Hippies and the “Flower Power” Movement?
It just up and disappeared with no explaination.
Usually when a thread gets deleted, it’s because the OP was a troll or returning sock puppet.
Smeghead’s explanation is correct. A couple of other threads started by a self-admitted troll were also deleted when he was banned.
It’s very difficult. On the on one hand, people have responded to the question (mostly to say that the OP was spouting nonsense), and there could be a useful discussion. On the other hand, we don’t want to encourage trolling – and if a trolling post is left visible, with responses, the culprit feels that warm glow of satisfaction. On the other hand, we understand that a troll can ask a question that spawns legitimate discussion.
But, generally, if a trolling OP has only a few responses, we kill the thread when we kill the poster.
And this thread belongs in the Pit, which is the area to ask such questions.
I am fairly new to the board…would you please explain to me the difference between trolling and starting an OP that has the potential to be controversial?
Trolling involves deliberately provoking people and saying things to annoy them rather than trying to argue a point.
From the About This Message Board section:
Q: What is a troll?
A: “Troll,” in the context of message boards and the like, describes somebody who is posting just to be confrontational or to raise hackles.
See Staff Report: What is a troll? (14-Apr-2000)
Q: What should I do when I see a user “trolling” at the SDMB?
A: Do not publicly accuse someone of trolling at the SDMB. Use the “Report this post to a moderator” facility below the “trolling” post. Do not reply to the troll in any way in the thread, that will only encourage the troublemaker.
Q: What if I’m not sure if the person is a troll?
A: Treat the person as a user in good standing. Respond to the post if you have something useful to add, otherwise say nothing.
Don’t worry too much about being mistaken for one, it’s a tough category to get into accidentally.
My apologies, I didn’t ask the question to flame anyone and it wasn’t a complaint.
I thought perhaps there was a techincal issue.