On 1 Jan 2007 08:53:33 -0800, "Phyllis and Jim"
wrote:

Does anyone happen to know of and
psychological research on trolls?

I'm quite sure psychologists send their worst patients to usenet. "When you
feel the need to beat or berate your spouse, go to your computer and beat
it out on the keys and berate people you don't know while you visualize
your spouse."

I wish Dr. Phil would take the infamous couple here and do a show, that
would be "entertaining". ;-)

Newsgroup Trolls

What are Newsgroup Trolls?
snip
Trolls like to think they play the role of the Devil's Advocate

Or are just the apparition himself ;-)

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.

Hmmm.... if the shoe fits... ~ jan