Trolls on the board

[+ Hung_Cody]

Hey Guys,

I've noticed that especially over the last few months there is an increase in trolls and users that are likely "bots" on the board. In a couple cases I have complained but I understand free speech and until these trolls or bots break the rules, they will likely roam free.

 

I care very much about providing accurate and helpful information here and I'm extremely grateful for what this community has provided me as well!

 

I can't tell you how many times advice from users here has saved my ass and saved my wallet!

 

That said, since the trolls and bots seem here to stay, I'd like to caution everyone (well at least the real souls and kind, good folks) to be careful about what you disseminate and who you engage with.

 

I'm sure many of you already know what I'm talking about and WHO I'm referring to, but here are some pointers regardless:

 

1. Be wary of people who consistently post nonsense, gibberish, or random things that don't fit in the conversation. I understand that English isn't everyone's first language, and that's fine, but one tell of a bot is that grammar, comprehension, and continuity are way off.

 

2. Beware of trolls seeking personal information on specific escorts (or clients). I'm generally happy to share information that's helpful to a similar guy who's looking to hire and there's something he likes or doesn't like that one or another escort can or can't provide. However, when someone (or someTHING) starts asking for specific details of a meeting or for things that would possibly identity me or the escort, warning flags go off.

 

3. Beware of users who repeatedly ask for information already contained upward in the thread or in other threads or for information that's clearly already been verified by reputable users.

 

4. "Common Sense" isn't common enough unfortunately, but it's still a trait that bots do not replicate well if at all; when you read a post that's just plain stupid or asinine, it may not be a real person posting it.

 

5. Users new to the board who spar with and antagonize longtime, reputable members either have an agenda to discredit or distract or to otherwise cause trouble are likely trolls or bots.

 

Overall, when you encounter these type of posts or direct messages, I recommend that you ignore and don't engage. Engaging allows them to continue the conversation and keep their threads visible.

 

This website is so wonderful and it's a shame that trolls & bots who seek to misguide, collect information that they can use for nefarious purposes, and otherwise pester good people should taint the experience.

 

I also encourage anyone who encounters this type of behavior to speak up and report it to moderators.

 

Good luck, and stay safe!

Cody

[big-n-tall]

I absolutely agree with what you stated.

 

Personally, I have given serious thought of pulling back from this forum. I won't make my grand exit and swear to never post again. LOL!!!

I'll post from time to time and answer questions from people if asked directly, but I think I won't volunteer info/opinion anymore after today.

[Cliff]

Hey Guys,

I've noticed that especially over the last few months there is an increase in trolls and users that are likely "bots" on the board. In a couple cases I have complained but I understand free speech and until these trolls or bots break the rules, they will likely roam free.

 

I care very much about providing accurate and helpful information here and I'm extremely grateful for what this community has provided me as well!

 

I can't tell you how many times advice from users here has saved my ass and saved my wallet!

 

That said, since the trolls and bots seem here to stay, I'd like to caution everyone (well at least the real souls and kind, good folks) to be careful about what you disseminate and who you engage with.

 

I'm sure many of you already know what I'm talking about and WHO I'm referring to, but here are some pointers regardless:

 

1. Be wary of people who consistently post nonsense, gibberish, or random things that don't fit in the conversation. I understand that English isn't everyone's first language, and that's fine, but one tell of a bot is that grammar, comprehension, and continuity are way off.

 

2. Beware of trolls seeking personal information on specific escorts (or clients). I'm generally happy to share information that's helpful to a similar guy who's looking to hire and there's something he likes or doesn't like that one or another escort can or can't provide. However, when someone (or someTHING) starts asking for specific details of a meeting or for things that would possibly identity me or the escort, warning flags go off.

 

3. Beware of users who repeatedly ask for information already contained upward in the thread or in other threads or for information that's clearly already been verified by reputable users.

 

4. "Common Sense" isn't common enough unfortunately, but it's still a trait that bots do not replicate well if at all; when you read a post that's just plain stupid or asinine, it may not be a real person posting it.

 

5. Users new to the board who spar with and antagonize longtime, reputable members either have an agenda to discredit or distract or to otherwise cause trouble are likely trolls or bots.

 

Overall, when you encounter these type of posts or direct messages, I recommend that you ignore and don't engage. Engaging allows them to continue the conversation and keep their threads visible.

 

This website is so wonderful and it's a shame that trolls & bots who seek to misguide, collect information that they can use for nefarious purposes, and otherwise pester good people should taint the experience.

 

I also encourage anyone who encounters this type of behavior to speak up and report it to moderators.

 

Good luck, and stay safe!

Cody

Totally agree, Cody, and thank you for this helpful guidance.

[SirBillybob]

Personally I find the competitive pissing contests, however friendly vs hostile, among real and often prolific posters more off-putting. That is: writing about how others write or think. It tends to fizzle through exhaustion rather than armistice or resolution. It can be like a study seminar from hell. Yet outside of signs of antipathy the participants may be whip smart and are paradoxically eroding the value of their input.

 

It is also a challenge to follow a lengthy thread that has good input throughout but you have to intensely study some parts and scroll through vast quantities of written text to try to integrate the gist of what is discussed. Sometimes at the basis of some exchanges is a construct outside of reference points (cultural, specific, etc) that I can easily relate to ... a bit of a glossary approach might be useful when a new complex concept is introduced ... I know I know that also adds to the volume.

 

Unless you are a daily board consumer, arriving early at each party, some really valuable threads with dozens of posts can be lost on you. But I think much of this is just par for the course for message media.

 

I have to say that I have not flagged any bots so that part is a bit mystifying to me. The majority of what I consume appears to have a personal flavour indicative of a real person not an invariant artificial mechanism.

Edited September 2, 2020 by SirBIllybob

[+ JEC]

Cody I agree with your post and points. Sadly, this behavior I think reflects the loss of civility in our larger society. I have not detected what I would believe to be bots, but with advances in tech it's possible for them to be not easily detectable.

 

When I see this behavior, most of the time I just think to myself "what a dick" and ignore and move on. In a few cases I have blocked ppl because I really have a low tolerance for bad behavior and seek continuously to purge toxicity from my life. In almost no cases have I engaged trolls - no time or tolerance for that.

 

I share your appreciation for this forum, and so far the good outweighs the bad. I especially appreciate the ability to PM colleagues here (including you for information which we may prefer not to post publicly (or, would violate forum rules to do so).

 

When they go low, let's go high guys

[former lurker]

Hey Guys,

I've noticed that especially over the last few months there is an increase in trolls and users that are likely "bots" on the board. In a couple cases I have complained but I understand free speech and until these trolls or bots break the rules, they will likely roam free.

 

I care very much about providing accurate and helpful information here and I'm extremely grateful for what this community has provided me as well!

 

I can't tell you how many times advice from users here has saved my ass and saved my wallet!

 

That said, since the trolls and bots seem here to stay, I'd like to caution everyone (well at least the real souls and kind, good folks) to be careful about what you disseminate and who you engage with.

 

I'm sure many of you already know what I'm talking about and WHO I'm referring to, but here are some pointers regardless:

 

1. Be wary of people who consistently post nonsense, gibberish, or random things that don't fit in the conversation. I understand that English isn't everyone's first language, and that's fine, but one tell of a bot is that grammar, comprehension, and continuity are way off.

 

2. Beware of trolls seeking personal information on specific escorts (or clients). I'm generally happy to share information that's helpful to a similar guy who's looking to hire and there's something he likes or doesn't like that one or another escort can or can't provide. However, when someone (or someTHING) starts asking for specific details of a meeting or for things that would possibly identity me or the escort, warning flags go off.

 

3. Beware of users who repeatedly ask for information already contained upward in the thread or in other threads or for information that's clearly already been verified by reputable users.

 

4. "Common Sense" isn't common enough unfortunately, but it's still a trait that bots do not replicate well if at all; when you read a post that's just plain stupid or asinine, it may not be a real person posting it.

 

5. Users new to the board who spar with and antagonize longtime, reputable members either have an agenda to discredit or distract or to otherwise cause trouble are likely trolls or bots.

 

Overall, when you encounter these type of posts or direct messages, I recommend that you ignore and don't engage. Engaging allows them to continue the conversation and keep their threads visible.

 

This website is so wonderful and it's a shame that trolls & bots who seek to misguide, collect information that they can use for nefarious purposes, and otherwise pester good people should taint the experience.

 

I also encourage anyone who encounters this type of behavior to speak up and report it to moderators.

 

Good luck, and stay safe!

Cody

 

Very helpful! I've thought the same thing about a few posters, but hadn't thought it through as well as you have. I've mostly skipped over their posts or made a comment about the post but not given further information. I'll be careful going forward with your advice in mind.

[+ harey]

Thanks for this post. Also a good reminder about the block option.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Admins posted a fantastic thread on this years back.

 

Clearly, some things never change

 

THERE BE TROLLS!

Edited September 2, 2020 by Benjamin_Nicholas

[+ Hung_Cody]

Admins posted a fantastic thread on this years back.

 

Clearly, some things never change

 

https://www.companyofmen.org/threads/warning-there-be-trolls-here.62829/

 

Great thread and thanks for the link! Trolls have been around forever.

Bots have been around for a while on apps and in message forums (ahem 2016 Election) but as their abilities improve and they show up in this forum, it's concerning and something I wanted to alert users to who might not realize this.

 

I've personally seen a working demo of a bot that can interact with Instagram followers, gain new followers, "like" posts and comment, and send messages, all with zero human interaction.

 

Bots could just be sampling and collecting data here; it could be innocuous or nefarious, but either way it's something to be aware of.

[MaxMuscle9x6]

Hey Cody,

 

I couldn't agree more, and what a great detailed post on what to look out for.

[Lazarus]

I find these over-educated blowhards that post incomprehensible word salads that hardly anyone can understand more problematic than bots or trolls.

[former lurker]

I find these over-educated blowhards that post incomprehensible word salads that hardly anyone can understand more problematic than bots or trolls.

 

Densely worded posts don't pose the same sort of risks as trolls and bots, whatever your personal level of tolerance.

[stop]

Personally I find the competitive pissing contests, however friendly vs hostile, among real and often prolific posters more off-putting. That is: writing about how others write or think. It tends to fizzle through exhaustion rather than armistice or resolution. It can be like a study seminar from hell. Yet outside of signs of antipathy the participants may be whip smart and are paradoxically eroding the value of their input.

 

It is also a challenge to follow a lengthy thread that has good input throughout but you have to intensely study some parts and scroll through vast quantities of written text to try to integrate the gist of what is discussed. Sometimes at the basis of some exchanges is a construct outside of reference points (cultural, specific, etc) that I can easily relate to ... a bit of a glossary approach might be useful when a new complex concept is introduced ... I know I know that also adds to the volume.

 

Unless you are a daily board consumer, arriving early at each party, some really valuable threads with dozens of posts can be lost on you. But I think much of this is just par for the course for message media.

 

I have to say that I have not flagged any bots so that part is a bit mystifying to me. The majority of what I consume appears to have a personal flavour indicative of a real person not an invariant artificial mechanism.

 

 

amen! i retired from posting on here for a long period because of the bullshit arguments that kept springing up. i recently came back but it seems the arguments have sustained. i couldn’t agree more with you about trying to follow a thread when there is the back and forth about nothing to do with the string

[SirBillybob]

My dearly departed momma learned me that whoever requires the last word most should get it, but that I shouldn’t capitulate to the illusion that it ever needs to be me. I should never fall into the ego trap of conflating my worth with hierarchical supremacy. She emphasized that not all alpha need totally reflects some manifestation of narcissistic injury the apparent opponent possesses, but that it is always better to offer splint support than splinter one’s psyche. In other words, walking away is a kind of transient psychological first aid to the other party. It is up to them to judge their own sense of worth and you do not need to promote their internal locus of control if they are inclined to draw on what is external in order to achieve a sense of personal value.

 

While it may feel that you are buttressing somebody’s position against you by truncating the conflict, if you cannot rapidly metabolize that affect and access objective perspective then you are essentially developmentally inferior anyway. Internal locus of control is more evolved and that should be your concern for yourself, not that somebody is trying to score a goal on your defences that is puny compared to the characterological liabilities of obsessively playing long past the whistle should have blown.

Edited September 3, 2020 by SirBIllybob

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

My dearly departed momma learned me that whoever requires the last word most should get it, but that I shouldn’t capitulate to the illusion that it ever needs to be me. I should never fall into the ego trap of conflating my worth with hierarchical supremacy. She emphasized that not all alpha need totally reflects some manifestation of narcissistic injury the apparent opponent possesses, but that it is always better to offer splinter support than splinter one’s psyche. In other words, walking away is a kind of transient psychological first aid to the other party. It is up to them to judge their own sense of worth and you do not need to promote their internal locus of control.

 

While it may feel that you are buttressing somebody’s position against you by truncating the conflict, if you cannot rapidly metabolize that affect and access objective perspective then you are essentially developmentally inferior anyway. Internal locus of control is more evolved and that should be your concern for yourself, not that somebody is trying to score a goal on your defences that is puny compared to the characterological liabilities of obsessively playing long past the whistle should have blown.

 

 

I see what you did there.

 

Bravo, sir.

[tenderloin]

Personally I find the competitive pissing contests, however friendly vs hostile, among real and often prolific posters more off-putting. That is: writing about how others write or think. It tends to fizzle through exhaustion rather than armistice or resolution. It can be like a study seminar from hell. Yet outside of signs of antipathy the participants may be whip smart and are paradoxically eroding the value of their input.

.

Thanks for this. I have been stunned by the vitriol from some of the prolific posters who decide that they alone are the arbiters of, well, everything, which gives them the right to label, libel, belittle, insult, and accuse. It takes much not to stoop to their level and fling the poo back at them.

[SirBillybob]

Thanks for this. I have been stunned by the vitriol from some of the prolific posters who decide that they alone are the arbiters of, well, everything, which gives them the right to label, libel, belittle, insult, and accuse. It takes much not to stoop to their level and fling the poo back at them.

This has potential for great rhythmic cadence for stand-up at a café poetry mic, calling out the dynamics of socials, as the word choice is creative.

[Epigonos]

As many of you, I'm sure, know I've been around here for damn near forever. For the nearly twenty years I've been an active member of this site there have been trolls. Unfortunately, I don't have a clue what a pot is. As far as the trolls are concerned I've found that the best way to deal with them is to simply ignore them. On any site where the participants are anonymous one is going to encounter people who love the stir the pot to keep it boiling. Thus when encountering a troll my advice is simply ignore him and move on – do not get all hot and bothered.

[former lurker]

As many of you, I'm sure, know I've been around here for damn near forever. For the nearly twenty years I've been an active member of this site there have been trolls. Unfortunately, I don't have a clue what a pot is. As far as the trolls are concerned I've found that the best way to deal with them is to simply ignore them. On any site where the participants are anonymous one is going to encounter people who love the stir the pot to keep it boiling. Thus when encountering a troll my advice is simply ignore him and move on – do not get all hot and bothered.

 

A "bot" is a programmed identity masquerading as a human poster. They are used to gather data, and then use that data to issue all sorts of potentially pernicious posts. As an example, one aspect of the Russian interference in 2016's election was the use of bots to bombard facebook users in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, etc., with propaganda to influence the vote. The most notorious example is the bogus story that Hillary Clinton and John Podesta were running a child-sex ring out of the basement of a DC pizza parlor (not only was there no sex ring, the pizza place didn't have a basement). Other uses of bots include selling data gathered to companies and/or groups who then use that data to target you for solicitation. Some even use sensitive data to blackmail.

[SirBillybob]

Well if the bot’s interest group agenda and MO ends up facilitating access to hot bot-tommed bods with whom to get bawdy ... I cannot imagine what would draw a bot here after all, however ... bring on the bots, I say!

[+ Reisr30]

I absolutely agree with what you stated.

 

Personally, I have given serious thought of pulling back from this forum. I won't make my grand exit and swear to never post again. LOL!!!

I'll post from time to time and answer questions from people if asked directly, but I think I won't volunteer info/opinion anymore after today.

Sorry to hear this as I always appreciate your post and those of long standing forum member

[+ Lucky]

Posts here about all the fighting and one-upmanship, arguments in the Politics forum. I don't see them. There is a thread at boytoy.com about all the racists here, and I don't see that either, with one or two exceptions. All in all, I think this is a pleasant place to post and while away the time. With so many posters there is bound to be some conflict, but take it with a grain of salt and move on!

[former lurker]

Posts here about all the fighting and one-upmanship, arguments in the Politics forum. I don't see them. There is a thread at boytoy.com about all the racists here, and I don't see that either, with one or two exceptions. All in all, I think this is a pleasant place to post and while away the time. With so many posters there is bound to be some conflict, but take it with a grain of salt and move on!

 

I tend to agree with you. There have been periods in the distant past when there were strident ongoing personality driven fights. Most of those posters have moved on or moved elsewhere.

 

I get that some are frustrated with the lack of information about escorts and experiences with them. It's not that threads get hijacked, it's that there's often little direct experience to be shared and once it is, people digress. Especially now, when there's less hiring and more time to spend online, there's going to be a lot of what some readers consider extraneous posts. I still find the forums worth reading and posting.