Dark Water

Recently it came to my attention that there is at least one message board, blog, or chat room dedicated to criticizing my film criticism and movie reviews. I have no problem with such efforts because, after all, it amounts to free publicity for me and works.

My concern with such efforts is their actual intent. A few years ago, for example, a message blog about my film criticism and movie reviews was brought to my attention. Somewhat pleased that my efforts have managed to garner such sustained interest and support I sought out the effort and found, to my dismay and disappointment, it was not what I was lead to believe it was: While the effort in question was about my writings the intent of it was to degrade and dismiss them instead of thoughtfully and reasonably considering them by way of due merit and value. When it became apparent comments made to this board were slanderous and libelous I made complaints to the providers of the board, and it was promptly shut down.

But getting back to the more current effort, the focus of which is my writings. Knowing that it might not be an appropriate venue but wanting to give the creator of the effort the benefit of the doubt I decided to monitor the contents of the effort without letting my presence known.

For several months the contents of the effort were incredibly civil and reasoned. Those who posted to this effort were among the most well-behaved individuals I have yet to encounter in life.

Then there came a person readily called 'a troll'.

For those reading this who are not familiar with the 'troll', a brief definition, now: A 'troll' is someone who, apparently, has a great deal of time on their hands, along with unlimited connect time, and who spends both, along with a great deal of effort and energy, visiting blogs, message boards, where they proceed to insult, harass, and actually threaten anyone who does not agree with them, and their agenda, whatever that may be beyond being a nuisance.

When it came to the message board dedicated to my writing this particular troll, from the first comment posted, made it clear he had no intention of making any efforts whatsoever to consider my writing accordingly and appropriately, and had only one goal in mind: To put down my writings and anyone who would demonstrate support, respect, and admiration for them.

Go To Page: 1 2 3 4 5