what are trolls and gremlins?

I've seen comments about so called forum gnomes or something and I also heard of trolls.I at least know it has something to do with comments. Anyone know what these things are?

If you google 'urban dictionary' then search on that site for 'Forum Troll'.

"Someone who gets pleasure by typing annoying/controversial/offensive words at strangers on internet forums, for them to read."

A troll is someone who is perceived as posting something extra stupid and/or inflammatory/provocative for the sole purpose of getting people to respond, so when someone does respond that's why it's called "feeding" the troll.  The best thing to do is not respond at all and the troll would go away -- but this is usually impossible, almost always someone will respond.

The perceived troll isn't always meaning to be stupid/inflammatory, sometimes it's a kid asking a dumb question or an adult idiot posting something stupid they happen to believe.  As long as they listen to people who respond, read what they say and consider it without continuing to post more inane crap, then they aren't a troll.

Anytime you aren't sure of a word like this that doesn't fit into it's classical definition, you can see if the "urban dictionary" can give you a good hint.

Trolls are people who fish the net since they can't figure out how to win at chess. Gremlins are the ones who keep moving my queen en prise when I'm not looking.

you guys are al so dumb, how can you not know that stupid dumb nerds all here!

Haha! I have a nasty gremlin running around stealing a pawn in half of my OTB tourney games (but occasionally it returns it back with an interest). Where's my Blunder-Check Gun!?

Does this give you an idea?

Trolls are fun to play with

I agree.

Yeah trolls were stupid dolls, and so should be ignored.  Gremlins, however, come with Phoebe Cates, so they're okay with me.

Just remember not to feed Phoebe after midnight.

Does she look like she eats a lot after midnight?

Edit: actually, looks like she's still got it!  And married to Kevin Kline, I never knew.  And she auditioned for The Big Chill, which is a fine film, but clearly could have been much better...

the gremlins.....great movie from the 80s!

A "concern troll" is one of the more interesting breeds.  They join a forum or thread, and initially try to fit in, and contribute to the discussion in a friendly way.  Then, once they have people's trust, they try to turn the discussion to support a completely different agenda.

Example:

"I know exactly how you guys feel.  Just as everyone is saying, even if you are a queen down, by all means, you should continue to fight on.

...

But then again, actually, when you think about it, wouldn't it make more a lot more sense to just thank your opponent for the game, and start afresh?"

Must be pretty closely related to the "hijackus thread trollaceae".

     I loved Amy Yasbeck on "Wings".  John Ritter's dad Tex Ritter is in the
Country Music Hall Of Fame and John sadly died the same weekend as Johnny Cash.