A: A troll is someone who repeatedly posts (usually incorrect) information in an inflammatory manner to a newsgroup in order to get a response. Trolls come in various forms, such as the "pure" troll, the net.kook troll, and the flamer troll.
The "pure" troll is akin to the man who throws raw meat into a pen full of starving dogs just to see the dogs fight for the raw meat. He posts one posting (like "Linux sucks, Microsoft is far superior!"), then sits back to watch the fuss.
The net.kook troll typically has bizarre beliefs that he feels he must inflict upon everybody, whether they want it or not, such as a famous net.kook in sci.space.shuttle who claims that both the Challenger and the Columbia were shot down by HAARP rays (apparently some sort of mind control rays... tin foil beanie time!). The net.kook then clutter up the newsgroup with rantings anytime anybody posts something that conflicts with his, uhm, eccentric, notions.
The flamer troll arbitrarily contradicts everybody. If someone posts that the sky is blue, the flamer troll will jump in and say no, it's green. He is contrary for the sake of contrariness, apparently so starved for the attention of someone besides his psychiatrist that he will do anything to get attention.
A: Ignore him.
Q. Who are the resident alt.cats trolls? A. We seem to have one main troll, or wannabe troll, of the net.kook (and occasionally flamer troll) variety. He posts under the name: Bob Brenchley aka Bob@Format.Publications.ukf.net and occasionally under the names Dawn Bailey; Frank H. Davis, Esq; Adrian Lane; Colin Freeman; Rosie Gowing; and Sally Jackson. (Does that person on the right look like a "Sally" or a "Rosie"?!)
A. There are several reasons for this. One reason is the inflammatory manner of his posts, which typically accuse other people of various crimes against nature. Another reason is that Brenchley spreads bizarre notions of the net.kook variety about the proper care of cats. Some of the more notable lies are: Flea collars should be used with topical flea treatments like Advantage and Frontline. (see alt.cats thread "Getting rid of fleas..." from 8/2000 and others) Chocolate is safe for cats. (see "Chocolate and cats" thread from 7/2000) Cats can only be happy in an outdoor environment. (see many threads - this argument crops up a LOT.) It's okay to slap/smack a cat if it's doing something wrong. (see "Drinking too little water?" thread).
Mr. Brenchly apparently also listens to voices in his head when it comes to automobiles. What do automobiles have to do with cats? Ask Mr. Brenchly, we don't know. Some of his notions: Leaded gas is better than unleaded gas (apparently Mr. Brenchley has never heard of something called "lead poisoning"... or perhaps that is an explanation for Mr. Brenchley's behavior?). Right-hand-drive cars like in England are safer than left-hand-drive cars like in America or Europe. Etc.
Finally, there is Mr. Brenchley's ridiculous ideas about responsible cat ownership. For example, Mr. Brenchley has often said that cats would be better off euthanized than living as indoor-only pets, and that cats such as the Sphinx unsuited for the outdoors should be thrown outside to die rather than allowed to live.
A: Brenchly's debating style generally is limited to name-calling, smokescreening, character assassination and libel. He ignores any links to animal welfare societies that disagree with his notions. Occasionally, Mr. Brenchley claims that "all veterinarians" agree with him. When asked to provide the name and phone number of any specific veterinarian who agrees with him, he either calls you a troll or posts one of his famous "Abuse report filed" postings. Mr. Brenchley still refuses to provide the name and telephone number of any specific veterinarian who agrees with his bizarre notions of pet ownership.
A. Nobody knows. Mr. Brenchley appears to do this posting every time someone posts a message with which he disagrees, implying that he will get them kicked off of their ISP. Nobody here has reported ever actually receiving notice of an abuse report from their ISP.
A: Nobody knows. Mr. Brenchley appears to have invented this term to describe anybody who disagrees with his bizarre notions.
A. Bob admitted to letting his "moggies" - a UK term for cats without pedigree - breed. This fact initially came to light in the "cute kitty looking for boyfriend" thread. Bob justifies this by claiming that the UK has no problems with cat overpopulation. Which is untrue.
A. We don't know. Other UK-based posters seem to have no problem with American posters and vice-versa.
A. Again, nobody knows for sure. Several posters have guessed that he has a sociopathic or narcissistic-type personality disorder which compels him to post flamebait. Others have guessed that Mr. Brenchley is unhappy with his real life, and feels powerless to control his destiny, so he chooses to attempt to exert control in cyberspace. Others have guessed that he's just plain stupid and acts juvenile to get attention.
A. Some trolls are good at initially disguising the fact that they are a troll, and may temporarily deceive new people into believing that their, uhm, unique, contributions actually have merit. Concern that a new cat owner will take their advice is often a major issue. Now that a FAQ exists for new alt.cats readers, those concerned for these new owners/readers can relax and stop posting rebuttals to the trolls.