I think it's important that we define the troll as a tactic with the subject rather than a personal attribute. In the latter context, it amounts to name-calling and would better be left unsaid in my opinion. What I'm suggesting is that we think of "the troll" as "trolling," like one would if fishing off a boat.

How another hooks on is his business. I find it noteworthy that the 'trolls from usenet' had nothing to add to the forum. Meanwhile, Lanx helps me and others reliably and frequently, part of our fantastic german crew. I amaze at how good their english is....