You guys just dont recognise a post-modern ironic existential situationist at work when its shoved in front of your noses.
You've covered a lot of seeming misfits there Pud - I know as a mod you're able to see more info about posters than the rest of us but how on earth could you possibly know that the people you've identified as 'WUMS' are using those pretend personas? Better still, which posters are they? (You can tell me - I won't tell anyone else ... )
A little unusual for me, though not unprecedented, I will, for a post or two at least, come out of character. The questions being raised are interesting but the more compelling side from my point of view is the way in which they are raised. There is within the mindset of the question the assumption (dare I say, false characterization) that there is a single motive for what to me is simply an enjoyable hobby. I am talking here about "Why do they do that?". The answer is simply that there is no "they", we may share a common name in Troll or WUM but that does not mean that we are all participating in this little sport for the same needs or reasons. I operate eight accounts on this site, four of which I have maintained a near regular presence with. All of which, I am quite proud to say, have remained unique in character to the point where I have never been questioned. The lengths I go to vary site to site (yes, I do this across multiple sites) depending on necessity. For some you need to go so far as to mask your IP address (Mick, I have NEVER done this on your site!!!). For most the technical side is not necessary, one merely needs to observe for long enough to get the gist of the characters in play and then start your sport. I have used that word before, not accidentally, for this to me is what it is, sport. A kind of weaving of fiction where you at all times have the chance of being caught out. I see it almost as a modern form of poetry. Creating a post, replying to it, starting little battles or comradeship. It's like some form of play, with live characters, although you would be frankly surprised how many are wearing masks. So, the answer to the question "Why" is not a simple one. It depends largely on the person themselves. We do not share a common goal, nor, I hope, a common psyche. There are some who may well do this for the wrong reasons, but I tell you with open heart that to me it is not an intentionally harmful thing, merely play acting.
Eight accounts! Intriguing and to me, a bit mind-boggling ... where do you find the time to keep all these personas going?
Ignore me. If there is one truth about me it's this. I drink. And I spout ****e when I drink. Oh, and I love Claire Grogan.
