I’ve had a more indepth look at the paper to which I linked previously. You are certainly correct jiHymas in that the paper deteriorates into a far stretched tangent and unscholarly presentation. Perhaps I should have just chosen a few quotes, rather than link the entire paper. Admittedly I had not actually read the entire paper - just skimmed the first bits.
As you were hoping to use something similar, I have done another search but looking specifically for academically acceptable sources. The only one found that seemed appropriate was Identity and Deception in the Virtual Community by Judith S. Donath who is an Assistant Professor of Media Arts And Sciences at MIT.
From this paper you can also access the Communities in Cyberspace site which also offers all sorts of useful information.
Thank you Washte. It’s an interesting paper, albeit a little bit dated at this point. Not quite what I was looking for, though. A group of colleagues, including myself, are running for office in my professional association and use the site to discuss and promote our candidacies. The users of the board are professionals, many if not most of whom will be reading a message board for the first time. The trolls have not yet crossed the line where I am willing to cut off their accounts; but I did want something to reassure the newbies that such nonsense is common in cyberspace and its existence does not entirely undermine the credibility of the board.
So thanks, Washte! I enjoyed and appreciated the link, even if I can’t use it!