Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

Thinking, writing, business ideas … You’re only a stranger once.

July 29, 2008

The Mic is On: Friends, Fans, and Mostly Trolls

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:00 pm

It’s Like Open Mic Only Different

The Mic Is On

Here’s how it works.

It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.

There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.

Be On the Watch for Internet Trolls!

We meet our first friends growing up. Sometimes we find we have a fan. It’s a shock when we bump into a troll. They’ve been around since the Three Billy Goats Gruff tried to cross the bridge. You can find them in the World of Warcraft on Twitter, and in the comment box of your own blog.

Here’s a link about them and a guide to handling the problem. It’s only a few paragraphs, but it will get you in the mood because tonight it’s about trolls:

And, we’ll talk about whatever comes up, (because we always get off topic, anyway.)

rainbow_troll_from_sxc.hu


And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)

Oh, and bring example links to share —

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related article
What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?


Filed under SOB Business, Successful Blog |



C'mon. Let's talk!

304 Comments to “The Mic is On: Friends, Fans, and Mostly Trolls”

  1. July 29th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    Hi Liz!

  2. July 29th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
    Trisha said

    Hello!

  3. July 29th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Delaney!
    How are you? How’s that blog? Did I miss anything while I was gone? (Loved that post)

  4. July 29th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    This is an interesting topic. As you know, I have a blog that provides advice and links for professors. Several months ago, I had a person comment inappropriately and I deleted the comment. She or he then commented again saying,

    “you stupid little b—-… why did you delete my comment? afraid? go and DIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEE”

    I then blocked the person’s IP address. But you do have to wonder what the person gets out of this?

  5. July 29th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Trisha!
    Looks like you’re making real progress with things on your site!

  6. July 29th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
    john said

    Good to be here

  7. July 29th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    Hi Trisha, Delaney, Liz!

    Lady Glynis pays the troll every time she goes to Pennsic War. :)

  8. July 29th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
    Brooke said

    Hey Liz, Delaney and Trisha! I hope you are all well this evening!

  9. July 29th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Yeah, Delaney,
    Some folks don’t know what to do with their feelings of inferiority . . . don’t you think that has something to do with it?

  10. July 29th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    Re #3: Yep, great poem…Did I Miss Anything?
    http://www.delaneykirk.com/2006/05/did_i_miss_anyt.html

  11. July 29th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    #6
    Hi John!
    Great to see you!
    Come on in!

  12. July 29th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    Liz, I don’t know…Obviously they need a life!

  13. July 29th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
    Trisha said

    Hello Delaney, Rick!

    Liz - I need to get out that action item list from last week, but I didn’t do a lot of them, yet anyway.

  14. July 29th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Rick,
    Hi Brooke,

    Everyone, John is friend, who’s thinking about blogging. . . . great topic for him to participate on. :)

  15. July 29th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    Hi John, Brooke!

  16. July 29th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
    Ivana Taylor said

    Hi everyone
    can’t wait to chat about trolls.

    When do they disrupt and when do they actually push the envelope to take us to a better place?

  17. July 29th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
    Trisha said

    Hello Brooke and John!

  18. July 29th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
    Ivana Taylor said

    Can’t wait to talk about trolls. When do they disrupt and when do they simply push the envelope?

  19. July 29th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    Hi John,
    It’s really easy to do, you meet lots of great people…actually now that I think about it…it can be addictive…you’re not obsessive-compulsive are you?

  20. July 29th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
    Ivana Taylor said

    Are they trolls simply because they piss us off?

  21. July 29th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Ivana,
    I hate to admit that once in a while a comment by a troll has pushed me to write something thoughtful I wouldn’t otherwise have written. :)

  22. July 29th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
    Kevin Ferrasci O'Malley said

    I think your troll graphic looks a bit too friendly rather than the picture in my head of the troll hollering at the Billy Goats gruff trip trapping…..

  23. July 29th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
    charlene said

    Hi all. Delaney, you did the right thing deleting that nasty posting!

  24. July 29th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
    Trisha said

    I think those troll dolls are creepy

  25. July 29th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Are they troll because they piss us off?

    I think they’re trolls because they hear only themselves talk.

  26. July 29th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Kevin!!
    Great to see you! I’ve been evangelizing your business again. :)

  27. July 29th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Hello and why do I feel like I’m joining really late?

    Trolls are ones that like power. Especially power they believe they wield when they interrupt us.

  28. July 29th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    I hate the ones who are actually trying to sell something…there’s no conversation or connection made.

  29. July 29th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
    Carter said

    Delaney, Liz & Co—

    Regarding the trolls with low self esteem and inappropriate responses–any more ideas or experiences with dealing with them?

    Or is it simply to delete their post?

  30. July 29th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Charlene!
    I’m with you. Delaney, dump the dangerous fools.

  31. July 29th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
    Ivana Taylor said

    maybe they are a projection of certain aspects of our dark side?

  32. July 29th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
    charlene said

    we may have found a great first-date question here - do you like troll dolls, or not?!

  33. July 29th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Trisha,
    I always thought troll dolls were creepy too.

    What’s that they say about Internet trolls . . . “Don’t feed them.”

  34. July 29th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    I mostly ignore trolls, but I’m not beyond deleting a comment or three.

  35. July 29th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
    Ivana Taylor said

    You can’t win with a troll. If you disagree with them - then you’re the one with the problem

  36. July 29th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
    Ivana Taylor said

    What’s a troll doll?

  37. July 29th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
    charlene said

    must confess I’m not sure I understand what y’all mean by an “Internet troll” … ?

  38. July 29th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    #29 Carter
    Kevin is here. He’s up at #22!

    He’s the guy I told you to call on Friday. :)

  39. July 29th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    @Ivana yes, trolls and other mystical beings are often portrayals of our inner doubts, fears and foibles. We make the gods of mythology in our own image, and likewise the monsters.

  40. July 29th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
    charlene said

    Troll doll like the photo Liz posted earlier…

  41. July 29th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    My approach is just to delete if I find comment inappropriate. Responding or emailing them would just encourage more I think.

  42. July 29th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Ah Charlene.

    The Internet troll stops by your comment box and leaves obnoxious, insulting or threatening remarks that add no value.

  43. July 29th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
    Ivana Taylor said

    @Todd - excellent! It’s great to have a mythology and archetype master in our midst

  44. July 29th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Ivana,
    The picture above is of a troll doll. They’re about 3 inches tall.

  45. July 29th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Heya Todd!
    Love that you came over. :)

  46. July 29th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    i agree with Todd. A search for a feeling of power and the use of manipulation to get it are two of the earmarks of a troll.

  47. July 29th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Internet trolls are the ones that harass by leaving snarky, rude, or outright hateful responses to others online. Often in chat rooms, comment sections and so on.

    Die hard trolls may attach themselves to an individual or small group of individuals, essentially stalking them.

    Twitter and Friendfeed are two of the latest playing grounds for trolls. They bring the stalker type out worse than most.

    The trolls there latch on and don’t just ruin one blog post or forum post, but the whole stream of conversation.

  48. July 29th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Professor and Dr. Kirk,
    Was that the first trollish comment you got in a couple of years on your blog?

  49. July 29th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
    Brooke said

    they are just plain mean…no constuctive criticism, won”t listen to an argument, closed-minded etc etc.

  50. July 29th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
    Ivana Taylor said

    @Charlene - how pathetic of me, I thought a “troll doll” was a slang name for a kind of girl
    (so politically incorrect)

  51. July 29th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
    Linda Sherman said

    I thought this was a great example of comment guidelines warning away trolls. They make clear what they think a troll is and state that in any case they will decide and delete troll comments.

    http://www.thefword.org.uk/blog/2008/07/new_york_times_1
    In order to keep this blog as a feminist and friendly space, comments will be subject to some rules. We do not seek to censor debate: the beauty of the internet is that anyone can set up their own blog or website to express their views.
    0. This blog is a safe and friendly space for feminists and feminist allies. Debate and critique are welcome where it is constructive and deepens analysis or understanding. Anti-feminist comments will not be approved. We get to decide what’s anti-feminist.
    0. All comments must be approved by one of the bloggers. For this reason, there may be a delay before your comment appears.
    0. No sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, classist, ablist comments, comments which make personal attacks on any blogger or commenter, or comments that are otherwise deemed offensive by us will be posted.
    0. Trolls will be banned from commenting. We get to decide who is a troll.
    0. No anonymous comments - please feel free to use your real name or make one up, though.
    0. Be nice.

  52. July 29th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    <—- remembers when trolls were the rage

  53. July 29th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Rick and Todd,
    Those are well-done descriptions of the trolls I know . . .

    Everyone, don’t miss the links in the post at the top of this page . . . they’re good.

  54. July 29th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    Liz,
    Actually I think it WAS the only nasty comment I’ve gotten. I’ve had people disagree with advice I’ve given which is fine with me. And I have had ones put info that is clearly spam-like. I guess for the most part I’ve been lucky huh?

  55. July 29th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Linda!
    “We get to decide who is a troll. ”

    Best rule of all. :)

  56. July 29th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    @51 Linda–thanks for sharing this. Put trolls on alert!

  57. July 29th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Yeah, Delaney,
    Sounds like you’ve had it pretty good.

    You can tell a troll by the aggression in what they say.

  58. July 29th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    On the other hand, Liz’s topic is on fans. I’ve met lots of great people through my blog!

  59. July 29th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    The darndest thing is that trolls know they are trolls. Oh, they can him and haw about it, but they know.

  60. July 29th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    As usual the Adsense ads are right with us. Look below.

  61. July 29th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
    Trisha said

    I don’t think I’ve ever gotten enough people to stop by my blog to attract trolls. I guess that’s not such a bad thing.

  62. July 29th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Yeah, Todd,
    I think every troll that lived under a bridge knew it was a troll too. That must be some of the payoff of being a troll — smarter and uglier than the rest of us. :)

  63. July 29th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    Is this the time to admit I had a troll doll with long purple hair when I was a small child? Maybe I can find replacement in Google ads below (grin).

  64. July 29th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
    Trisha said

    If I leave suddenly it could be because it looks we could have a bad storm coming here soon.

  65. July 29th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    I think that the main reason that trolls survive online is the continued large influx of new participants.

  66. July 29th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Oh Trisha,
    I hope that’s not what happens.

  67. July 29th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Delaney,
    Your secret is now revealed to the whole Internet and all future generations.

  68. July 29th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
    Joe said

    Hey Liz,
    Hey All.
    2.5 comments per minute. pretty cool. ;-0

  69. July 29th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    Hey, I’m betting I’m not the only one…come on…someone confess!

  70. July 29th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Speaking of # of readers…I don’t have a slew of regular readers at this time. I get the occasional great day like today. That’s mostly due to my friends and few fans giving me some link and Stumble Upon love. Sadly, SU doesn’t bring more comments just more hits.

    One can only hope that the visitors take something away from their little time spent.

  71. July 29th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Joe!
    Counting comments as you come in the door. That’s pretty cool!

  72. July 29th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    How long have you guys been blogging?

  73. July 29th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
    Joe said

    Liz, fraid I’ll be in & out for about another half hour or so, but keep up the momentum!

  74. July 29th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    In the crowd I hung with as a teen, troll dolls went the way of smurf dolls. If you saw one hanging around in a car, it was probably with a nail through it.

  75. July 29th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
    Jen said

    Ugh! I just wrote a whole novel on another page and couldn’t copy and paste so you get the short version now. (they sigh in relief)

    happy tuesday!

    liz and i did some video interviews and i think she really shines in them! really good advice too. make sure you look out for them when she posts them… maybe tomorrow?

  76. July 29th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Todd,
    You just made me laugh out loud. Wonder whether you could sell those on ebay. :)

  77. July 29th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
    Trisha said

    I had to get toys out from under the refrigerator for the cats

  78. July 29th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
    Linda Sherman said

    Some forums love flaming. Gizmodo is one of those. It would be hard to find a troll there because it would be difficult to distinguish in the general nastiness. Yet it is hugely popular. Kind of sad. Leah Jones and I met on a social network that went nasty. We both got out of there quickly. I don’t think anyone that hangs around with Liz Strauss would be hanging around in these places.

  79. July 29th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Jen!
    Yeah one tomorrow, whichever you choose. :)

    My hair looks like a troll doll!

  80. July 29th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
    Rodney Rumford said

    i recently met a troll and had to block him on friendfeed. my first block on the service. ;)

    Sometimes ignoring them is the only/best way to deal with them.

  81. July 29th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    Just clicked on ad at bottom of Liz’s page. Check out troll dolls in sports outfits. The Olympics ARE coming up!

    Olympic Troll Dolls

  82. July 29th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Linda,
    The SEO forums are that way . . . Threadwatch was particularly rough before it died. I think it leads to closing up the conversation in the wrong ways.

  83. July 29th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
    Mike Sansone said

    My new advice to old clients (and trolls): Get the word “But” to stop being the first thing that comes outta your head — otherwise you won’t be able to get your head outta your “But”

  84. July 29th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
    Mike Sansone said

    How’s everyone doing?

  85. July 29th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    [boogies into the room] Hi all! Sorry I’m late, Darrell brought Subway home for lupper. How is everyone?

  86. July 29th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good advice, Mike!

  87. July 29th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    Hi Sansone! How are you feeling? How was trip to Hawaii?

  88. July 29th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    why don’t they make ‘fan’ dolls? Now that’s a cool idea. I should contact Thinkgeek!

  89. July 29th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hey Rodney!
    What if they’re trashing your reputation . . . ignore them then too?

  90. July 29th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Good here!

  91. July 29th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Delaney,
    Those dolls are cute!!

  92. July 29th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
    Brooke said

    Todd - I like your blog! But I tried to leave a comment and I could not. I could not even see other comments.

  93. July 29th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    OK, I need to stop playing and get back to writing paper to submit to journal this week. Topic is using blogs in the classroom!

  94. July 29th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
    Mike Sansone said

    Hey Dr. Kirk - Aloha:-) Hawaii was great. Now in Omaha for two days, then off to Colorado for a week

  95. July 29th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
    charlene said

    Could a voodoo doll work to stave off trolls? :-)

  96. July 29th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    Thanks Liz for defining social media for Timothy and me. You’re a cite in our paper!

  97. July 29th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    @Mike Sansone When are you coming to Florida??

  98. July 29th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
    Mike Sansone said

    Going to Mississippi later this year…no FLA on sched yet

  99. July 29th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Brooke, can you visit today and check? One of my posts recently had comments turned off but 99.9% have them on. I use Disqus comment system, and maybe the javascript blocks it?

  100. July 29th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
    Linda Sherman said

    @Liz That’s sad to hear - that SEO forums are that way.
    @Rodney On a personal level, I see nothing wrong with “blocking” if someone is creepy. I understand how to do that on Twitter and Facebook. But after listening to Todd’s story, now I’m worrying about FriendFeed.

  101. July 29th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Charlene,
    I like the idea of using voodoo dolls — it would be fun to name them after our *favorite* trolls. :)

    I’m thinking of some office trolls I once worked with too. :)

  102. July 29th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
    charlene said

    @64 Trisha must be close (geographically) - skies are getting dark, thunder getting louder. I’m going to sign off, the deck isn’t a good place to be right now, and wish everyone success hunting/slaying trolls!

  103. July 29th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
    Amanda Chapel said

    Liz,

    “Troll” is the word weak codependent virtual groups use to fend off intellectual challenge and criticism.

    FACT: Web 2.0 is a virtual machine fostering codependent group formation. It hyper-connects/organizes “like mes.” And FACT: 96% of those like you are toothless numbnuts who are as like to be seen on “Cops” as they are blogging.

    Bottom line: Successful Blog etc. is anti critical thinking and will throw a lot of whip ass group magical thinking at criticism. Immature support is what they are set up to do. Immature people who need support are who they attract and mollycoddle.

    Sincerely,

    - Amanda

    PS The 2008 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference is in Chicago today; but Liz you are talking about “trolls” because you were criticized. You should be ashamed of yourself. Ten bucks saying you’re not.

  104. July 29th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
    Rodney Rumford said

    liz, possibly respond once and be done & then ignore them. Let’ em trash your rep… people are smart enough to see the truth…. they will ultimately seal their own fate.

    karma is a bitch for the net trolls. it always catches up to them. i can think of one mean spirited video troll that is no longer employable due to his trolliness. ;)

  105. July 29th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
    Trisha said

    Here there’s just a creepy darkness, no thunder yet, but it just feels weird outside.

  106. July 29th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
    Joe said

    uuuooooppppppssss,
    I think I’ve benn trolling the comments to catch up. :-0

  107. July 29th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    Good night, Charlene.

    Good bye from me, too. I have Zoe duty tonight and must keep the trolls away from her. :)

    Thanks for the links, Liz. They give great introductions to trolls on the net.

  108. July 29th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Thank you for your comment, Amanda.

    I actually plan out these posts ahead of time, by as much a 1-3 weeks. So the assumption that this post is a response isn’t correct.

    It’s the same as when Shel thought I made him an SOB in response to something, but the post had been the queue for two weeks.

    I appreciate your point of view.

  109. July 29th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Rodney,
    That’s what I think as well. Truth is you can’t change how someone thinks or monitor what they say. :)

  110. July 29th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Joe,
    You’re too funny! Trolling the comments. :)

  111. July 29th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
    Amanda Chapel said

    Then you either plan badly Liz or as stupidly inflexible.

    Yiiish.

  112. July 29th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Thanks!

  113. July 29th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Amanda does bring up one valid point; social networking tends to bring like minds together. It just as well serves to bring the sheep like masses together online as life does off.

    That said, well thought out and constructive feedback is not trolling. Trolling is as much in the presentation of a thought as well as it is in the content. Also, trolls go out of their way to participate in a conversation for no other reason than to attack individuals, ideas or groups. They often enjoin themselves in conversations they’d otherwise not find themselves in.

    Is it worthwhile to talk about trolls? Definitely. As I mentioned earlier, there is a large influx of folks that have never been exposed to the harsh criticism and lashings they’ll get online.

    Finally, failure to respond to criticisms is not a crime, nor is it a sign of weakness. Though you might be both criminal and weak anyway.

  114. July 29th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
    Mike Sansone said

    Battery running low….gotta go find an outlet. BBL

  115. July 29th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
    Rodney Rumford said

    actually i use the word troll for anyone that i consider “creepy” or “mean spirited” in any online eco-system.

    Remarks and comments that disagree with my thoughts or analysis does not make someone a troll… Rather it is their lack of real world social skills (or attacking nature) that lands them in my troll bucket.

    Intellectual viewpoints that differ are what make the world go round… and actually can spark innovation. ;)

    Just remember that tesla was widely considered a nut job (not a troll).

  116. July 29th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
    Trisha said

    Just for the record - I’m not a codependent of anything or anyone, I have all my teeth and I’ve never been on Cops.

  117. July 29th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
    Joe said

    Related, but different, I have had a lot of problems with (I assume is) a bot Troll, scraping my (and Liz’, and Wendy’s, and many more’s) Feeds.
    Been trying to fight it, but it seems like a losing battle. :-(

  118. July 29th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    bye Mike!

  119. July 29th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Now now, Amanda isn’t creepy. :)

  120. July 29th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    @Brooke, ty for the comment, check out scrabulous.com to see their site and it might give you a feel for the game as it was on Facebook.

  121. July 29th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
    Angela Maiers said

    Hello friends-it’s been a while. So glad to be here tonight! Liz-love, love, love your blog show. Posted about it today, in fact! I hope that you all are doing well!

  122. July 29th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
    Brooke said

    todd - it works now..weird stuff! Keep the great posts comin!

  123. July 29th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
    Trisha said

    Brooke - are you still thinking about starting a butterfly garden?

  124. July 29th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    ARE trolls sociopaths offline?

  125. July 29th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    I agree, nothing wrong with thinking that folks don’t agree with.

    We don’t need to talk about people who aren’t here or invite them to come. :)

  126. July 29th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    <— is getting comment love from @Brooke.
    I’m in love. :)

  127. July 29th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
    Brooke said

    :) hee hee! You make me blush Todd!

  128. July 29th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda,
    I’m not sure that the two are related. A sociopath is a sociopath online and off. I’ve met young folks who behaved like trolls and outgrew it.

  129. July 29th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Brooke,
    You sound . . . ]grin[

  130. July 29th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
    Rodney Rumford said

    later trollsters ;) Thanks for the short break Liz. I Enjoyed It. Did you see we got covered in techcrunch yesterday? http://blog.blippr.com We are swamped.

    Bye everyone. Be great!

  131. July 29th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    @Glenda no, they are sociopaths online! LOL.

    More likely severe and habitual trolls have ongoing similar offline patterns of behavior but not necessarily as open sociopaths.

    Many of us struggle with social related disorders and aren’t sociopaths, or at least I don’t want anyone to know I am.

  132. July 29th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    One topic Timothy and I discuss in our paper on using blogs in the classroom is Netiquette. OK to disagree. Not OK to belittle. And where did FACT of 96% come from–would like to see legitimate cite on that.

  133. July 29th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
    Brooke said

    Trisha - YES! But I think I am gonna plan it out and wait till next spring. We live in an area that is only 10 yrs old - so no big trees - nothing mature. So I am thinking it will not work…whatya think?

  134. July 29th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Congrats, Rodney!
    Yeah! I saw!

    thanks for coming by!

  135. July 29th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    Hi Angela! How was Hawaii? Soooo jealous! Did you buy shoes?

  136. July 29th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    Hi from Singapore - sorry I’m late!

  137. July 29th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Andrew
    Welcome!

  138. July 29th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Delaney,
    Doesn’t everyone in Hawaii go barefoot?

  139. July 29th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Welcome.

  140. July 29th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
    Angela Maiers said

    Delaney - how is your paper coming? Almost done w/institutes, and then I will be ready to roll on our project! Hawaii teachers were fantastic…the weather wasn’t too bad either!

  141. July 29th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
    Trisha said

    Brooke, I’m confused - with no big trees, you should have lots of sun, that’s what you need.

    I can’t remember if I asked or not - about where do you live?

  142. July 29th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    As far as your “CITE” Delaney,
    You won’t be seeing from there. :)

  143. July 29th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
    Trisha said

    @Brooke - waiting until spring sounds like a good idea. I think planning is a lot of the fun too! Although, knowing what I know now, if I were to start all over I’d do it a little different.

  144. July 29th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    ….shake that thing ….

  145. July 29th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    @Angela Paper is almost done. I’ve started collecting info on our project.

  146. July 29th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
    Kristen said

    Howdy! This is my first open mic night. I didn’t miss all the good troll stories already, did I?

  147. July 29th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
    Brooke said

    You see Trisha - when it comes to gardening and such - I am a reallllllll novice. So GREAT! Butterflies need sun and I got lots’o’sun.

    MN

  148. July 29th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
    Trisha said

    @Brooke - yes, they like sun and most of the plants you would want to grow for them like sun too. There are some that live in more wooded areas and some plants that do well with some shade, but over all you are in good shape with lots of sun.

  149. July 29th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    Been skimming the conversation.

    I think something important to consider is how to tell thoughtful criticism from people who are launching an attack.

    There is a tendency otherwise to tribe together and resist criticism from anyone outside of the group.

  150. July 29th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    #146
    Hi Kristen!
    Welcome!! Come on in!

  151. July 29th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
    Delaney Kirk said

    OK, really leaving now…My Dean Troll is going to want me to publish! Good night all!

  152. July 29th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
    Trisha said

    Brooke - what you’ll want to do is find out what butterflies are in your area and plant some host plants for those species and then pick out some good nectar sources too.

  153. July 29th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
    Angela Maiers said

    Liz, Liz…that is why I work in Hawaii…for the shoes! They are fabulous! Delaney-I will take a picture of my latest pairs and send. They are works of art!!!

  154. July 29th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
    Joe said

    we’re up to 2.115 comments per min & I haven’t written but two myself.
    You guys rock!

  155. July 29th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Lose the heard mind, but no the heard. Unless they are a bunch of worthless sheep. ;)

  156. July 29th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good night, Delaney!
    Have a great one until the next time!

  157. July 29th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
    Brooke said

    Thanks Trisha!

  158. July 29th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
    Kevin Ferrasci O'Malley said

    Got to go, best to all !

  159. July 29th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good night, Kevin!
    Thanks for stopping by!

  160. July 29th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    heard should be herd. :)

  161. July 29th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Todd,
    You have been excellent tonight. Consider me a fan. :)

  162. July 29th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
    Trisha said

    [sorry - OT]
    Action items from last week:

    1)Add please subscribe message - I did that and added an email form at top of page too

    2)Add page explaining subscribing - didn’t do this yet

    3) guest posting - not done yet

    Twitterfeed.com, WWSGD and Tinyurl plugin - don’t think I’ll do. I can tweet in person when I have new post, I already have a message to direct new users and I don’t know about that other plugin.

  163. July 29th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
    Carter said

    Re: Andrew Lightheart’s comment–

    I agree about the thoughtful criticism; seems when someone posts a question asking you to respond (even if it’s to criticism) with an idea that helps seperate insults.

    Ideas?

  164. July 29th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
    Trisha said

    Brooke - please if you have any questions, any time, please ask!

  165. July 29th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
    Mike Sansone said

    finally found an outlet, but now i’m pooped
    just came back to say g’night all

  166. July 29th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    I had a comment from someone objecting to a comment made by another commenter, then ended up with an attack (called her an imbecile, I think).

    So I edited the attack out, and emailed her and told her why I’d done it.

    Didn’t hear back.

    Not sure she qualifies as a troll, though.

    Wouldn’t troll-hood depend on doing this habitually?

    Sometimes people just post out of anger/hurt - we can all be forgiven for hot-headedness…

  167. July 29th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Andrew and Carter,
    If the atmosphere is inclusive to begin with . . . folks should have room to disagree just fine.

    Listening for the thought inside the emotions is useful practice. What shows the intent is how we respond and how that response is received.

  168. July 29th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
    Kristen said

    @Andrew - I think you are right about walking a fine line between honest criticism and trolling. But I also think trolls will often target a tight-knit group like that simply because it is a group that bands together.

    I think a troll likes to be that one voice with a different opinion. That way it is easy for him or her to play the martyr….”Oh those big, bad bloggers at suchandsuch.com” And it is also easy to play the intellectual snob…”Oh those ignorant, clueless bloggers at suchandsuch.com.”

  169. July 29th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Andrew,
    I think one comment, does NOT make a troll. We all have bad feelings that come out at the wrong times.

  170. July 29th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Action items from last week - I’m zip for three. UGH. Did have biz meeting with post SOBCon group and started laying out a biz plan. Lots of action items for moi.

    Can I ask folks to share one of their own posts they’d like someone to visit tonight?

  171. July 29th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    @Trisha

    I’ve just done 1) and 2) myself this week!

  172. July 29th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
    Carter said

    @LizStrauss–definitely agree with creating an open environment (in any situation, actually–conversation or social media).

    Seems like just knowing when not to engage a troll and “let it go” is the key (which a few people have said on some level tonight)

  173. July 29th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Kristen,
    I love your description. :)

    signed one big, bad, ignorant, clueless blogger. [grin]

  174. July 29th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
    Angela Maiers said

    Todd-Here’s one on JJL that has started a great conversation about lifelong learning

    http://www.joyfuljubilantlearning.com/joyful_jubilant_learning/2008/07/teacher-as-lear.html

  175. July 29th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
    Trisha said

    Can I ask folks to share one of their own posts they’d like someone to visit tonight?

    Sure - will our links get through though?

  176. July 29th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Yeah, Carter.
    The temptation is thinking that you can outtalk a troll. You can’t. :)

  177. July 29th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    I’m part of a meditation group, and there was a guy who posted comments online that were seen as disruptive.

    I think sometimes it was just a lack of people skills.

    And writing in a language that wasn’t his first language.

    Maybe we have to breathe a little when we have a comment that causes a reaction in us.

    I know I can find flaming, etc, pretty shocking for a minute.

    Then, Liz, I think you’re right - listening for the emotion behind (a la Non-Violent Communication and Byron Katie) can help a LOT.

    And as my friend Shannon says, if you spot it, you got it…

  178. July 29th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Here you go Todd,
    I really like this one from today . . . http://www.successful-blog.com/1/social-media-great-marketing-is/

  179. July 29th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Good point - remember to breath. I often encourage myself and others to do that before RE-acting and then chose to act.

  180. July 29th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Andrew,
    That’s a cool statement “If you spot it, you got it.” . . . I can think of a million ways that’s true.

  181. July 29th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
    Kristen said

    This one got me going and ready for the week after I wrote it yesterday…

    http://kristenmccormack.org/blog/2008/07/28/how-is-creativity-important-in-your-life/

  182. July 29th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
    Brooke said

    Thanks Trisha! I will!

    Great blog Todd - I rss’d and will be back!

    Well - I gotta go relieve the sitter! See you all later!

  183. July 29th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
    Trisha said

    I’ve got 2 - a good day and one that wasn’t so bad:

    Great butterfly day: http://is.gd/15G1

    not so good day: http://is.gd/16kZ

  184. July 29th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
    Kristen said

    Whenever I think about the “just breathe” advice, I always think of that Seinfeld episode. SERENITY NOW!!!!!!

    LOL - Anyone else familiar with it?

  185. July 29th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    And can I just add my partner has the best collection of Christmas Trolls you ever did see.

    One is dressed as a Christmas tree, one as an elf, one as a gift.

    The gift one plays ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’ when squeezed.

    And that’s without telling you about the Halloween ones.

    **wonders if he’s disclosing too much on something that Google with archive forever**

  186. July 29th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good night, Brooke!
    Thanks for being here!

  187. July 29th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    will

  188. July 29th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Andrew,
    Love every word of your comment 185!

  189. July 29th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Good night Brooke. Thanks!

  190. July 29th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    I *just* hit publish on this:

    http://tinyurl.com/63borj

    I made it specially interactive after being inspired by you, Liz!

  191. July 29th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Andrew,
    Check the link . . . :)

  192. July 29th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
    Trisha said

    I just came across a blog the other called ‘SERENITY NOW’ - and I wonder, now why didn’t I think of that?

  193. July 29th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    Hold on

    Try this instead

    http://tinyurl.com/5ahlod

    D’oh.

  194. July 29th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    @Liz

    so there I am trying to make intelligent contributions to the dialogue and you love my Christmas trolls more.

    Ok… I get it.

    :-)

  195. July 29th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Andrew
    Beautifully written and well-thought. The tough part is getting folks to invest 20 minutes of their time. . . . Hope you get lots and lots of interaction. :)

  196. July 29th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    @Andrew - wow, that’s a tall order post.

  197. July 29th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Now, I didn’t say I loved that MORE.
    :)

  198. July 29th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    @Kristen

    I like the way you summarise in your post. Clear and concise, but still juicy.

    And Julia Cameron is one of my all-time creativity heroines.

  199. July 29th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    [merely listening to the conversation tonight while munching on a Klondike]

  200. July 29th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Koontz fan? Please visit and give your advice? - http://www.toddrjordan.com/thebroadbrush/?p=327

  201. July 29th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    speaking of dessert Glenda…wife shared some Ben & Jerry’s with me. Yummmers.

  202. July 29th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    @Liz - yeah, I know. But there are several subscribers who love presentations, and are avid Ted.com watchers, so fingers crossed.

    As my Nan says, you don’t ask, you don’t get.

  203. July 29th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Also, one of my most underappreciated posts on the social in social networking - http://twurl.nl/rn1jmb

  204. July 29th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    @Liz Laughing at ‘I didn’t say I loved that MORE’…

    I’m a professional feedback giver (coached 3,500+ presentations and counting) and it’s good for me to notice how feedback is *heard*…

    Still laughing. Sigh.

  205. July 29th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
    Angela Maiers said

    Kristen-
    Love the post on creativity! Have you seen Sir Ken Robinson’s TED talk videos. He is a passionate advocate for creativity in education! Here’s a link to his original and also his latest presentation:

    http://www.angelamaiers.com/2008/07/i-love-sir-ken.html

  206. July 29th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Sounds yummy, Todd. Hi to Sharon!

  207. July 29th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Andrew,
    I trust you know your audience and that they do things for you. :)

  208. July 29th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
    Kristen said

    @Andrew

    Thanks for the pat on the back. I can always use those at the end of any day.

    And, yes, I could go on and on about Julia Cameron. Such an inspiring lady.

  209. July 29th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    I’ll give her a shout for you Glenda. :)

  210. July 29th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    thanks Todd.

  211. July 29th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
    Angela Maiers said

    Todd-
    Consider it now appreciated! It is all about the relationship, and with any…it take work, time, and investment!

  212. July 29th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Wow!
    Creativity and trolls with a little presentation skills thrown in. I’ve just been thinking about that combination tonight. :)

  213. July 29th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Thanks Angela and everyone for the great conversation, blog visits and friendly atmosphere.

  214. July 29th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
    Carter said

    Have a good night everyone–talk soon Liz!

  215. July 29th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good night, Carter!
    Yep, we have lots to keep track of these days. :)

  216. July 29th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
    Kristen said

    @Angela
    I have not. But that is bookmarked and on my list for tomorrow. Thank you.

    I live in Jackson, Miss., and all the public schools in the city limits have removed art from the curriculum. It is so frustrating that they refuse to recognize how fundamental arts are to children’s learning and development.

  217. July 29th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
    Mary-Lynn said

    Goodness, it took me 15 minutes to get through all the comments made thus far! I think trolls are those darn spammers! I’ve been seeing a nasty collection of spam that’s being held in Akismet. Then there are the content trolls who troll the internet to steal your content and put someone else’s name on it!

  218. July 29th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Liz,

    One of the best open-mic nights ever! Been some fast and furious conversation tonight.

  219. July 29th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Mary-Lynn!

    It’s been an interesting night!

  220. July 29th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    One of the most beguiling bits of audio I ever heard was Julia Cameron and Natalie Goldberg (auther of Writing Down the Bones) being interviewed together.

    First time these two giant writing teachers ever met. They’d even lived in Taos at the same time, but kind of avoided each other.

    I love interviews.

  221. July 29th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
    Kristen said

    Must relinquish the laptop to my fiancee’ and move on to more wedding crap. 25 more days….

    Nice talking with everyone. I appreciate the open-arms welcome. I will definitely be back.

    Night.

  222. July 29th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    thanks, Todd,
    I’m so glad you were here!

  223. July 29th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
    Todd Jordan said

    Okay, social break time and time to move the buddha belly around the house for a bit.

    Hugs and handshakes around.

  224. July 29th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
    Angela Maiers said

    Andrew-
    Getting lost in your blog! Great stuff there! Zander is amazing!

    Glenda-how was the Klondike?

  225. July 29th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Julia Cameron and Natalie Goldberg together . . . that would be something!

  226. July 29th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Helloooooo, everyone!

  227. July 29th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Why, Karen Putz, glory!
    How are you?

  228. July 29th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
    Angela Maiers said

    Helloooooo Karen!

  229. July 29th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Hi Angela! Klondike was good. Would you like one?

  230. July 29th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    I’m bummed tonight. I went to make an offer on a waverunner and it was sold just before I got there.

  231. July 29th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Hello, Liz, Angela, Glenda– who else is still here?

  232. July 29th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Hey Karen!

  233. July 29th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    Thanks Angela. **BEAMING**

  234. July 29th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
    Trisha said

    Hi!

  235. July 29th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Speaking of trolls, Liz– what’s the deal with that A gal/guy?

  236. July 29th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    Hey Karen

    I’ve been following you on Twitter this past week.

    Nice to meet you… in person (feels like that anyway - how do you do this Liz?!)

  237. July 29th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
    Trisha said

    I’m here sort of - on phone too

  238. July 29th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Karen,
    We all have a variety of “fans.” A friend of mine used to say if you’re a lucky person you can’t expect all of your luck to be good. :)

  239. July 29th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Hi Andrew– am I following you back? What’s your Twitter “handle?” Nice to meet you too!

  240. July 29th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    Angela - your blog looks pretty interesting too.

    I’m a fellow learning addict.

  241. July 29th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
    Robert Hruzek said

    Howdy, Everyone! Just had a few moments to stop by and say HOWDY!

  242. July 29th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Liz, that’s one interesting “fan” you have. I’m sometimes so shocked at the retorts and barbs she/he slings.

  243. July 29th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
    Mary-Lynn said

    Karen, sorry you didn’t get the Waverunner.

  244. July 29th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Hey, my favorite twenty-gallon guy!

  245. July 29th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    @Karen - On twitter I’m **checks** : alightheart

  246. July 29th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
    Robert Hruzek said

    Liz, that was a wonderful thing you did with the Blog-to-Show! Really great way to introduce us to so many new writers.

    Many thanks from the Zone to you!

  247. July 29th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
    Joe said

    Sorry I wasn’t round much tonight
    but the convo went on to everyone’s delight

    At a furious pace the words flowed round
    Til everyone drove the trolls into the ground

    Even though my time tonight was brief
    The Trolls and Spammers got ALL the grief.

    Burma Shave

    Nite Liz
    Nite All

  248. July 29th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
    Robert Hruzek said

    Howdy Karen! I’m afraid it’s down to about 5 gallons at the moment - suffering from brain fry after day 2 of an all day workshop…

  249. July 29th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Mary-Lynn, I liked your post today!

  250. July 29th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Aww, Joe, I didn’t see you earlier. Goodnight!

  251. July 29th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Welcome, Robert!
    Hat tip to you for stopping by before your trip!

  252. July 29th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Excellent!
    Good night, Joe,
    Sleepy Swell!

  253. July 29th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
    Robert Hruzek said

    Howdy, Liz! Actually I’m in Tullahoma Tennessee tonight and all this week. Using an extreeeeemmmmllllyyyy sloooowwwww “high speed” hotel internet connect!

    Ah well, at least I’m connected. :-)

  254. July 29th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
    Angela Maiers said

    Evening Robert-what was your workshop on? Just about to give a two day’r myself!

  255. July 29th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Very cool that you’ve come from vacation to visit, then, Bob!

  256. July 29th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
    Mary-Lynn said

    Karen, yes…we have “dishwasher” in common with our posts today! Sometimes kids can be trolls of your energy. So nice you have a little time to yourself!

  257. July 29th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
    Mary-Lynn said

    Karen, yes…we have “dishwasher” in common with our posts today! Sometimes kids can be trolls of your energy. So nice you have a little time to yourself!

    Liz, you are the inspiration for tomorrow’s post!

  258. July 29th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
    Robert Hruzek said

    Howdy, Angela!

    It’s a biz project I’ve been developing for the last three months. Our global community of practice is meeting to discuss/refine it for presentation to Management.

    This “thing” is the key to moving our earning up an order of magnitude over the next few years, so it’s kinda pivotal. Had no idea it was that important when I started it, though. :-\

  259. July 29th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Mary-Lynn– I’m really enjoying my week with no kids. I miss them a lot, but I’m sure enjoying my writing. Hoping to finish an ebook by the end of the week.

  260. July 29th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
    Robert Hruzek said

    So besides Trolls, who’s still on tonight? I see Liz of course, and Angela, Karen, Mary-Lynn (howdy!), Andrew(?), and looks like I just missed Joe.

  261. July 29th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
    Angela Maiers said

    Well, the conversation has been wonderful as always! I hate to go, but the morning run comes very very early! Have a wonderful night/or day all!

  262. July 29th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Go Karen go!!!
    Ebook in process yeah!

  263. July 29th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
    Trisha said

    I’m kind of here - still working on finishing my post for today.

    Is Liz still here?

  264. July 29th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good night, Angela
    Love the way your blog is turning out to reflect you!

  265. July 29th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Hi all - Johnny-come-lately here. How is the evening going with the trolls and all?

  266. July 29th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    Ok everyone - I gotta go get me some breakfast and start the working day.

    (I’m in Singapore!)

    Thanks for the warm welcome, I’ve put Weds mornings into my diary on repeat!

    And thanks Liz for your generosity. Inspiring.

  267. July 29th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Hi Robert, I’m here, sitting quietly for a change.

  268. July 29th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Tim!
    You brought Johnny-come-lately with you?

  269. July 29th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
    Robert Hruzek said

    Oops, didn’t mean to miss you Trisha! Howdy!

    Karen, good job finishing it up your ebook this week! What’s it about?

  270. July 29th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
    Robert Hruzek said

    Howdy Glenda! Didn’t see you, sitting there quiet like a mouse.

    Howdy Tim!

    Good night Angela, Andrew!

  271. July 29th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
    Mary-Lynn said

    Karen, congrats on your Ebook! Hi Robert, how cool you can relax in your hotel room and be here!

  272. July 29th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Yeah, I’m being the offline version of me tonight, Robert.

  273. July 29th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good morning, Andrew!
    So glad you came!

  274. July 29th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    I decided to write what I know– a guide to raising deaf and hard of hearing kids. :)

  275. July 29th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Hey Tim!

  276. July 29th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
    Andrew Lightheart said

    Thank you for having me.

    See you soon.

  277. July 29th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Hi Robert - how’s life?

    Hi Miss Glenda - dance?

    Hey Karen - what’s new with S&S?

  278. July 29th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
    Julie said

    I got a really great troll comment today in response to my discussion of the BlogHer article in the NYT.

    “We let women vote; I think we should leave it at that. I really don’t think women are suited for politics, business, etc. If there were decent money or political power in mopping, washing dishes, cleaning, etc, then women might be taken more seriously.”

    Lovely!

  279. July 29th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
    Trisha said

    time for me to go, getting pretty tired

  280. July 29th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
    Mary-Lynn said

    Well, I’ve gotta get back concentrating on articles for this week’s newsletter. It’s been nice visiting and I’m happy that I made it here BEFORE everyone was saying goodnight, unlike last week. I love the newsletter reminders you are sending out Liz!

  281. July 29th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    g’night Trisha

  282. July 29th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good night, Trisha!
    Thanks for being here!

  283. July 29th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    It was great to have you Mary-Lynn!
    Thanks for the kind words!

  284. July 29th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    I’d love to, Mr T. I was already for http://tinyurl.com/2orlbz now I’m not sure.

  285. July 29th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Tim, not much new. I filed a complaint against S & S in Illinois. May go the ADA route.

  286. July 29th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    It looks like it’s that time . . .

    Shall we say “good night?”

  287. July 29th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    drat, WordPress spat out my comment again. Sorry Mr T.

  288. July 29th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    No problem Glenda

  289. July 29th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Julie!!
    Everyone check out #278!!

  290. July 29th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda and Tim,
    The comment is back.

    Thanks, Julie, for bringing that prize. :)

  291. July 29th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    perhaps Liz will rescue it from the fish pond, Mr T

  292. July 29th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Goodnight everyone! Have a wonderful week!

  293. July 29th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    ah yes, see 284 Mr T. Thanks Liz.

  294. July 29th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good night, Karen!
    Good luck with finishing that book! Don’t dare stop until it’s done. :)

  295. July 29th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Miss Glenda - how could we go wrong with Seger? Talk about being a fan.

  296. July 29th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
    Robert Hruzek said

    Hey, I had to step aside for a minute. Looks like it’s nighty-night time, huh? That explains my yawning spells…

    Good night everyone; a tip o’ the hat!

    Good night Liz! Looking forward to your guest post at the Zone on Friday :-)

  297. July 29th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Karen - good luck and keep us posted

    Glenda - thanks for the dance

    Robert - good night, buddy - glad our paths connected briefly

  298. July 29th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good night, Robert!

    I think it’s good night everyone! :)

  299. July 29th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    It’s been a wonderful time!

  300. July 29th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Thanks Mr T. And Liz.

  301. July 29th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    G’night all

  302. July 29th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
    lou suSi said

    goodnite Trolls ;]

  303. July 29th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
    Dorothy said

    I get trolls on my photo site once in awhile. I like to do food photography for fun and it is pretty annoying when people write things along the lines of “Whats so interesting about…” I don’t think I’ve ever shot food with meaning behind it except that I want to devour it. Haha.
    Here is an example of what I mean:

    It’s the 12th comment from the top by WorldWideWiersma

    http://flickr.com/photos/dorotron/2616852137/

    Have a great week, Liz!
    I hope this is a relevant example. :)

  304. July 29th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
    Juggling Frogs said

    Oh no, I’m late. I got the right address, and I brought my link, but I missed all the fun. Drat.

    Here’s the link to a post from a year ago, called “Troll Food”:
    http://blog.jugglingfrogs.com/2007/05/troll-food.html

    Oh well. Goodnight everyone. Even the trolls.

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