Ignore the Trolls.

relicsncoins

I'm guilty as well. We need to quit responding to people that have a first post asking some ridiculous question about pocket change. A person serious about collecting will most likely introduce themselves and give some info on what they like to collect etc. They will go away when they don't have a single response to their troll question.

yspsales

Or have a canned post about where to go and do the research, etc...

messydesk

@yspsales said:
Or have a canned post about where to go and do the research, etc...

That unnecessarily bumps their post to the top.

MilesWaits

Let’s face it, when you ask a question here no matter how inane, you will get many more responses.

World67

That would severely impact my meme count.

lkenefic

For some, it sort of akin to telling the moth not to go near the flame.

Typekat

@MilesWaits

+1
…..which often turns into a lengthy ugly argument.

erscolo

Nap time.

Mr_Spud

I’d like to see obvious trolling posts quickly drop to page 2, great idea.

MFeld

@Mr_Spud said:
I’d like to see obvious trolling posts quickly drop to page 2, great idea.

I think it’s a good idea, but one that’s destined to fail. Some members can’t resist replying and others don’t want to - they enjoy it.

2windy2fish

Wait, isn’t this collusion?!?!
😬

jesbroken

Well, if we actually did agree, as a group, to ignore such posts, then we would have a new term for those who did. Troll Enablers.
Jim

OAKSTAR

I might be completely missing the point here but here's my take.

I probably don't follow new member as closely as many of you do. I find it difficult to tell the difference between a troll and a naive person trying to learn. I guess I'd rather give them the benefit of the doubt, until it's obvious the person is intentionally antagonizes us by posting inflammatory, irrelevant, or offensive comments or other disruptive comments.

jesbroken

@OAKSTAR
My post was in jest. I also feel the need to help and progress young collectors. You are correct in regards to new members actually seeking knowledge, but I think there are oft times when the wording of questions may reveal the true intent of the poster and the more we feed this, the more they are enabled. That is for all to decide and no one to be the police, too many of these now.
Jim

MsMorrisine

i try to give any thread a reply because someone may find the thread and actually have that question. tho there are obvious impossibilities which can be ignored.

P0CKETCHANGE

Perhaps the Mods should implement a required test before a new poster is allowed to create a thread.

1. Did you find this coin in a parking lot?
2. Are you using an electron microscope?
3. Do you have at least a third grade reading comprehension level?
4. Are you prone to emotional outbursts when others disagree with you?
5. Etc.

RYK

@MilesWaits said:
Let’s face it, when you ask a question here no matter how inane, you will get many more responses.

You rang?

MsMorrisine

@RYK said:

@MilesWaits said:
Let’s face it, when you ask a question here no matter how inane, you will get many more responses.

You rang?

that was a statement. are you doing both now?

OAKSTAR

@jesbroken said:
@OAKSTAR
My post was in jest. I also feel the need to help and progress young collectors. You are correct in regards to new members actually seeking knowledge, but I think there are oft times when the wording of questions may reveal the true intent of the poster and the more we feed this, the more they are enabled. That is for all to decide and no one to be the police, too many of these now.
Jim

I wasn't focused or referencing your post. I was just making a general statement.

You're right, I think we can all tell when someone is honestly trying (upside down pictures), a novice collector making up new numismatic terms and words trying to explain what they have. Or the new member not taking the advise from the overwhelming majority of feedback's.

burfle23

I tried to ignore this post, just saying...

AUandAG

No question is stupid or dumb,
Bring on the Trolls,
I like the fun!
If we ignore them, do they go away?
If we respond, do they tend to stay?
I say bring on the Trolls,
'cause we like to play!!

bob

MtW124

I’ve learned a lot!

jmlanzaf

@jesbroken said:
Well, if we actually did agree, as a group, to ignore such posts, then we would have a new term for those who did. Troll Enablers.
Jim

We'd also have to find what it means to be an actual troll vs just an ignorant newbie.

Tom147

Although I don't feel I have the expertise to comment on coin questions in series I don't collect, ( even though I've been collecting for 60 years ) I tend to follow new OP'ers thread. Until the experts respond and the OP disagrees. Then I just follow for the entertainment. Although, ( and I'm sure some of you will agree ) some of the comments are way to harsh and critical on most new members questions. After all, we were all new once.

sellitstore

@OAKSTAR said:
I might be completely missing the point here but here's my take.

I probably don't follow new member as closely as many of you do. I find it difficult to tell the difference between a troll and a naive person trying to learn. I guess I'd rather give them the benefit of the doubt, until it's obvious the person is intentionally antagonizes us by posting inflammatory, irrelevant, or offensive comments or other disruptive comments.

I agree and am guilty (perhaps) of sometimes encouraging the trolls. I usually presume that they are new, saw a damaged coin that DOES look different and WANTS to believe that it's an error. I can't blame them for allowing their optimism to overpower their common sense. Most of us have wanted to believe that there just might be a "D" on that 1916 dime instead of that blob "S"

Canned responses will save time and effort but a simple "look it up" isn't a sufficient answer for many. When I was a kid and some adult told me to look it up, I rarely did. Many of these collectors are "kids" when it comes to their knowledge of coins and need a basic explanation to answer their curiosity to their satisfaction.

Let me suggest something like this as a canned response for PMD and you can improve and modify it as one pleases:

"First, we need to see some good, clear images of your coin.

The photos that you have posted show PMD (Post Mint Damage) and is not an error produced by the mint. This coin left the mint as a normal coin and experienced a trauma resulting in it's present appearance. (Optional) It's looks like this may have.....(describe likely source of damage). Understanding the coin manufacturing process and what errors are sometimes produced by the mint, will go a long way in helping one learn what is an error coin and what isn't. Additional resources on this subject may be found here: xxxxxx"

Another canned response for machine doubling vs double die coins would be useful, too.

MedalCollector

At the top of the US Coin Forum is a statement: “ Talk about all types of U.S. coins with other collectors, dealers, and experts.”

Questions from new folks (even trolls) about their pocket change is just as welcome as posts from long standing hobbyists about 5 figure coins, unless they are breaking a forum rule.

This thread is off-topic and has no relation to US coins, even if it is somewhat meta.

mr1931S

I was once accused of being a troll here by one who was doing an outstanding job of being a troll himself. One man's troll is another man's mentor. Troll, mentor, no matter. We're all just fly specks in the grand scheme of things.

Cougar1978

Trolls (griefers) usually disgruntled, perhaps jealous individuals or they can’t stand disagreement. Maybe they got ripped somewhere. Then there is the know it all warrior. Their entertainment value?

Kat, my assistant calls them PL’s (Pathetic Losers).

RobertScotLover

If we are patient, trolls eventually out themselves

lcoopie

https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/damaged_coins/

Onastone

If you damage a coin in error, does it become an error coin?

ernie11

I don't mind the trolls at all. Without them, I wouldn't have been aware of all the doubled dies that I never knew existed.

oldabeintx

My stock answer to many ignorant posts would be: “if you can find your way here you’re capable of answering this yourself, do some research”. I don’t have a lot of patience with lazy people, or trolls.

Married2Coins

@oldabeintx said:
My stock answer to many ignorant posts would be: “if you can find your way here you’re capable of answering this yourself, do some research”. I don’t have a lot of patience with lazy people, or trolls.

This: At the top of the US Coin Forum is a statement: “ Talk about all types of U.S. coins with other collectors, dealers, and experts.”

I was once more ignorant than I am now. I didn't know there were any books about coins other than the Red Book.
I think I can tell the difference between a Troll and someone searching for info - even the ones who keeptrying to explain their 1888 cull coin in spite of expert opinions.

oldabeintx

I did say “many”, not “all” or “most”. There is a plethora of information just on the PGGS site, available with a little digging.

CRHer700

@Fraz , @Manifest_Destiny , ........

19Lyds

@relicsncoins said:
I'm guilty as well. We need to quit responding to people that have a first post asking some ridiculous question about pocket change. A person serious about collecting will most likely introduce themselves and give some info on what they like to collect etc. They will go away when they don't have a single response to their troll question.

I disagree. Sure, there may be trolls BUT there are also people out there looking for a quick buck with no interest in 'Deep Dive Collecting'.

It's a forum. Be nice. If you don't want to respond then don't. It's your option.
But advising people to ignore possible newbies?

That is a little snobbish IMO.

And for the record, a 'Troll' is someone just looking to stir up trouble and the posts by 'trolls' are just argumentative for arguments sake.

19Lyds

@messydesk said:

@yspsales said:
Or have a canned post about where to go and do the research, etc...

That unnecessarily bumps their post to the top.

Sorry. Is this a contest? Or a Forum?

People deserve answers if you fell like answering. If not, then just move along.

RiveraFamilyCollect

I think newbies asking about messed up coins is kind of fun. We have talked about it before, but there has to be a cultural force telling people that their pennies are worth $1,000,000 if they get lucky. I would try to not get annoyed by obviously ignorant people, the whole sequence repeating itself is kind of amusing.