Some men aren’t looking for anything logical. They can’t be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn. — The Dark Knight

Some people fight out of conviction to their beliefs or cause.  I have argued with people, and while the discussions can become heated and rarely change either of our minds, I know that they know their subject and are standing on firm ground with their assertions.  These people tend to be respectful in disagreement and can counter my arguments with facts or good arguments.

It’s the other kind of opponent that gets to me.  It’s the person who wants to argue just to be contrary, or just to watch you spin.  They can even be on my side, and seem to be experts in the “True Scotsman” argument.  They don’t care who wins, so long as they can watch someone lose.   They are quick to go to name calling or other personal attacks, but are just as quick to take offense if you seem to be winning through reason and logic.

There is a fine line between taking a hard stance and defending it, even to the point of being rude, and being a troll.  I think the trick for all of us is to identify these people, ignore them of they’re on the other side of an issue, and convince the other side of the issue to ignore them if they’re on our side.