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How To Survive On The Internet: An Introduction
15 years ago
Anti-Drama Llama Movement NewsletterAs some of you may have noticed, quite a few people had words of disagreement that they wanted to say in regards to my last journal. I've read them all, soaked in their comments, and have been thinking it over for a few days now. The first thing I realized is that I got a few things incorrect on the last journal that I want to issue some quick corrections on.
First, in regards to FurryDrama_2, I got many comments that said that it was not a trolling site, but a "snarking" site. "Snarking" is a term, that I did not know before I wrote the last journal, used to define the act of mocking, insulting, and harshly criticizing others AWAY from that person's face. "Snarkers" do NOT go to a person's personal page and blast them with insults, mockeries, or the like. In fact, I learned that a rule on FurryDrama_2 is that it is PROHIBITED to go to a subject's personal page and blast them. Anyone who does so, gets a warning.
To learn more, I dug out my old LiveJournal account (something I haven't used in years), and signed in to see what the site was all about. I got some rather skeptical reactions, naturally, but I came to see that FurryDrama_2 is kind of like a news blog, like how www.Kotaku.com reports news in video games. Each post reports a certain situation or event where some argument, some issue, or some dilemma has broken out. These range from serious issues to minor issues, and people comment and leave their feedback on them. Some are harsher in their criticisms than others, but the overall atmosphere was that FurryDrama_2 was more or less keeping people abreast of issues going on in the Furry community that are, or could be, causing drama.
From what I witnessed, I saw that this LJ blog site is really quite harmless, and actually has some good, informative posts that give good references to what's going on out there. In some cases, I saw admins and even
Dragoneer pop by to give their two cents here and there. I'm actually thinking of continuing to be a part of this group so I can see the regular posts; some of them might be worth mentioning here so that members can be made aware of risky or difficult situations or members on FA.
But then again, I'm not 100% sure, and would like some feedback from you fellow ADLM members on that.
Second, and I'm just going to touch on this briefly, lulz,net also doesn't seem to be a regular hang out of trolls, but rather a site for some of the more... pornographic images of "furdom". It was also swamped with a number of porno ads, and frankly, the navigation of the site was so... odd that I couldn't make hide nor hair of the site.
I had listed the two sites since I had heard that trolls have come from these two, and have been directed to them a few times when reading the comments of others and in conversation. But after getting a more in depth look and after hearing the outcry of the commentators, I can see that I was mistaken.
So since both examples I gave when I was trying to name sites that trolls often hang out at were incorrect, then I owe people who frequent those sites an apology. I am not above admitting my own mistakes, and am sorry for my misconceptions.
In addition, after thinking about it, knowing where trolls hang out at isn't important anyway.
What IS important is knowing how to properly deal with trolls, cyber-bullies, and how to keep your online identity intact and safe from attack.
So the next few journals are going to be going over advice given by some of our members, as well as advice from my own experiences on "How To Survive On The Internet". These journals will contain tips, information, and links to resources as to how best to protect yourself from trolls, from cyber-bullies, and what to do if you run into either of them.
So stay tuned for this series of journals!
One thing I do want to address is that during the outcry of the last few journals, I did block someone for a comment they made that made me feel very uncomfortable. I won't name names, but this person said something that sent chills down my spine.
As you may know, one of my biggest points in my previous journal was my disgust that there are trolls out there on the internet that spend their time and energy on harassing the families of the dead. It was finding an article about this that really put a fire under my butt and made me want to speak out about it, especially since I've heard many people argue that trolling has positive benefits.
This one commenter, however, supported trolling the dead and the families of the dead, and even went into detail of one such person that was victimized as such, how she was victimized, and why they felt trolling their family was deserved. The thing is, doing this to families of the deceased is a federal crime and a form of cyber-harassment. From the way this comment was worded, it sounded like the person was confessing to have trolled this person.
I immediately blocked them and reported them to the admins. I felt responsible to alert the admins if someone confesses to a crime on a journal or submission I had written/made. Later that same day, I got feedback from one of the admins who took a good look at the comment in question. They determined that the comment wasn't a clear cut confession, but definitely showed support of trolling the dead and their families. The admin advised to keep this person blocked, and also said they were going to have a word with this person as well.
So as of right now, this person is still blocked, and I am satisfied with that decision.
To some, this may seem to be in direct contrast to the guidelines of the ADLM. This may be true, but I've also been thinking of revising the guidelines since there have been some situations where I think making things clearer would benefit the ADLM.
But given that this person was supporting what amounts to a federal crime, I did not feel comfortable with them being here on the ADLM. The ADLM is open to help anyone in need, to hear anyone out, and to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. However, when this person posted that comment and was justifying a heinous crime, I was repulsed and given the material that's on FA, it takes a LOT to do that! So to prevent them from posting any more comments such as that on the ADLM, I am maintaining the block on them.
I may get some flak and criticism for this, but I'm going to stand by it. If you know who I'm referring to and read their comment (it's still up and has not been removed), chances are you might agree with me. If you don't, that's fine too.
Like I've said, the ADLM is not perfect, and is working to better itself as it goes. The last journal pointed out some spots that need improving, and so improvements will be made.
So to start, keep an eye out for the next journal (either today or tomorrow) which will have our first part of "How To Survive On The Internet".
Now Let's Go Out There And Do Some Good!
~Otaku-Man
First, in regards to FurryDrama_2, I got many comments that said that it was not a trolling site, but a "snarking" site. "Snarking" is a term, that I did not know before I wrote the last journal, used to define the act of mocking, insulting, and harshly criticizing others AWAY from that person's face. "Snarkers" do NOT go to a person's personal page and blast them with insults, mockeries, or the like. In fact, I learned that a rule on FurryDrama_2 is that it is PROHIBITED to go to a subject's personal page and blast them. Anyone who does so, gets a warning.
To learn more, I dug out my old LiveJournal account (something I haven't used in years), and signed in to see what the site was all about. I got some rather skeptical reactions, naturally, but I came to see that FurryDrama_2 is kind of like a news blog, like how www.Kotaku.com reports news in video games. Each post reports a certain situation or event where some argument, some issue, or some dilemma has broken out. These range from serious issues to minor issues, and people comment and leave their feedback on them. Some are harsher in their criticisms than others, but the overall atmosphere was that FurryDrama_2 was more or less keeping people abreast of issues going on in the Furry community that are, or could be, causing drama.
From what I witnessed, I saw that this LJ blog site is really quite harmless, and actually has some good, informative posts that give good references to what's going on out there. In some cases, I saw admins and even
Dragoneer pop by to give their two cents here and there. I'm actually thinking of continuing to be a part of this group so I can see the regular posts; some of them might be worth mentioning here so that members can be made aware of risky or difficult situations or members on FA.But then again, I'm not 100% sure, and would like some feedback from you fellow ADLM members on that.
Second, and I'm just going to touch on this briefly, lulz,net also doesn't seem to be a regular hang out of trolls, but rather a site for some of the more... pornographic images of "furdom". It was also swamped with a number of porno ads, and frankly, the navigation of the site was so... odd that I couldn't make hide nor hair of the site.
I had listed the two sites since I had heard that trolls have come from these two, and have been directed to them a few times when reading the comments of others and in conversation. But after getting a more in depth look and after hearing the outcry of the commentators, I can see that I was mistaken.
So since both examples I gave when I was trying to name sites that trolls often hang out at were incorrect, then I owe people who frequent those sites an apology. I am not above admitting my own mistakes, and am sorry for my misconceptions.
In addition, after thinking about it, knowing where trolls hang out at isn't important anyway.
What IS important is knowing how to properly deal with trolls, cyber-bullies, and how to keep your online identity intact and safe from attack.
So the next few journals are going to be going over advice given by some of our members, as well as advice from my own experiences on "How To Survive On The Internet". These journals will contain tips, information, and links to resources as to how best to protect yourself from trolls, from cyber-bullies, and what to do if you run into either of them.
So stay tuned for this series of journals!
One thing I do want to address is that during the outcry of the last few journals, I did block someone for a comment they made that made me feel very uncomfortable. I won't name names, but this person said something that sent chills down my spine.
As you may know, one of my biggest points in my previous journal was my disgust that there are trolls out there on the internet that spend their time and energy on harassing the families of the dead. It was finding an article about this that really put a fire under my butt and made me want to speak out about it, especially since I've heard many people argue that trolling has positive benefits.
This one commenter, however, supported trolling the dead and the families of the dead, and even went into detail of one such person that was victimized as such, how she was victimized, and why they felt trolling their family was deserved. The thing is, doing this to families of the deceased is a federal crime and a form of cyber-harassment. From the way this comment was worded, it sounded like the person was confessing to have trolled this person.
I immediately blocked them and reported them to the admins. I felt responsible to alert the admins if someone confesses to a crime on a journal or submission I had written/made. Later that same day, I got feedback from one of the admins who took a good look at the comment in question. They determined that the comment wasn't a clear cut confession, but definitely showed support of trolling the dead and their families. The admin advised to keep this person blocked, and also said they were going to have a word with this person as well.
So as of right now, this person is still blocked, and I am satisfied with that decision.
To some, this may seem to be in direct contrast to the guidelines of the ADLM. This may be true, but I've also been thinking of revising the guidelines since there have been some situations where I think making things clearer would benefit the ADLM.
But given that this person was supporting what amounts to a federal crime, I did not feel comfortable with them being here on the ADLM. The ADLM is open to help anyone in need, to hear anyone out, and to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. However, when this person posted that comment and was justifying a heinous crime, I was repulsed and given the material that's on FA, it takes a LOT to do that! So to prevent them from posting any more comments such as that on the ADLM, I am maintaining the block on them.
I may get some flak and criticism for this, but I'm going to stand by it. If you know who I'm referring to and read their comment (it's still up and has not been removed), chances are you might agree with me. If you don't, that's fine too.
Like I've said, the ADLM is not perfect, and is working to better itself as it goes. The last journal pointed out some spots that need improving, and so improvements will be made.
So to start, keep an eye out for the next journal (either today or tomorrow) which will have our first part of "How To Survive On The Internet".
Now Let's Go Out There And Do Some Good!
~Otaku-Man
Thank you for Reading! If you want to subscribe to these journals and keep up to date on what's happening, feel free to subscribe by watching 
Anti-Drama_Llama_Movement You can also keep up to date on who needs help on FA at our other newsletter, the 
ADLM_Daily_Spotlight 
Anti-Drama_Llama_Movement
ADLM_Daily_Spotlight
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3660006/
I only blocked one person, and that was the person who supported trolling the dead which I mentioned above. No one else who commented was blocked. Allegations that I block any user who voices disagreement with me is simply untrue.
~Otaku-Man
~Otaku-Man
Shame on me for missing that part. D:
That thread left a foul taste in my mouth >.<
~Otaku-Man
and i blocked u for this reason...so lay off me
I can totally understand you being insulted by random allegations by complete strangers, but the thing is that you shouldn't care. If you didn't steal it, what does it matter? Let them say what they want to say, understand that it's not going to affect you because you're going to live your life regardless, and move the frack on. Nobody tells me what I want to hear, but I'm not gonna let it drive me off the internet. c:
A) get so worked up over it, because it's strangers on the internet.
B) Get so defensive. People are going to say stupid things. This is a fact. That is why I don't put many pictures of myself on the internet. I'm self conscious, I don't want anything mean to be said about me, and I can't expect the millions of people who use the internet to be conscious of my feelings, because that isn't their responsibility. From the outside looking in, it seems to me like you put up pictures which are of a certain nature, which is taking a risk, and then get upset when people don't all react positively. 'Positive' is not really what the internet is good at.
I'm in support of trolling the families of the dead because either it's ok to poke fun at everything or you can't do it at all. Whether you like it or not, there's free speech on the internet. I have every right to call anyone a faggot on the internet AND SO DOES EVERYONE ELSE. Don't like it? Leave.
That and if you were smart, you wouldn't let the opinion of a RANDOM PERSON ON THE INTERNET, WHO HAS NO EFFECT ON YOUR LIFE WHAT SO EVER GET YOU WORKED UP. WORDS PEOPLE TYPE ON THE INTERNET CAN'T FUCKING HURT YOU. YOU KNOW WHY!? BECAUSE. THEY'RE. JUST. WORDS. CRUISE CONTROL IS FUCKING AWSOME.
You're so cute when you're snippy. :3
~Otaku-Man
~Otaku-Man
agreed, people like him are the result of horrible parenting/new fad with kids
Also, I wanted to share some of tips I picked up in the previous journal:
- Don't care if they win; they'll always win. If you refuse to care, it doesn't matter.
- Do Not Respond; sooner or later they'll get bored and go away.
- Block them after they quit; if you block them before they give up, they'll come back under another account and hit ten times as hard or even bring other trolls against you, too. After, it can help keep them away.
- Use back channels to warn people; if they're already blocked by the easiest targets, trolling is less convenient. But do not advise your friends publicly, that attracts trolls. Use PM or email.
- If you see somebody being trolled, send a Trouble Ticket, then shut up; trolls can't retaliate if they don't know who reported them.
~Otaku-Man
Smart guy that Dotter. :)
~Otaku-Man
~Otaku-Man
For a while, I even thought about changing the name of the group, but the response of the members at the time felt that the name of the group was fine as is, and that I shouldn't feel the need to bend to the peer pressure of nay-sayers.
Furthermore, the initial goal of the group, aiding those with financial and emotional stress, is still being covered. Our newsletter over at
I did get quite a bit of trolls in the last journal, but surprisingly, instead of people leaving in disgust, the number of watchers of the group account went UP to my surprise. So either the number of trolls that are watching this group far outnumbered the people who left, or I must be doing something right to get more genuine members.
Either way, I must admit that my last few journals have mostly been written out of a bit of frustration and agitation at certain injustices. But now that I've said my piece and peace, I'm ready to focus more on what people can do. Already, tips and advice are flowing in, and I am very please with how much contribution is coming in.
Thank you for your compliment and concern and I hope this answers some of your questions.
~Otaku-Man
You can't change what people think of you or whatever subculture or fetish you're into.
And unless you let them, they can't change you.
Humans are stubborn like that.
For every person who hates you, there's another who becomes your friend. But instead of making your case worse, just get on with your life.
I thik it's the best example of what should be done to survive online so far.
And it does the trick for me as well ^^
"You can try to be good, to be polite, gentle and giving, to practice empathy and to be happy and still not be a fool." -- Me
You're not a hypocrite for banning somebody who pushed the limits of acceptable. The ideals of this group... well, ideals aren't reality. Sooner or later, somebody is going to go too far. (Mind you, any time you depart from your ideals, you start to destroy them... but that's the core of what trolling is about.) You did what you had to. I don't blame you.
I look forward to your entries in this series.
"Don't feed the trolls. Don't take the internet seriously."
Here endeth the lesson.
This can be done in one very easy, extremely simple step.
Ready?
Turn off the computer. And go outside.
Seriously guys, it's the internet. People are going to bash, dramatize, make fun of, provoke, troll, etc etc as much as they want to just because they can. And I think we all know that no "rallying cry" from the ADLM is going to stop that. So if "internet bullies" is seriously cramping your life, then turn off the computer and go outside.
Christ.