trolling | Soldiers Magazine

Trolling and Flaming is even affecting Service Members' Families and causing harm. Are you noticing an increase in Trolling and/or Flaming? What strategies are you using to protect yourself and your Family when this happens? What if another Service Member came to you for help - what would you do?

"How can one truly tell the difference between a troll and flame, however? Well, one can follow a simple rule of thumb, by examining the words or picture in question and pondering it's intent.

The rule of thumb is as follows;
--- A troll is, in entirety, an action, verbal or physical, that has the sole purpose of inciting reaction from a person or group of persons.
--- A flame is, in entirety, an action, verbal or physical, that has the purpose of personal satisfaction besides that of gaining a reaction.

Now, to clarify, if the satisfaction is gained from the reaction itself, then it is a troll. However, if it is meant to intentionally harm a person or group of people, to satisfy ones own ego rather than to simply gain a reaction for 'the lulz' then it is a flame.

Now, the harm does not have to be direct. It can be indirect. However, one thing must be made clear; the line between flaming and trolling is not to be crossed. In retrospect, being trolled is like being in heaven compared to being flamed. Flaming only serves to harm, whereas aggravation is the key to trolling. One can get over being aggravated, one cannot as easily be healed from a flame. Flames leave scars, trolls just annoy you till you pay the toll."