Subtitle ? A Troll? What the **** is that and why should I give a hoot?

First, let's get clear on our terms.

For the purpose of this article, "Troll" has two meanings.

1. The traditional online meaning (if there is such a thing) is someone who posts messages to a forum or chatroom just to stir up a fight, or to bait someone.

For example, you could have some 15-year-old straight boy teenager and his friends respond to your online personal profile just because they want to lure you in then bash you, either verbally or- heavens forbid - in person.

2. The gay man's term, "troll," also has a very specific meaning. It applies to undesirable, ugly men who have little or no social skills and thus, don't take 'no' for an answer.

And before you decide "Well I'm a lesbian, so that counts me out" let me tell you something:

Lesbians are a 'target' of trolls.

Some thuggish types get their jollies by harassing lesbians or even try to set up dates because they think lesbians are actually porn-stars who go both ways ? You think I'm joking? Think again!

In either case, if a troll responds to your online personal

profile, it is imperative you are able to detect him and break off communication immediately. In some cases your well-being may depend on it.

Put up your hand if you have ever had a gay friend 'homo- bashed'.

My hand is up.

My friends and I were at a straight bar and a buzz-cut, red-neck from the local military academy lured my friend outside to 'make-out'.

When he didn't return we went looking for him and found him out cold on the sidewalk ? bashed!

How horrible some human beings can be?.

Anyway, the same thing goes for people who are only pretending to be single and available, but are actually either married or already in a relationship.

They may not physically bash you but it is still a form of abuse.

They maliciously put you at risk of sexual disease, HIV and having your heart wrenched out and thrown to the hounds. Anyway you look at it, it can't end well?.for you!

Well that brings us to the end of this brief article.

My main message for you today is you have to be on your guard and be aware many onliners are going to deceive you. I wish it weren't true but it's a fact of life.

Thankfully, with the right tools, you can greatly reduce your exposure to risk and keep yourself safe.

In the next article in this series, you will begin to learn how to detect online ads or profiles from trolls.

Specifically you will learn about what I've called 'Move Out Ya Bum!' and 'The Pungency of Desperation'.

Discover what they mean and what to do if you spot either of them.

Until then,
Adam Coole
http://www.gayandlesbianonlinedatingsecrets.com/gay-
lesbian-articles/gay-dating-coursearticle1.htm

To read the rest of this exciting series visit Gay and Lesbian Online Dating SECRETSTM and subscribe now.

"How to easily find your Perfect-Partner online."