A quick Google search on newsgroup trolls is well worth the time.
Binaries.net has an interesting article on newsgroup trolls. Seems
substantially, but not perfectly, to apply to some of the conflictual
posting here on rec.ponds. Does anyone happen to know of and
psychological research on trolls?

Jim

http://www.binaries.net/articles/newsgroup_trolls.htm

Newsgroup Trolls

What are Newsgroup Trolls?

Newsgroup trolls are people who join a Usenet discussion group or
newsgroup with one goal: to provoke other newsgroup subscribers and to
cause a flame war. A flame war is basically a bad argument where
discussion becomes very heated, people get angry and verbal abuse is
often used. A newsgroup troll uses provocative and slanderous language
to provoke other newsgroup users.

The term first appeared on Usenet, but it has been used in IRC and
email lists to describe similar behavior . According to Wikipedia.org,
the term troll "derives from the phrase "trolling for newbies" and
ultimately from trolling for fish."

Trolls like to think they play the role of the Devil's Advocate in
Usenet discussion groups or newsgroups, but newsgroup trolls don't
promote a deeper discussion of a topic, instead they deter people from
discussion. Also, one might expect a legitimate provocateur to
introduce him or herself, but trolls rarely do. Newsgroup trolls tend
to hide behind the mask of anonymity.

How to recognize a Newsgroup Troll

Trolls will show no understanding of Usenet etiquette or Netiquette.
They may post long "off topic" articles, or complain about other
discussions being "off topic" and demand that everything stay "on
topic". Trolls are particularly prevalent in discussion groups on
religion or philosophy or other traditionally controversial topics. A
troll will openly denounce another user's opinion or denounce a
religion that newsgroup users seem to be members of. A newsgroup troll
always makes caustic statements that never get to the source of a
discussion but are purely aimed at raising havoc. These statements are
referred to as "flamebait".

Newsgroup troll behavior can certainly cause blood to boil. The best
advice to keep in mind is to think before you respond to any
provocative comment by a person you don't know in your discussion
group. If you are particularly concerned about specific troll behavior
don't hesitate to contact your Usenet Service Provider.