The Troll Cap

I love this idea from 37 Signals in handling abusive comments. Rather than simply deleting them, they will take the approach of shaming the abusers with a Troll Cap. Though it is doubtful that those who troll will really feel much shame, at least it serves an educational purpose of teaching others what is considered trolling behavior.

This is definitely an idea to put in Subtext at some point.

Comments

7 responses

Jeff Atwood • February 6th, 2006
You want my opinion? This will be about as effective as throwing gasoline on a fire. It's the equivalent of giving them an award.

Jeff Atwood • February 6th, 2006
p.s. your gay

Haacked • February 6th, 2006
Dude, at least I can write proper grammer. I think you meant to say "You're gay", which is true. I am very happy.

But thanks for your opinion. You are probably right. I didn't think it would shame them at all, but I didn't consider that it would actually do the opposite. Good point.

simone@piyosailing.com (Simone • February 6th, 2006
It will also mean that user must be authenticated to post a comment...

I'll never post comments if I have to login before doin it

Robb Allen (Sharp as a Marble) • February 6th, 2006
The best way to deal with trolls is ignoring them. I've always wanted to implement a system where users who troll are marked as such by the admin. Future posts, due to security restrictions, allow the troll to read his or her own, but it marked as "READ:DENIED" for everyone else. Therefore, the troll will wonder why no one is responding and simply go away.

And I'm actually all for logging in to comment. I've seen some larger sites do it and actually improved their comment sections. Me? I've got 30 regular readers, so requiring sign up would kill the 2 comments a week I get (on par with posts, I guess).

The whole anonymity online thing is what breeds trolls and trollish behavior. That's why I use my name when posting - keeps me somewhat honest.

Scott • February 6th, 2006
Does it come in green?

vern • February 7th, 2006
While I'd rather not debate your gayness, I agree that it will probably do no good, or more harm than good.

That being said, I'd LOVE to see this become part of subText!

I also second Simone; no comment if login required... Mostly for the reasons Robb indicated; the few readers I have will probably NEVER comment then.