Re: Generic Delegate Types explained (example)

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance



On Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:23:07 -0700, Chris Dunaway <dunawayc@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

[...]
Sometimes you have to refute a post, even if you know it will result
in a long discussion like this one. Without some sort of refutation,
those who come here to learn (like me) might get some erroneous
information.

I'm of a mixed mind on the topic. For sure, there is no need to reply with anything other than "that post was entirely incorrect". An extended discussion is not necessary.

But beyond that, this is an unmoderated forum and readers _should_ be taking care to consider the source when reading a post. There is already ample evidence that Ray doesn't have a clue about C#, and any reader paying attention should be able to pick up on that easily just by reading past threads that involve him.

The real problem is that responding to the trolling posts just encourages the troll. Even if all you say is "that was entirely incorrect", that provides an opportunity to the troll for him to respond with another post. People need the intestinal fortitude to just let him post ridiculous things, and trust that they are so ridiculous that any reader paying attention will recognize them as ridiculous.

I agree with you that there is some risk that some people will be misled. But there's a lot of great content in this newsgroup if you ignore Ray's additions, and anyone having trouble trying to figure out something Ray might have suggested can be quickly brough back on track if and when they post a follow-up question that someone who knows what they're talking about can help with.

I don't have any solid proof, but it's my belief that the risk to the quality of the newsgroup related to replying is greater than that related to not replying. In the long run, I believe we'll be better off not replying at all.

Pete
.



Relevant Pages

  • Re: Generic Delegate Types explained (example)
    ... that my OP was troll bait. ... was learning about generic delegate types, ... you're talking down to me and the reader. ... you suggest people only reply to people replying to my posts. ...
    (microsoft.public.dotnet.languages.csharp)
  • Re: Where the hell are Grimm, Nikita, CSI:NY, and Fringe?!
    ... Some people can't be as swift as you and they end up feeding the ... She was pulling all this same troll feeding crap months ago, ... replying to him when your post your warnings because there's no other ... Most of the regulars, nope ALL the regulars, would not know their ass from ...
    (rec.arts.tv)
  • Re: I met AJ at the Manowar show.
    ... You've yet to stop replying to me, ... were leaving troll bait in alt.music.kiss and indirectly replying to ... take long to throw together a few troll posts and come back to you ... Heaven's On Fire half a ballerina dance that he does.- db ...
    (rec.music.artists.kiss)
  • Re: Is anybody there ( 22.20 hrs ref point)
    ... La Puce off for replying to trolls. ... troll to pipe it down as he was becoming abusive. ... replying to Tony because he kept telling me to stop posting to ah. ... b) he became a friend and not only to me ...
    (uk.rec.gardening)
  • Re: "I Promise to NEVER Tell Other People Not to Respond to Gary" RGP petition
    ... ridiculous pleas to "stop replying to the troll," as it simply doesn't ... I would like to sign a petition to vanquish petitions from RGP. ...
    (rec.games.pinball)