You know what I wish people would STOP doing? Accusing anybody with a low post count...

[Danger Mouse]

of being a troll.
I see it all the time. You know, we were all n00bs once. Just because somebody posts something you disagree with, doesn't make them an automatic troll. Give people a chance. Not all of the new users here are trolls, some of them just want to join in the discussion and get turned off when they get accused of trolling or asked if 'they like pizza' if their view is unpopular with a few.
In fact, I get fucking sick of the pizza references in every damn thread where somebody posts something that some other DUer's don't like. Obviously, posts saying Obama sucks or Nader/McCain/Palin/whatever rules are trollish and should be banned.
But for the love of God, if you can't take a bit of disagreement, then you need to grow a backbone.
Let's all just chill a little and give the n00bs a chance. If you think you see a troll, alert and let the mods do their work. Otherwise, let's not kick the shit out of new posters just because they have a low post count.

[Top Cat]

1. Thanks for posting this... I have been accused all week of being one

[Danger Mouse]

4. I'm sorry to hear that.

:(

[OwnedByFerrets]

16. I love Boondocks. Last nites episode about MLK was fantastic...nt

[Captain Lance Bass]

116. I agree I got low count after 5 years

people talk smack


grow the fuck up

[Rectangle]

132. Amen Elrond!!

[Pattib]

148. Me too...Low post count and have been here since day 1!

Even I am a bit suspicious at times but have never accused anyone of being a troll. For those of you that were here four years ago, on election night 04 there was a guy who had a pretty decent post count and strung us all along pretending to be a fellow Democrat for a couple of years. After it was apparent Shrub had won, he came clean. He was a major asshole too. Guess he had a lot of time on his hands.

[mamalone]

171. I remember that!

What was his name... do you remember???

[Bonn1997]

135. Ditto

I've been a dedicated Democrat my whole adult life and campaigned on the ground for Gore, Kerry, and Obama.

[kayell]

144. I'm a lot less worried about trolls than moles and

negative thinkers. I don't really care whether the negativity is based on repuke dirty tricks or depression they need to keep under control rather than spread it to others.

I evaluate people by what they post. Whether it's likely to help or hinder us.

[NutmegYankee]

153. Ditto!

And I'm even a donor! WTF? I just prefer to read more than post.

[JeffR]

2. Hear hear!

:applause: :applause: :applause:

Needed to be said.

[Midlodemocrat]

3. Welcome to DU!!! Enjoy your stay!!!

Troll. :eyes:


:hide:

[Danger Mouse]

5. OMFG, do you like pizza?

I think I hear the pizza truck. Tombstone pizza in the oven, coming right up!

[JeffR]

8. LOL. You're bad.

:spank:

:spray:

[scheming daemons]

6. It's not the post count... .it's the post count PLUS a "concern" thread, or a pro-McCain thread

[Danger Mouse]

14. Like I said...those are obvious trolls.

It's not just them that's getting accused.

[Bonn1997]

136. The two are different

A concern thread means you're a dedicated Democrat who's concerned about something and should be welcome here.

[polmaven]

161. But you'll agree

that there are "concern posts" and there are real, honest-to-goodness concern posts. There are also some here who will jump all over any post that doesn't agree 100% with their own opinions as troll inspired "concern".

I'm sure there are some who would start that crap with this post if the OP had a lower post count.

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Starry Messenger]

12. That could take a long time...it's a big website.

MPK

[JeffR]

13. Hang in and understand how thick the paranoia is right now.

There's ample reason for it. Don't be discouraged by it.

[Danger Mouse]

18. Yeah, you probably would've had a better chance if you hadn't said 'fuck this website' multiple time

Even longtime DUer's don't last long after that. :D

[Midlodemocrat]

30. Funny that the long timers take offense to that. We're so damned sensitive.

[rzemanfl]

82. You can't say that here? Thanks for letting me know. n/t

[cliffordu]

19. See ya, wouldn't wanna beee ya. Nice visit, though!

[Ellipsis]

21. And sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. *poof*

RIP

[Erin Elizabeth]

25. What.....part of it would you

like to fuck?

DU's armpit? Because generally that's seen as just a bit of cheeky fun. But if you are interested in anything else, people might get a little upset. And tense.

[cliffordu]

58. Or, conversely. they might feel relief at learning they are not THAT different

from everyone else...They are NOT alone in their "special needs"

:rofl:

[melody]

9. Why shouldn't one just grow a backbone and put up with a couple of troll accusations?

I got them constantly early on (hell, I STILL get them a couple of times a week). It's part of open discourse on a forum.
I'd rather be accused of being a troll than prohibit people's free expression when there is genuine cause for concern. We
have a HUGE numbers of trolls here. We are all right to be wary.

[cliffordu]

24. I got accused of being a troll a couple of times.....It happens, even with the most

honorable of intentions.

[Danger Mouse]

26. I'm just asking people to think a little before they show their ass.

That's all.

[cliffordu]

51. I agree. For me, I've been much calmer since I went half decaf.

I have to say that my instincts have been fairly good about attacking the right individuals, but I make terrible mistakes, too.

When I do blow it I apologize. Immediately.


Except Grantcart. I NEVER apologize to grantcart.

[melody]

63. Hey, some of us are proud to show our ass :)

:kick:

[MamaDem]

10. Thanks...I'm new and decidedly NOT a troll...just wanting to be around

people who think like me...took me a while to find this site but I'm addicted!

[Danger Mouse]

22. Glad to have you here.

:hi:

[cliffordu]

31. That will happen, You might just want to get rid of your pets, plants and divorce

your spouse right now, cause later it'll take too much time away from putting up really funny polls and perusing the DuZy's for the week....

[WhiteTara]

37. welcome to DU!

It's sort of like the eye of the storm! The chaff all blows away! Glad you are here
:hi:

[rzemanfl]

11. There are people here with more than a thousand posts who

I suspect are trolls. When I am suspicious I always just ask "When you fish, do you cast or just drag the lure behing the boat?"

[JeffR]

23. OMFG I can't believe you're accusing me like this.

And don't you dare reply, or I'll tell the mods that you're STOCKING me!!!!!!!111111111111111

[Midlodemocrat]

28. Series. Calling someone a troll is against DU rules.

I've alerted. That guy needs a time out or a tombstone.


:hide:


Elrond. See what you've done?

[cliffordu]

35. stocking....

:rofl:

[polmaven]

165. Are there any other locations

at which you are stocked? That might be interesting to watch! :rofl:

[dchill]

15. Exactly! I have almost 6000 posts...

and I might feel like being a troll some days. Unfair!

[Erin Elizabeth]

17. ALERTING!

:rofl:

BUt can I kick them in the junk? Can I give them a wet willie?

[lady raven]

20. It's been awhile, but

I have been called a troll (or it has been incinuated) a few times in the past. It's one of the reason I can't wait til I reach 1000+. I do get the sense that my posts are ignored by most. Then again, that could be my self esteem issues talking too. Who knows?
Anyway, I understand what you mean.

[deidara]

44. Meow.

[polmaven]

168. OH YEAH????

And just what is THAT supposed to mean???? Huh??? Huh?????

Oh, wait. My kitty just said the same thing to me, and he is really a very good Democat, so I guess you are OK!

Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[Pisces]

27. THere are some trolls with over 1000 posts which they think lends them credibility.

[rzemanfl]

81. Well, you can say that, but apparently I can't. Something is

fishy here Pisces. One of the ways you catch fish is by guess what? Trolling!!!!1111

[CarbonDate]

94. I generally suspect anyone....

...who has been here five days and already has over 1,000 posts.

zOMG! 200 posts/day fer five days? R U series?!!11!

But I generally judge by the content, not the post count. PUMAs and Naderites are trolls by definition.

[riverdale]

119. Nader rules !

Anyone who speaks out against Nader is a troll.

[sniffa]

155. How true

They're easy to spot though - sign up, and spam the fuck out of the lounge to rack up the post count.

[27inCali]

29. some people have been watching silently for a long time

but have a peculiar feeling that right now is the time to start speaking out louder and clearer......and in ways that do contradict a few pre-concieved notions. Facts get in the way of all Ideologies Left and Right.

[Mist]

32. Well at least lil' Johnny Hussein is TS'd. nt

[AllentownJake]

33. Its part of the process of being new

I was new here once. I got accused of being a troll for saying democrat party instead of democratic. I gave a seasoned poster my mybo page and a link listing me as a Team leader for the grassroots Obama campaign and it ended. They vouched for me in the thread people were calling for my TSing and that was that.

Some people just don't know the lingo of seasoned democratic campaigners and the Obama campaign is attracting people who have been interested but never that involved. Those people just don't know certain things. It didn't help I grew up in a GOP household where certain terminolgy was used.

Cut people slack. Alert. Let people defend themselves to the Moderators.

[Erin Elizabeth]

47. I made the same mistake about "Democrat" versus "Democratic"

OMG I thought the responses were going to make me cry. (That was not as Erin Elizabeth, but as a username I used many moons ago that I forgot the password to, LOL.)

DU and the internet in general has given me very thick skin.

[AllentownJake]

76. People were calling for my head

and it was thread thanking Howard Dean for doing a great job as chairman. I only had about 100 post at the time.

Thankfully I PMed one of the respected people here linked them to the local grassroots Obama website and mybo and they vouched for me.

Other new people don't have that going for them though.

[holiday]

34. thank you

I've been accused so many times.. I only stuck around because I desperately need dems right now lol

[Danger Mouse]

38. do people even look at the profile?

you've been here longer than a lot of DUer's.

[JeffR]

36. 2nd newbie TS'd this week for daring to have a sense of humor.

And it's not the mods who are to blame, it's the mob (with a B) mentality here. Pretty freaking sad.

[Danger Mouse]

40. Well, to be honest, he didn't help himself by freaking out at everybody...

but considering the heat he was getting, i understand it.

[Erin Elizabeth]

39. But seriesly, this is why when I had a low post count

I generally made innocent comments in other people's threads and didn't start my own. I knew.

At least DU has clear rules. I cannot STAND places that have unwritten posting rules that only the veterans know but they don't have to abide by. I found a weird place where, if you were a newbie, you HAD to stay ABSOLUTELY ON TOPIC in threads, but older members could go totally off-topic, no problem. And they didn't let you "have" the codes for smilies until you had been there a while. I got the hell out of there. Weird.

[Danger Mouse]

46. I guess they made it obvious they don't like new people there.

:)
At least it's more welcoming here.

[salonghorn70]

41. First, They Came For Those With 25 Posts

Then they came for those with 500 posts, then they came for those with 1000 posts. Then they came for us all.

[Teaser]

42. troll

:)

[populistdriven]

43. anyone under 100 posts automatically goes on my ignore list

[Longhorn]

45. Please alert on anyone who calls another a troll or notes a low post count.

It's against DU rules.

Thanks! :hi:

[Danger Mouse]

48. I think I'd wear out my alert button if I did that.

lol

[goodgd_yall]

159. Thanks for the reminder

I forgot that was an option.

[samuraiguppy]

49. I've been accused too.

I feel bad for all the good loyal peeps who get accused.

I had a couple friends try this site during the last election and they didn't last. Both were good democrats in real life--but one is a bit confrontational--that didn't work, the other was more of a moderate democrat--he only lasted a few posts.

Sometimes it is tough--because I would like to see love shown all around to fellow Democrats. On the other hand there are so many trouble makers who come here--that it gets hard to sift them all out...

[salonghorn70]

59. I've Survived Here As A Moderate Democrat

Of course, I have a sense of humor and I'm not confrontational. :hi:

[samuraiguppy]

62. cool--I am glad

you are here to provide your perspective.

From what I have observed--it can be tough sometimes for a more moderate person...

[treestar]

50. Why is it that they always have the bad news?

And try to discourage us?

It's not just nay low post counter, it's the ones who do an OP with hopeless attitudes and bad news.

[my2sense]

52. Happened to me this week because I merely

posted an observation. It was pretty discouraging - but I got over it. I'm a long time lurker that just started participating months ago.

[Erin Elizabeth]

56. Hey man, 11 more posts and you're gold!!!

Get after it!

[Madam Mossfern]

138. You're only 11 posts

away from 1000.

[The Hope Mobile]

53. We must make freepers pretty freakin nervous and stressed . . .

or they wouldn't put so much energy into undermining and disrupting our effort to get the truth out.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

54. I'd like to see the overall bitch-slapping slow down a little, too.

The people with the low post counts may catch the worst of it, but I've seen an increase in assholes who post confrontational responses that are just below the radar of the mods. In other words, a big "fuck you" to a fellow DUer without using the actual "F" word...but the message is still there, loud and clear.

I don't understand the pleasure that some people get from that, but apparently they do.

[Danger Mouse]

55. Makes little people feel big.

[OneGrassRoot]

134. Exactly. The anonymity brings out the very worst in some. Ugh. n/t

[goldcanyonaz]

57. Yep, not everyone lives here.

[Danger Mouse]

67. Speak for yourself, I sleep on a bench in the Lounge.

[rzemanfl]

87. Homelessness sucks. n/t

[Danger Mouse]

89. It does...and sadly it affects some of our DU family.

[salonghorn70]

72. I Am Shocked!!!!

Are you really saying that you don't spend every waking moment reading DU and posting? :)

[goldcanyonaz]

127. Yeah, LOL! My new job got in the way, bastards!

[mccain_pwned]

60. That's Odd... Cuz I distinctly remember you accusing me of being a troll just last week.

Before the admins slapped you down.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6978330#6980432

[Danger Mouse]

68. Well your accusation of 'willful ignorance' wasn't exactly a good way to

introduce yourself to the du community.

[mccain_pwned]

70. Spare me the self-rightousness of this thread.

I subscribe to reaity...not group think.(Not a crime)

When you're ready for a mea-culpa, feel free to post.

PEACE!

[Danger Mouse]

71. I apologize for calling you a troll.

I stand by my second reply to you, though.

[mccain_pwned]

79. Apology Accepted. It takes a bigger person to admit you're wrong

However, I'll have to differ with you on your statement.

There is nothing wrong with engaging in cynicism about strategy, polls, etc. And I don't think it necessitates I am a troll if I fail to engage in 100% optimism group-think mentality or if I question your blissful ignorance.

Peace!

[Danger Mouse]

88. I don't think of myself as blissfully ignorant. Just optimistic.

[mccain_pwned]

97. And that's cool.

Just don't chastise people if they are worried about election prospects, express cynicism with Obama's strategy, or posts something you determine being a "whining ninny". Some skepticism is healthy and questioning such things doesn't make them bad democrats.

In summary, we should all be tolerant of others -- not saying "Fuck em".

THANKS!

[CarbonDate]

101. A bit of humility when you're first stepping in the door....

...can eliminate a lot of the troll accusations. It's the same way as in real life: when you first take on a new job and right off the bat start insulting people and telling them what to do, you get tagged as an asshole really quickly.

Yes, you're new. Take a little time to integrate into the community before you start picking fights or you'll find your stay here will be short.

We're here to have discussions. Arguments is down the hall.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teMlv3ripSM

[Patiod]

61. TYFYC

aHHHHH!!! 7,000 posts and I've been accused of being a "concern troll"

Not a regular troll, mind you.


But a CONCERN troll

[Peacetrain]

64. In all honestly, it is not the post count... it is

a persistent negativity to the ticket in post after post in a thread. I have never accused anyone of being a troll, but I have made the observation that there have been a few whose whole purpose is to negate the canidates. And that is totally different than honest disagreement or good criticism. And you really can tell the difference.

Uncalled for and unsubstantiated attacks on the canidates or any of the democrats with no purpose other than to discourage well, not a good thing.

We are all low counts, and I certainly got warned off a couple of times, but I just figured it was the heat of the debate and did not take it personally.

[Alameda]

65. You know, not everyone posts. Some use the site for research and

rarely post....like me. O8)

I've been a $contributing member for a while, but hardly have time to post.....

[QC]

66. AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Recommended heartily.

[Newshues]

69. I've been here since Kerry lost

I don't post often, typically only around election season and even then I limit what I post on even if I think I have something to add.

With my post count, adding something I know will be unpopular but, IMHO, adding to a better understanding of the topic at hand, isn't something I'm about to do. Unfortunately, I'm usually only interested in the deeper discussions that result from questioning an assumption that goes contrary to the common DU wisdom.

I wouldn't be surprised if I'd been reported. I am very conscious that my post count could lead me into trouble. It does keep me from taking part more often. I feel I have to pick where I get involved carefully; finding an OP or response where the author comes across as being more interested in discovery/understanding than in making a point.

I avoid responding to correct someone's "facts" that confirm the common belief here even when those "facts" are demonstratively false. Nothing stirs up a mob quicker than taking away their "facts" when you have a low objective credibility measure - something post counts serve as a measure of.

It tough on new folks and people with low post counts. I suppose that the new folks who rush right in are actually weeding themselves out. Saying goes, fools rush in. Lurking here for just a day or two exposes that rushing in to post without care isn't the brightest idea in the world. Problem is we lose folks we can help grow.

[DeepModem Mom]

73. I don't quite get the amount of attention paid to possible "trolls."

Not the obvious ones, like the one upthread (it's their own time and effort they're wasting), but so many suspected of being "concern" trolls. I post some articles I consider valuable in minor forums instead of here at GDP because they might be seen as expressions of concern.

Who the heck among us is not concerned? If we were twenty points ahead, there would still be concerns. And it seems to me human nature that some are worriers, and see the glass half empty, while others are eternal optimists, and always see the glass half full. Some need to vent frustration and anger when we have a bad day (or week), and want to point out how things could be done better, and others are demoralized by that and don't want to see it.

I understand that there are surely some who waste time trying to demoralize supporters of the candidate they oppose by signing up and posting on a message board. But I guess it's not my primary "concern." (I admit that I'm hardly ever engaged in conflicts here, and could be naive.)

[salonghorn70]

77. True

No one wants the dreaded "Thank you for your concern" reply.

[SwampG8r]

91. well...

thank you for your "concern"

[salonghorn70]

128. No,Thank You

:rofl:

[eshfemme]

74. Yeah. It's getting really fucking annoying.

Seriously, it's to the point where it appears that DU is full of a bunch of paranoid tinfoil hatters who're just as authoritarian as the wingnuts. I have to admit that when I had a below 1000 post count, I had the benefit of my experience from lurking on DU to avoid making posts that were too inflammatory but some of the newer posters who just join straight off the bat wouldn't know about the history of freepers trolling DU.

Kinda like Thomas Jefferson and his whole innocent until proven guilty thing, I'd rather let a troll get through rather than scare off a like-minded compatriot. Is that silly of me?

[salonghorn70]

80. No, It Is Not Silly

Lots on DU agree with you including me.

[NYC_SKP]

75. For what it's worth...

I waited until I had a few hundred posts before starting an original thread...

Interestingly, most newby I've ever jumped has been banned, like this recent one: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=user_profiles&u_id=227350

So, I'm not jumping on anyone just for the low post count. It's for their disgraceful behavior and trollishness.

Though I have overreacted a time or two, but ended up making friends....they turned out not to be trolls.

[SwampG8r]

93. you talkin about me?

and i have to say not once have i tossed the troll word and not been proven correct almost immediately

[NYC_SKP]

110. You're the only one...

...with the power change my avatar.

that was awesome.

When I see trollish behavior and I'm in the mood, I'm callin' 'em on it....no apologies.

[Nye Bevan]

78. It's a basic, primitive, herd-type instinct

The established members of the group band together to ridicule, torment, exclude, and, ultimately, celebrate the "tombstoning" of newcomers who may or may not be what they claim to be.

If you think someone is a troll, alert on the post and let it sink. Why kick it to the top with that ubiquitous DU cliche "Thank you for your concern"? Oh, I think I know why. Because you are a self-important moron who really wants to say "Look at me! I'm so clever! I think I've spotted a troll!"

[rzemanfl]

86. Hey! Herd instincts are good! If you like cows, you can be the

Commissioner of Agriculture in Alaska!

[Zombie2]

83. To those people, I'd just like to say....

Trippin much?

Since re-joining DU (I use to post a bit back in 2002-03)... I've had ONE person welcome me and ONE person tell me that my "grade school posts are boring". The same stuff was going on back then and that's part of the reason I originally left.

I've already decided that I'm not here to make friends nor enemies. I'm not here to care about what anyone thinks about my low post count. I'm just here to get my read on and to do some venting.

[NYC_SKP]

92. Well, better late than never...

Welcome to DU! :thumbsup:

[Witchy_Dem]

84. Thank you for this post.

I appreciate it.

[Danger Mouse]

85. You are welcome, and welcome to DU.

:)

[stillcool]

90. It happens..

when we are inundated by trolls.

[Lithos]

95. K&R

The truth is, we get far more newbies than trolls. Even so, if you feel someone is a troll, use the alert system and involving yourself in the process. It causes us a lot of uneeded grief and pain.


Lithos

[nichomachus]

96. The "Welcome to DU" is also kind of passive-aggressive

when used for anyone who has more than 10 or 20 posts. It comes across as a way of putting someone down as a newcomer and not one of the "old guard." I've been a member here for over four years, but didn't post a lot until this past year. So, here I was with three years under my belt and over 500 posts and people were patting me on the head as if I were a fifth grader and "welcoming" me to DU. In some cases, I had been here longer than the person "welcoming" me.

If someone is truly new, go ahead, but a low post count doesn't mean someone is a newcomer.

[Shine]

107. Not everyone checks the user profile before welcoming somebody

I know b/c I've accidentally made that exact same mistake you mentioned, welcoming somebody who'd been here a while...and I hadn't looked at their sign-on date.

No biggie, either way.....but don't assume there's anything malicious or passive/aggressive meant by it.

:hi:

[Obamarulz11]

98. I was accused of being a troll on my very first post

It brought back memories as a freshman playing college football. "crab, cabbage patch, that shit."

I dont post concerns. i.e. the Washington state post, I want to get feedback on residents out there thats all, no concern whatsoever. I know the polls are bullshit.

I like to come here, shoot the shit, crack jokes about McCain wrinkly ass.
I really do like it here!

[Danger Mouse]

100. Like the sig pic.

[Obamarulz11]

102. Thanks!

[KathieG]

99. I joined over a year ago but didn't post much until recently...

I am VERY interested in this election, and now I can't tear myself away from DU...I love it here!

I think it can be a little intimidating around here for newbies. I know there have been a lot of trolls hanging around lately, and I understand that sometimes it's hard to tell a troll from a legitimate poster, but I think some people jump on posters a little too quickly...if they end up being a troll, it will come out soon enough...give them some rope and they will hang themselves. I'd hate to see an ally be chased off because of a case of mistaken identity. JMHO :hi:

[Mother Of Four]

103. I get scared to post sometimes....

(takes a risk) because I don't know how some things I start to type will be taken. In this medium of text you can't hear tone or see facial expressions, and it can lead to serious misunderstandings. I depend on this site, it keeps me sane instead of letting the world drive me insane. I visit many MANY times a day, and read up on everything like a starving woman would eat a Big Mac. It would mess me up to not be able to come back.

I can't tell you how many times I've started to post something, then deleted it. Especially since I'm a "convert", I look at the people on this board as a precious commodity and it reminds me every day how much different I am than some years prior. How much I value the changes made in my life, and the lives of my family.

On a light note...My dear sweet husband has started calling me "PJ" .....Political Junkie. :blush:


(clicks post message before losing her nerve)

[Danger Mouse]

106. Thanks for posting your thoughts.

:)

[iceman66]

104. Thank you.

[jkshaw]

105. Thanks Elrond, I have a low post count

and I've been a member since 2004 or 2005, and was a lurker before that. I received a snarky comment to a comment I posted, "Welcome to DU," he said. Didn't even know it was snark until I reread the thread later to find a follow-up to the snark. One of those things. Live and learn. I'm not even a noobie.

[Shine]

108. I don't get the "like your pizza" comment.

Is that supposed to imply that the poster in question is so stupid and lowly that they work as a pizza delivery person, or something? :shrug:

I'm totally confused about that and have never noticed those references, personally.

Weird.

[Danger Mouse]

111. 'granite pizza' is probably the most popular nickname for a banning.

[Shine]

114. I don't think I've heard that before and I've been here longer than you!

:rofl: but....I don't have as many posts as you, either.

Hey, you just had your 2 yr anniversary and my 3 yr is coming up. :toast: Cool!

[ret5hd]

149. It's a reference to Tombstone brand frozen pizzas:

[Borgnine]

109. Thank you!

This has been driving me nuts and it needed to be said. I'm not a huge poster here, so I sympathize with those who have low post counts.

[Overseas]

112. Waaaaaah!! Give the poor professional demoralizers a break !!

They're just trying to do their jobs and demoralize some Democrats. Can't we all just get along?

Some of them are pretty clever, too. We should just admire them and keep quiet!

[Party Line]

113. Well said

I've officially been on this board much longer than plenty of people w/ over a thousand posts, and lurking for years before that. Still, I have on a few occasions seen some pretty irrational crap posted about things I have said.

I chalk it up to this being a political board. Politics makes people paranoid.

[Canuckistanian]

115. Agreed. We once welcomed new members

Now, more often than not, the low post counters are jumped on if they even phrase something awkwardly or or post something ambiguous.

Sometimes, they continue to be attacked even after they've apologized. And that's bad form.

Think, people.

There are enough enemies out there already. Stop alienating your allies.

K&R.

[DefenseLawyer]

117. It starts with the post

Sorry, but I think your angst is misplaced. I appreciate the sentiment, but I see plenty of good posts from people with low counts that get no grief at all. You know why? Because they are good posts. However, I also see a fair share of bullshit posts. No, not "things I disagree with" but bullshit, with deep concern and links to drudge or World Net Daily, and "let me reprint verbatim a page full of lies and say 'could this be true?' at the bottom". And yes, many times the deeply concerned drudge quoter has a low count, although certainly not always. (As an aside I have noticed that they also generally have the most stereotypical far left name they can think of, which makes me laugh. "ILoveTrotsky" says "I am concerned!") But it starts with the post. The person gets called out for content, at least in the threads I bother to read.

[nolabels]

123. Yep, that's how i see it too

Post count is about fifth or twentieth on my list to look at when i wonder about another poster, or at least it was. Every election is just like this though, we get a big influx and half of the new frequent posters seem like ....well you know :think:

[BlooInBloo]

118. (shrug) It's to be expected of low-counter people who post so as to undermine Obama....

To pretend there hasn't been a large influx of trolls would be just plain stupid.

[friedgreentomatoes]

120. low post-count....

......doesn't have to mean the person is a troll.
however there are many many trolls, so...what to do? :shrug:

[TooRaLoo]

121. Some are just obvious.

It's content I go by, not count.

Heck, I got called a troll by someone who was blatantly trolling! LOL.

[NYC_SKP]

122. A post earlier this evening, by a brand new member....

represents a fair example of one which deserved a challenge, but it wasn't nasty enough to alert...

....when I first read it, claimed to be parodying an earlier (now locked) post about a member's negative first experience at an Obama office.

The subject line was something like "I met Obama today", and it went on to say he had just a few kids nearby, and then Obama punched him in the face.

It wasn't funny, it looked to me like a challenge to DU, a shit stir, and I had some pretty nasty things to say to it.

I'm not going to apologize. If it was a sincere democrat, it sure was a stupid one.

No attempt was made to amend the post, just defense of it as "sarcasm". I don't care, it wasn't funny and it wasn't productive.

DU, meet John Hussein McCain: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=user_profiles&u_id=227350

No apologies here, and sorry to all the new members who get the occasional thumping.

Welcome to DU.

[bridgit]

124. Makes sense to me, even though that was what I was accused of when I had...

a low post count (goddess bless the 'word association thread' :bounce:), oh yeah, the long sticky pointy stab'y knives came out from within spooky little covens filled with prickly tongues to be sure so maybe it's a good thing after all that some at DU are not able to change even if & when DU's cyber-life may depend on it :thumbsup:

[SweetieD]

125. Here Here! Representing the Low thread counters

I lurked before I joined. I lurked for a few months but just joined this week.

[progressivebydesign]

126. This, including your post, is part of the natural life-cycle here at DU.

It's been played out every few months for the past 7 or so years that I've been here. New posters are attacked, a veteran poster says 'stop attacking people just because they're new", some new posters are trolls who are discovered soon enough -- and others go on to be contributing members of the group. Oh, and I guarantee to you that there are many HIGH count posters that are every bit troll, and will either out themselves spectacularly after the election or will be found out eventually (like the ones that seem to love to post negative poll numbers from internal republican polling firms.)

So.. as always, don't accuse people of being trolls just because they have a low post count. If they act like trolls and it's not an honest mistake, then the pizza monster will get them in the end. And to the trolls posing as long-time posters... you will be found out.

[LaydeeBug]

129. It happens to me too...along with "where is your profile"? As though I OWE them something

it's against the rules here AND it's just fucking rude.

[TexasObserver]

130. It's the lamest thing ever said here, and it's against the rules.

When someone starts a thread or makes a snarky comment to others along the lines "it sure does seem like a lot of low post members are suddenly urging us to (fill in the blank with the storyline of of the accuser's choosing)," it makes them look incredibly vacuous. It's the sort of thing one expects from the sorriest person at the local pub when "a college boy" walks in.

If a comment is stupid, it's stupid whether the poster has been here 7 years or 7 days. Time as a poster at DU has ZERO to do with quality of posts. There are people who have been here 7 years who never have anything to say worth reading. There are posters who make sound observations the first time they post.

Beating up on newcomers is pathetic, and that's why DU has a rule against it.

[Party Line]

131. It is happening to me right now

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x7062678

[JustAnotherGen]

133. I guess I have a low post count

And I posted something on Thursday that quite a few people didn't like. Early into the thread I got the 'troll' reference.

Here's the thing - On Facebook, I had a dear friend of mine from University post: A - you would be so proud of me. I'm watching the DNC.

This was a hard right Long Island Democrat 14 years ago. Actually worked for Lazio. :puke: She's a great woman who now realizes - she's not as wealthy as her parents are, hooked up with a Southern Democrat, found her Wiccan roots - and no longers believes in the Republican Way of Life.

Know why? I asked her the third time she was laid off - "M - Do you really think these people have your best interests at heart?" This third time? No health care, no safety net, no savings.

Anyone who would accuse me - the woman who was registering voters in 2004 in one of the worst parts of the city of Rochester . . . who worked with me to get Clinton elected to the Senate, who stood outside with me to greet Mondale/Ferraro when I was ten . . . Would never accuse me of being anything BUT a Democrat and a Liberal.

It's something I'm known for.

All that said above: From being at message boards, being an admin at one, a moderator at several since the late 90's -

It's always a good idea to remember: It's only the internet. It's just some person you've never met sitting at their computer. They can think whatever they want and type whatever they want in response to you. And people will type things on the internet they would never say to you IRL.

It's good to always remember, it's only the internet. If you know in your heart, if the people whom you touch daily know in THEIR heart that you have the best of intentions and that you are a Liberal - whaddaya care what a bunch of 'typists' on the internet think? ;-) I sure as hell don't. And they sure as hell aren't with me at the Essex County food bank volunteering, they didn't see me volunteering for 5 years with LVA, and they definately did not see me volunteering with at risk teenagers to get them on the right track.

In light of that and I posted this on a private thread at another web site to a woman I've belonged to at that site for many years and she joined here during this election season: Democrats/Liberals - we come in many shapes, sizes, colors, etc. etc. We come from different backgrounds, levels of education, perspectives on life. We have to be cautious that we don't become so 'close minded' about what it means to be a Democrat that we can shut out those who don't color inside of the lines of our perceptions.

[all.of.me]

137. Why are post counts even displayed? They're irrelevant. Admin should remove them.

I have seen people on this board for 5+ years with maybe 400 posts. I have seen new people with over 1000. Posts don't matter. Why doesn't the Admin remove them? They just create more divisiveness.

[JustAnotherGen]

139. Good point re: time v. post count

This is my 1001. I've only been a member since last August.

[all.of.me]

140. Thank you!

And welcome to DU! :)

[JustAnotherGen]

143. Your Welcome

And keep in mind - I don't think I really started posting until November/December. So in the past what? 9 -10 months? Some of us probably say 'less' but more instead of the sage ones that post much much more than less. :rofl:

[renie408]

141. Low post counts?? Hell, Yesterday I got accused of being a troll!!

I got accused of being a 'republican operative' because I blew up in a thread I thought was exceptionally whiny and negative. The weird thing is, I was DEFENDING OBAMA when I got called a 'Republican operative'!!

[Rockholm]

142. I have been telling people at work about DU...

If they start posting they will be a welcome addition to DU.

[dgibby]

145. THANK YOU!!!

I've been here well over a year, maybe 2, and, although I have commented on many posts, I've never initiated one myself, and believe me, I am definitely NOT a troll! I am so glad I found DU. I feel like I'm not alone or crazy (ok, well, maybe crazy) in my beliefs, the sinking feeling and outright fear I have about this country and what's going to happen to us. In fact, you guys are like family, and I know that when I need info, a pick up, or just affirmation of my feelings, I can come here and feel like I belong to something good, to something that is making a real difference. In addition, I have gained invaluable knowledge about politics, economics, etc. So, from a no poster, thanks for being here, DU!:hi: :kick:

[Tampa Rob]

146. Thanks...I don't post much, and I don't get the Pizza reference.

But I'm no troll, and just because I might have a slightly different take on a subject doesn't make me a Freeper.

I might be too engaged - if we lose this election, I may swear off political research at all costs, simply because the truth DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER to half the country.

We should be a 60/40 EASY majority in this country. It breaks my fucking heart that we are not.

TR

[Raine]

160. Check out post no. 149 it explains

it all :hi:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7061154&mesg_id=7067812

[No Passaran]

147. don't worry I get that all the time

I've been here since the beginning and my low post count is due to multiple tours of Iraq and hospital stays. I still get those double takes.

[DiamondG]

150. hear, hear. nt

[Vickers]

151. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

Enjoy your stay!

[BlooInBloo]

152. We're not. We're accusing people making troll-like posts....

It just so happens that many of them have a low post count.

[sniffa]

154. There was a pretty funny noob last night that got swarmed

he eventually fought back (pa's) and he was banned. I didn't think he was a troll, but maybe a zombie. :shrug:

[sunnybrook]

156. this is a very good point

I have been coming here for years, but only post occassionally, though I have been doing more lately.

[patomime]

157. I've been here quite some time...

and read at lot in order to feel I am in the Democratic family, without posting original comments. It may sound stupid -- but I feel that I learn more by reading what my "family" has to say and jump in wherever I feel the need.

I think at lot of DUer's may feel this way. If we all "talk" at one time instead of listening, we may miss important points. (Yes, I do have original thoughts - just not always good at expressing them).

The posts that I like I respond to. The ones that I don't, I just ignore -- and walk away. Most of us are thinkers and can do the same, or not -- as the case may be.

Love to my family Democrat

:grouphug:

[goodgd_yall]

158. I agree completely n/t

[Forkboy]

162. Oh great...a high post count troll defending the low post count trolls.

:hide:

:evilgrin:

[proud patriot]

163. I love your Wall-E Sig Pic

Great flick

[Danger Mouse]

174. Thanks

=) I liked it SLIGHTLY better than Dark Knight. Both were amazing.

[codjh9]

164. Thanks. I've been here on and off for years and had someone a day or two ago

say 'Welcome'... huh? I had 400+ posts at that point.

[Abugface]

166. They can call me a troll

I'm new here but I don't mind. I've been lurking for a long time and I suspect some of the post count trolls and concern trolls are just freepers playing games and upping their post counts. Let them waste their time on me :scared:

[JoFerret]

167. Absolutely. Some of those with high counts are often beyond the pale.

Totally!

[Fractasticlicious]

169. Yeah, really!

My concern is noted.

[100AcreWood]

170. Having just signed up

I was looking for a "safe" place to post. I guess this might be it. Hello. I'm from Deep Blue Massachusetts.

[progressoid]

173. Welcome!!

This place is lots of fun!!

(but it can also tick you off sometimes :) )

[Fluffdaddy]

172. Elrond Hubbard ....................THANK YOU

[apnu]

175. Hell, I got over 3K posts and I get called a troll.

Folks nerves are jangled here. Everybody is way to intense with eachother. We're all on the same side right?

OK, well not the freeper plants, they can step off.

[PatriotGames]

176. Totally agree...

unless they ARE a troll. LOL!