"Hit and run" posters / trolls

[beccaB]

Also, maybe if they hadn't had a chance to test out the advice they've been given? I've been advised on a solution for the hotfoot and numbness, but haven't had the money to make a change in shoes yet, thereby not getting back to the people that gave me the advice.

[Kimmyt]

Or maybe they're not the type of people to join an online community, but just want an answer to a question?

Why do they have to be a frequent poster to rate a response to a question you have?

I mean, trolls are one thing, but a simple question... I dunno, what's it gonna hurt to respond to someone's question, if they respond back or not?

[alpinerabbit]

A thanks would suffice. It's not about the courtesy, just to show you're real.

[jobob]

I agree with AR. Just a simple thank you would suffice.

If the OP went through all the effort to post the question in the first place, then surely she can take a moment to acknowledge others' efforts at replying.

Reminds me of the time a couple of years ago when a mother frantically posted to the board begging for advice about what to do for her young daughter who just started her period the night before a cycling race. She received many helpful, supportive, well-thought out replies, and she never acknowledged a one.

[bluebug32]

I've learned that I should be more careful in the buy and sell forum and only sell to established TE'ers. Had a recent negative experience

[BlueVet11]

Well, I'm new and I promise I'm for real I just havent done my introduce yourself thing yet... maybe I should. But I haven't had any questions yet, I've pretty much been reading other peoples question threads because I pretty much have the same questions that have already been answered

[Iris616]

Hmm. I am new also. I did a brief intro in my first post, but is that considerred proper etiquette? Should every new member do a new thread to introduce herself? Also, what are trolls?

[Blueberry]

Bluevet and Iris-

I'd venture a guess that you two are not what this thread is about

Folks show up and post one question on which an encyclopedia could be written and then never come back. We'll spend lots of time answering the question - only to now know if it was even read.

Trolls (as I understand it) show up and post a provocative question that they know will generate many, strongly opinionated replies. They are also, sometimes, guys posing as women (note - we have a few male members who are welcomed and who act entirely appropriately - these are not the same guys). For example, someone posted about her BF wearing her biking shorts. WFT?

And NO - you don't need to do a new thread to introduce yourself. Best etiquette (as I understand it) is to post over on the "getting to know you" thread. Not required, though. Just tell us something about yourself when you post. ETA - Bluevet - I just saw your post Pleased to meet you

Here's hoping you two (and all other legit newbies) hang around. We rarely bite And there are LOTS of cool folks here

CA

[Paradox]

I'm new too... and genuine.

Sometimes in reading other discussion boards I am intimidated to respond or add anything because everyone seems like they know each other and that it is a closed off community (yet public on the internet). Some other blogs/boards (not this one) have a very rude attitude towards "trolls" (those that read or post w/o being a daily contributor) and constantly tell others not to "feed the trolls". Personally I find that offputting. At least you all seem to be welcoming for the most part.

Everyone was new at some point, right?

[TxDoc]

A thanks would suffice. It's not about the courtesy, just to show you're real.

I agree that it would be nice - but I guess we are all guilty of laziness sometimes.
Too lazy to search the forums maybe, and thinking that it's just quicker to ask a question even if it could be a duplicate. And likewise, maybe once we get the answer we were looking for, then we assume we are done - and forget to throw in a 'thank you' to whoever spent some time trying to help. It would be nice to do that, but I'm sure I forget many times so I cannot complain about others...

[chakra]

I did a whole lot of reading and research on this forum before posting
It was fun, you get a feel for the culture of the board and for the folk who post frequently (you know who you are!).

I have been a member for over a year, and I read the forums often, I just don't contribute a whole lot.

Another way to see if someone is a troll is to notice their join date.

Anyway, this is a lovely, welcoming place to be regardless of skill level!

The only downside is that one bike will never be enough again and people are all too happy to support your decision to by a whole fleet!

Chakra

[chakra]

Just noticed Zen joined the same time as me, and she has over 4,000 posts

Congrats Zen!

Any really prolific poster wanna help me write my thesis??

Chakra,

woman of too few words!

[mimitabby]

Just noticed Zen joined the same time as me, and she has over 4,000 posts

Congrats Zen!

Any really prolific poster wanna help me write my thesis??

Chakra,

woman of too few words!

if it's not too boring i can help you by proof reading it.