Closer to immature idiocy, actually, but it's at least close enough to get us started.

The following is a non-exclusive definition.

Trolling is:

1) when you make an assertion that's against the grain of the thread AND

  (a) you don't offer any support for your position OR

  (b) your offered support has repeatedly been rebutted, but you bring nothing new in, OR

  you're only saying what you're saying to rile people up

2) Trolling can also be a deliberate attempt to derail a thread

Keep in mind that simply because you're accused of trolling by one or two members, it does not automatically mean you're trolling, since some people don't use the term correctly. Were obieslut being serious, his post here would be an example of how people don't know what trolling is.

However, if half the thread is calling you a troll, perhaps it's time to examine whether you're not, in fact, trolling.

Paul: Your post history confirms that you indeed are a troll, maybe that's why you read the word so often. Trolling means stepping into a conversation just to rile people up, piss them off or just talk BS.

An example: Read obieslut post. Or just read your own posts.

*WARNING* this post may contain joke like material. this is not at all trolling or bashing of any kind. please note if you do not have a sense of humor you should not read this post for you may become enraged and post something you would otherwise not post. *WARNING*

not these orcs! these orcs dislike the horde in many ways and decided to break apart from the bastardly horde and become ninja orcs that have fun on friday nights by going out trolling.

Who coined the term trolling though? Why trolls? Why not dogging?

Trolling is generally just saying something that disrupts the thread or something that breaks the forum rules.  

If you would like an example in this thread of a troll, just look at Obiesluts post:

This is critisizing the site and making thread disrupting. Generally, on your first messup you get a warning since everyone messes up every now and then.  I'm pretty sure Obie has already been told this behavior isn't acceptable and he's been warned for other things.  So that means it's ban time for him.

Ok. *slowly moves along*

Messages intended solely to annoy and/or offend other users by going against the clear nature of a board, topic or chat room are not allowed.

^^^^Thats what trolling is, well to be honest proper trolling has to do with fishing when you actualy it dont matter that is just of topic.

No...that's called "derailing" a thread... ussually happen when the following words are used: SEX.. KH3.. FFVII and FFXIII..

*note: the last 3 are also used for trolling...

This site is pretty heavy in terms of bans etc. Trolling is subjective, but if your willing to restrict your democratic right to say what u think and feel most of the time you will be sweet.

actually.. it is of my opinion that it is the other way around

It's trolling when using opinions to support arguments

Trolling by definition is a state of persuasion contrary to the goals of persuasion. A troll makes statements in accordance with a desire to generate negative attention to themselves. A troll almost never believes the statements they themselves are making, and is in no fundamental way effected by negative responses. A troll has only one goal and that is to inflame other community members, because they view it as the purest form of manipulation. They troll to feel mentally superior to other community members.

The moderators on these forums are notoriously poor at judging trolling behavior. They often perceive a vehement poster as a troll, but will over look a obvious troll. The best way to spot a troll is to follow a simple check list. These are the five best criteria for judging trolling.

Length. Shorter posts are more likely to be produced by a troll. A troll prefers to optimize the negative response while minimizing the work load. Trolls do not have to go to great lengths to piss fellow community members off. There are a ready supply of posters who will give them the attention they desire regardless of how much effort they devote to their craft.

Stupidity. Part of the joke for a troll is to be taken seriously when their statements are patently absurd. More to the point stupidity is powerful bait to posters looking for an easy kill, and instant recognition themselves. Bottom line the dumber a poster seems to be the more likely it is all an act.

False facts, lies, and bullshit. For a troll these are tools of the trade. They compel other members to the defense. Encourage those posters to fact check and provide references, and make a strong case for debunking. Once again for a troll this is pure pleasure. They spent two minutes you spent four hours. More to the point base bullshit is like a red cape to a bull. Just argue the lost bullshit point forever.

Attacking. Trolls are more likely to attack other posters directly or indirectly. This is usually a pattern of conduct. They will like to toss out glancing blows, or highlight a poster as having a certain problem. Put a poster on the defensive, and you can turn any thread into a ready made furball all thanks to a few well placed insults.

Obsessive. Trolls are usually not very creative when they find something that works they tend to run it right into the ground. Sometimes its almost like a catch phrase. The repetition is annoying, and more to the point if it works on the community once it works over and over again. Why try something new when the old works so well. Once again it makes the troll feel superior. The statement is very true sometimes its so easy I am ashamed of myself.

Follow those five guidelines and you can out well over ninety percent of trolls. The rest are so innocuous that they are hardly damaging to a community in fact they are more fixture then anything else.