https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:21:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1702296 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 23:24:14 +0000 Michelle 1702296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, how's that for jumping right back into the fire? This is the first thread I've commented on in ages, and it's a beauty! Really interesting comments, and I must admit to an overpowering curiosity to find the marine biologist's posts and check things out for myself. But I want to add one thing. The fact that we can identify specific instances of trolling like this speaks to exactly how well Greg and Angie have protected us all. I suspect if you took a poll of those of us likely to be reading this thread, most of us would identify the same handful of people among legendary historic YLF trollers (the 10-year-old girl, barefoot boyfriend chick, etc). Clearly sexy McScientist joins their ranks. But in my view, the fact that years worth of collective input from us all would likely yield such a short list speaks volumes. Even the fact that a relative spike in troll activity would go noticed to the extent it was makes me feel safe here. Although I must admit the discussion around pictures has made me think more consciously about the risk I run in posting images that can be shared without my consent. We are all at the same risk of such a violation, but unlike you, I would never be able to recognize my own face if it's posted to other media. <br />&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1700675 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 16:28:25 +0000 donnat 1700675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I missed most of it ...rats....☺ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1700432 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 04:31:47 +0000 Ledonna N. 1700432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really great thread. I like lurking and commenting. I like sharing information. I don't mind posting sensitive topics because I'm very transparent. I try not to judge or be dismissive because we all are different. Some spammers happen I just don't feed the fire. We are a great group and I appreciate that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1700431 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 04:25:56 +0000 Muffin 1700431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been a great conversation. As a relatively new poster I have always felt welcomed, supported, and helped. Like some others, I don't post what I wouldn't say in real life. Here I've found a group that are "my clothing people"--I don't really have these people in my "real" life. I'd hate if some of the very wise veteran members stopped posting. I see the pictures and the stories of real life meetings and friendships between members and I think that is so very special to YLF! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1699852 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 15:00:30 +0000 Nebraskim 1699852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been an interesting discussion. Typically when there are 70-plus comments, I don't read all of them, but I did read all of these. Thanks everyone for thoughtful commentary. This is why I find this forum to be brilliant. Mochi's comment above, about being annoyed by being played, strikes me as true. I had read the original posts from the "scientist" and instantly mentally tagged her as a faker/troll and didn't read more. But those types of people do render things difficult for those of us who do play by the rules.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1699816 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 13:53:18 +0000 Mochi 1699816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe to beat a dead horse, but I also found the whole thing fascinating, Suz. (I think there's at least a short story there, about a dominatrix marine biologist. Or let's just say sartorially clueless scientist. All the issues we're bringing up here would lend themselves to such an interesting and potentially hysterical exploration.)&nbsp;</p> <p>What made me annoyed, and I am guessing this hit home for the other women here, is the already-mentioned issue of feeling played by an imposter....but even before that, I think the problem we have with that kind of dress is the blatant disregard of the herculean effort women in the working world go through to be taken seriously. Before I had positive proof that she was a fake, I would think, "Well, this is Europe...would they be more loose about it there? Etc." But no, I really suspect not. At least not when Ms. Scientist is acting as the public face of her organization. And the obtuseness around that was supremely irritating.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1699650 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 05:00:21 +0000 Beth Ann 1699650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah yes, I've noticed sort of a "cat's away, mice will play" situation on the forum. &nbsp;Angie and Greg, I've noticed this before near NAS, and when you travel. &nbsp;And again this week. &nbsp;Is it possible that some individuals act when they think you'll be less present that usual?</p> <p>I have made pretty liberal use of the "report post" option. &nbsp;I keep it light hearted, knowing Greg's on the other end of the message and is better able to make a wise decision that I am. &nbsp;I trust that he understands my good hearted motives and checks into things.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1699636 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 04:27:41 +0000 Sal 1699636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have also mostly been out of action this week visiting family. I treat this like my Facebook page ( where I have settings set to private). I still don't post anything here that I would dislike to get out......but I have shared personal details and thoughts. This is such a lovely warm supportive community that I value. </p> <p>I belong to one other forum (foodie) where I rarely post, and where I have seen trollers cause havoc. It is sad that is a hobby for people.</p> <p>I have wondered whether off topic should be only available to veterans, patrons or trusted active members. Just a suggestion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1699633 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 04:16:40 +0000 Nadya 1699633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will echo what others have said about never saying or writing about anything here that I wouldn't mind everyone I work with knowing. And, I was lucky enough to have a coworker recognize me here and introduce herself, so I got to know someone I might not have otherwise! Someone with fab style, I might add :). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1699630 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 04:12:46 +0000 Gaylene 1699630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well said, Ornella!</p> <p>In the time I've been here, anyone who wants to join the forum in an honest, respectful way has received a warm welcome. It's totally natural for bonds to form between forum members who participate regularly, but it's also these members who frequently are the first to reach out and welcome new members. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1699613 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 03:36:33 +0000 Ornella 1699613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was mostly inactive on the forum in the past few months, and getting more active had made me notice that there was indeed an unusual amount in the forum-inadequate behaviour once I 'returned'. By inadequate I mean posters who clearly just landed here as if visiting just another platform to get their agenda visible or to have their sort of fun, and who did not bother at all to get to know the community.&nbsp;</p> <p>I personally find it quite rude when someone just starts opening threads without investing any time in introducing themselves or posting on other threads so we can get to know them -- because once you do realise what kind of place you've discovered, you treat it with due respect instantly. But I keep reminding myself that it is also rather logical outcome of Angle and Greg's tolerant policy, as well as that such cases mostly do die out because the community takes care of them two ways - either we report spammers or it quickly becomes clear to that sort of newbies that there is not point in hanging around here with their agenda. Advertisers are easy to spot, but I do remember some colourful examples form the past who did invest time in building up their profile.&nbsp;</p> <p>I disagree with annagybe that we can sometimes we can be too cliquey, but that may be down to my own negative interpretation of 'cliquey'. If anything, I'd say that we are protective of the rich, healthy, constructive and welcoming, all of which makes this very unique and precious place, community -- and rightly so. And don't think that anyone who had bothered to invest time and energy in getting to know how this place lives and breathes would find it anything but open-armed to those who want to enrich it by their own honest participation.</p> <p>With that in mind, careful and in line with my own privacy concerns continually readjusted, I'd say -- onward and upward, Repot Post button is that gear icon located at the lower right-hand corner of any suspicious post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1699595 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 02:56:53 +0000 viva 1699595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How did I sleep through this whole thing? That's what I'd like to know. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1699410 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 23:45:26 +0000 Suz 1699410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jules, I'm with you in finding the whole thing quite fascinating...I was very curious about who this person was, really. At the same time, I hate to think that others might be wasting time in good faith responses. No wonder it's a tough call for Greg and Angie sometimes. If one person can be so conflicted about it, what about a forum of hundreds? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1699318 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 21:40:25 +0000 Carla 1699318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, the forum seems tidied up! Thanks to everyone who had the wherewithal to alert TPTB to unusual posts, and to Greg, et al for sorting it out during what is probably one of the craziest times of the year for the YLF team! Now, kids, back to our regular program! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1699302 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 21:21:39 +0000 deb 1699302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The way I see it, there is no difference between what I say here and what I may say in a restaurant or on the bus or anyplace for that matter, where someone can overhear my conversation. Think about it, I am sure we all talk about going on vacation, movies or anytime we may not be home, then get in our cars with the license plate visible for all to see. And for that matter, more info is available about us in our mail box than is here I am sure. Personally, I refuse to live in a cave and never come out. I would rather play with my friends and share conversations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1699266 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 20:30:08 +0000 Jules 1699266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To be clear, I think I always got that it was fake or at least really off, but yet somehow I'm still fascinated I guess I feel she was pleasant and contributed to others' threads more than some people who seem more "real", so I don't really have a problem with... whatever that was. </p> <p>I guess I usually find trolls' motivation more transparent, so maybe that's the fascination. Thanks for helping me figure it out :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1699262 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 20:22:44 +0000 Mochi 1699262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I had thought she was real, Jules, I too would have been utterly fascinated. But cynical me was so suspicious. (The slick photography, head cropping, etc. just didn't let me buy it.)&nbsp;</p> <p>I have no idea how it is now, but when I lived in Tokyo in the mid-80's, women would always be dressing up for everything. I remember being on a mountain excursion (well, we went by bus up a paved road, but there were places to walk from there). It was November, pretty cold, and one young woman was wearing super high heels and no coat, because you know, cute short dress. She was on a date. She really looked uncomfortable.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/3#post-1699256 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 20:16:47 +0000 Jules 1699256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah... provoking us delicate ladies with too sexy clothes I get, but the stubbornness around things like wearing boots to the zoo in summer was part of what I found interesting, what was the endgame, inquiring minds want to know!!!<br />Just a boot fetishist? But some other outfits weren't even sexy, IMHO. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/2#post-1699246 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 20:12:37 +0000 Mochi 1699246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>deleted</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/2#post-1699242 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 20:09:59 +0000 Mochi 1699242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A lot of what she "wore" or was "planning to wear" was completely climate-inappropriate as well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/2#post-1699238 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 20:04:37 +0000 Jules 1699238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, I understand the reaction, but I think it's good to question my reactions once in a while. And she made me do that because I found the gradations to be somewhat subtle in most of the outfits I saw. Where's the line and who decides what is "globally professional appropriate"? I think it's an interesting question to ponder. I'd hate to dismiss someone in real life just because I think they are a little to sexy. At the same time I've openly stared, jaw agape, at someone's retreating back recently at the office because I could see their thong under their sheer dress, so I do have standards </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/2#post-1699228 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 19:43:41 +0000 Echo 1699228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jules, it wasn't the thought of a scientist in sexy clothes at all. Any woman in any profession can look dowdy or sexy, depending on the person and the event. It was this particular "scientist's" obsession with high heeled, over-the-knee boots, very short skirts, sky-high heels and body-con clothing. Add that to the fact that she was asking about wearing said clothing for professional meetings or presentations, and I call foul. Anyone can wear whatever they wish on their own time, but despite international norms varying slightly, most of us recognize professional attire when we see it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/2#post-1699196 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 18:36:39 +0000 Anonymous 1699196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yup, Mochi and Rabbit, I found that it is replies that cannot be changed both on forum and messages. If you start a post or message yourself, the initial post can be edited, but not replies, so details in replies are there for good.</p> <p>Rabbit, you make some very good points about online forums and how great this one is. Your last few lines are my thinking too.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/2#post-1699190 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 18:32:10 +0000 Jules 1699190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I missed the marine biologist getting called out! Is that post gone? If you go back and review her posts, she played a long and somewhat subtle game, I would love to know the motivation. Performance art? I really enjoyed a link someone (Amy?) responded to her with re: cultural differences around dressing nicely and being taken seriously. Why do we all snicker a bit at a supposed scientist in somewhat sexy clothes? Or is it more that "I am a marine biologist" repeated so often sounds patently false no matter what?</p> <p>In the end I don't mind a "troll" who is perfectly civil to other members and generates interesting discussion. The dumb pictures of man thong also seemed to entertain some - I am assuming we were in on the joke all along.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/2#post-1699180 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 18:23:20 +0000 rabbit 1699180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just tried changing the text in an old post of mine and was able to do that, but I do think like Diane says you can't change <i>replies</i> to a post after a day or two, correct? &nbsp;And PMs.&nbsp;</p> <p>Peri, I was talking about google images, like Mochi pointed out.</p> <p>I agree with what others have said about online privacy and finding a balance, and on many sites I've frequented there is a 10 to 1 or more ratio of lurkers to logged in users at any one time which is useful to keep in mind.</p> <p>For myself spam and the one off odd post doesn't bother me, because it's transparent, and easy to avoid, or remove (if spam). Also I think it takes real courage when people post pictures of themselves publicly, and really appreciate that this community is friendly to people of all shapes and sizes. &nbsp;And that is why I think sockpuppets are more problematic, because they aren't obvious to everyone, and they interact so they draw in more commenters who spend time responding, but it's from a place of bad faith and using images that don't belong to them (Also because in other online communities they can lead to larger problems if they are around long enough). &nbsp; This site is all about real people and how we present ourselves visually to the world while exploring personal style, and that's what makes it special, that it's (comparatively) a safe and supportive space to do that. &nbsp; I've generally followed the 'verify that they aren't who they say they are, report it, don't mention it on the thread' policy, but then when they are still posting months later and other community members who are unaware are responding in good faith it's disconcerting.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyway, I just wanted to put that out there.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/2#post-1699161 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 17:53:52 +0000 Mochi 1699161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diane, you can't delete the post itself, but you can always edit, meaning delete all the text out of a post. It will just be blank. ETA private messages, you're right. Once they're out there, they're out there.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/2#post-1699144 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 17:37:05 +0000 Anonymous 1699144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just want to refer to something Lisa mentioned above and I'm not sure if&nbsp;others are&nbsp;already aware of it or not, but it's not possible to delete/change old posts or old PM's once they are a few days(maybe more, or less, I'm not sure, maybe Greg can confirm). I just went to my messages and looked at an old thread and there is no ability to delete. So any personal details like phone numbers, addresses, etc.&nbsp;are there to stay for anyone who has included them in PM's. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/2#post-1699115 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 17:00:39 +0000 rachylou 1699115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Had another thought: I have for various reasons a maxim, if you will. Reasons like working in regulated industry, having been on the net since before there was a web, etc.</p> <p>The maxim is: it's not a secret even if you tell only one person. Even if that person is your mom. Because, honestly, you never know. Mom may get a knock on the head. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/2#post-1699099 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:45:48 +0000 rachylou 1699099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like and appreciate the approach you've outlined, Greg. YLF has been to date an amazing, positive, flame-war free forum. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/internet-trolls/page/2#post-1699095 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:39:31 +0000 Diana 1699095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Xtabay said.&nbsp; </p> <p>Also, I find that there are very few trolls here compared to other Internet places. I think they don't get much traction so get bored and go away on their own.&nbsp; Anyway, I think most of the troll posts I've seen here are pretty harmless, just people trying to get attention or promote their own sites.&nbsp; I just ignore them for the most part.&nbsp; (Although I have to admit I found the Marine Biologist really hilarious and I appreciated the entertainment value.)&nbsp; </p> <p>As far as I recall, I've only had one poster send me random PMs, not stalkerish or threatening at all, just a bit creepy (and I know some other members were getting them from that poster as well).&nbsp; I blocked said user and haven't thought about it for ages.&nbsp; (Do you all know about the "block user" option?&nbsp; You no longer see threads started by that person on the forum or receive PMs from them.)&nbsp; </p> <p>Anyway, I don't really post very personal stuff here, so I'm not concerned.&nbsp; </p>