Reply To: A Study In Trolls

There is also another kind of troll, and that is the good troll.

The good troll is similar to (2) in many ways, but there are very important distinctions between them. Good trolls are a) open about their trolliness; b) do so in good nature; and c) will not push it too far (such as to make a troll comment in the middle of a very sensitive discussion). They are trolls in the manner that they will not hesitate to make exaggerated, facetious comments, even about serious matters. The key difference between them and the bad trolls is that those who have been around the good trolls are fully aware that their trolliness is simply a form of satire.

Anyone considering the path of the good troll needs to consider that the line between a comedian and a complete moron is very thin. And even comedy sometimes gets annoying. So use with caution.