:Journalistopia

Boing Boing co-editor Cory Doctorow writes in InformationWeek about how to successfully manage online communities and not allow the jerks (or “trolls”) from taking over the discussion. From the story:

It can be distressing. If you’re part of a nice little community of hamster-fanciers, Trekkers, or Volkswagen enthusiasts, it’s easy to slip into a kind of camaraderie, a social setting in which everyone talks about life, aspirations, family problems, personal triumphs. In some ways, it doesn’t matter what brought you together — the fact that you’re together is what matters.

Then, almost without warning, your community goes toxic. Someone in your group undergoes a radical personality shift and begins picking fights, or someone new comes to the party with an agenda.

Check out the full story for more guidance on becoming a “troll whisperer.”

[Via Etaoin Shrdlu]
[Troll photo by aboveallprecious]

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