd - i'm STUNNED that this type of thing crops up all the time (always under the guise of course of only randy petersen & then you all attack each other); get over yourselves & get back to miles & points - geesh already!!!!

cheers. sharon

ps - i do love a # of you darlins' & you know that; just deal w/ stuff. me...

Actually, your statement is a lie and you know it.

FewMiles got banned for forging a ding. NOT coordinated dinging. If coordinated dinging was a ban-able offense, then some "legendary" FT'ers would have been banned as well.

Sadly, the use of multiple handles and or trolling do not appear to be ban-able offenses either.

The problem with a clear answer to this question is actually simple: No one of the Internet can agree what a troll is. I've seen several examples on FT that some called a troll post where I personally didn't see anything wrong with the post. As well, I've seen things I thought might qualify as a troll post and others did not see anything wrong. As with many things - it depends on the viewpoint of the person. I spent some time looking over some of the more popular bulletin boards, and frankly, I think we'd both be disappointed that the issue is not clearly defined anywhere else as well. My guess is that other boards have done as we have and realized that defining it specific enough - and the key is, specifically enough - to clearly provide actionable measures would not be possible. I think we'll have to reply on what makes sense, troll posts are defined by the acceptable level of the community. When myself and our volunteer staff of moderators as well as other members see actions by any member that attempt to disrupt a topic on FlyerTalk, then we can and should alert others and if waranted, that post and/or that member should be addressed. BUT, and it must be clear: many of us will differ in what we consider to be a troll post.

While not orginal, here's a common definition of a troll: An outrageous message posted to a newsgroup or mailing list or message board to bait people to answer. Trolling is a form of harassment that can take over a discussion. Well meaning defenders can create chaos by responding to trolls. The best response is to ignore it. Also, the person who posts such messages.