Scratch

===What is flamebait?===
I'm sure you've heard about trolling. If you don't, here's a quick summary:Trolls are internet users who clog up the forums with topics like "I hate this project" and "This user is dumb". However, some of the smarter trolls are more dangerous than that. These "flamers", instead of stirring up trouble, post something designed to make people argue(a flamewar), and let them do all the dirty work for him. The topic which starts a flamewar is sometimes known as flamebait, and this topic helps you recognize and deal with flamebait.

===How do I identify flamebait?===
Sometimes flamebait is obvious, mostly not. If a troll is smart enough to be a flamer, he is also usually unfortunately smart enough to hide the flamebait subtly. After all, when you're fishing, you don't attach a sign to your worm saying "Don't eat me, you'll get hooked!" But you can still spot flamebait by watching out for these signs.

1)Controversial. (Example:"Justin Beiber is a scumbag!"
2)Rude to a specific person, object or idea. ("Republicans suck.")
3)Very "ism"ish. ("I don't like organized religion.")

Disclaimer:I do not support any of the above examples. They are, obviously, examples.

===What do I do now? Troll them back?===
Absolutely not! That will just make it worse and you'll, most of the time, start a flamewar. Instead, you should tell them politely not to flame, and if they persist, remind them. If they troll you back or keep posting flamebait, report the topic. Soon, a mod will close it and you'll have the last laugh. Is it really that simple? Yes! Why do you think there's such a small amount on flamewars on Scratch? 


Thank you for taking the time to read this wall of text, and Scratch On! 
-Helltank

Last edited by helltank (2010-11-12 08:30:05)