Anatomy of a Troll

This is just one type, but it's been very effective over and over (and over) again on Usenet (newsgroups) and here.

It begins with the troll accusing participants of bad behavior.

Possible results:

Participants point out proof of good behavior - defensive

• Troll accuses them of avoiding the issue or ignoring faults
• Participants are on defensive, and must now explain why they feel they aren't ignoring anything.
• The fight continues

Participants assert behavior isn't that bad - defensive

• This is a defensive position. Participants must try to explain the bad behavior that exists, and it does exist in any human community.
• Participants are stuck explaining human behavior
• Troll will point out that being human doesn't justify bad behavior
• Participants find themselves try to explain everyone else in the forum
• The fight continues

Participants point out that accusing people of bad behavior illicits said bad behavior - offensive

• Troll points out that people behaved badly of their own free will
• Troll points out this proves their point
• The fight continues

Participants directly attack troll - offensive

• This is proof to the troll of bad behavior
• Fight will continue, with troll acting as hurt party.
• Troll now has grievances with individuals instead of the group as a whole
• Troll may get sympathy posts from some participants
• Fight continues, with previously friendly participants choosing sides and arguing with one another instead of just the troll.

Participants ignore the troll - inoffensive

• I've never seen this happen successfully
• I believe the troll will either continue to post to the same thread until someone bites, or they give up and try again later.
• If they're anonymous, they may post as with different names just to keep the fight going until someone bites. Guests can change names fast and frequently if they seem to need support.(I have seen that happen here.)
• Fight ends, unless troll continues to talk to his/herself

This isn't inclusive, just some examples. There are other tactics, such as asking the troll what they expected, or questioning why they spend so much time in a place they obviously hate.

In short:

• Those arguing from a defensive stance will lose because they let the troll set the direction of the fight.
• Those arguing from an offensive stance will lose because they not only further provoke the troll, but they bring others into the fight.

• Those arguing will lose.
  It's the trolls game, they make the rules and there's no possible way they'll allow you to win. The object is to keep the fight going with as many participants as possible, and keep everyone angry.