Casual misogyny, the series of subtly trolling OPs, 2 different behind the scenes red flags, general moderator consensus that they were also more trouble than they were worth. Generated a lot of chatter in the Modloop, user notes and on flag discussions.
The tech stuff we don’t discuss to avoid helping those behind such socks.
As to the trolling, it was a somewhat subtle trolling that doesn’t become obvious until you look at their body of work. They started 35 threads over the past year and these were well designed to encourage angry replies from members.
Besides the $250 hotel incidental charge for “unauthorized” tampering with HVAC controls.
They love starting these not quite blatant troll threads:
This was another recent big winner for a troll: Should restaurants get rid of the kids’ menu?
Though this one did not get their hope for results:
The association between coolness and hedonism
Trolling, though in the Pit: Hey night auditor, I can send as many elevators to the top floor I want!
Discussions about sex, where to draw the line? in ATMB, set off by a modnote that could easily have been a warning from @Aspenglow
Have you ever been attacked by a random stranger? Any attempted attacks?
Ever noticed how the “racial ratio” of a place changes overnight?Ever had any strong suspicions that you’ve encountered a narc?
The What’s going on with guys who sound like “Boomhauer” (character from King of the Hill show)? thread really pushed into the more blatant trolling level.
The rest of the topics starts can be found here: https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mw_degen_gamblr/activity/topics
Their shtick is too start a thread with a controversial topic and then reply with just enough aggravating ignorance to keep way too many board members engaged. It’s pure bait and hook. Don’t feed the troll and don’t let them bait you. Swim elsewhere.
The beauty of this particular trolling is that they’re succeeding in making participants fight with each other, rather than the instigator.
Credit where credit is due. This is as good as the best I’ve seen during the epic days of USENET.