I assume we've all had experiences online where we're arguing with someone and the situation devolves into a pointless pissing contest. It get's even crazier here on Hive. Most of us are no stranger to the extended flag wars that take place here from time to time. When money is on the line, people seem to get even more furious, frustrated, absolutely tilted, and understandably so.

Well, actually a lot of the time it doesn't even make sense. I've flagged users (long ago) for literally a penny and they went absolutely apeshit. We actually see that happen a lot, surprisingly. I recall @ericwilson just recently recounting a moment like this where, not only did they go nuts about the 1 cent downvote, but they made a post about it and upvoted that post for $10. Hilarious.

The day before yesterday I had yet another one of these classic encounters. Let this be a great example of how not to do things; about how no one should talk to another person like this, ever (on both sides).

Sometimes when I'm arguing with someone they start talking in circles and spewing out the same useless information over and over again. When this happens I realize something:

This person is trying to get the fabled Last Word!

When someone tries to get the last on me like that I play a little game with myself; a little inside joke known only to me. Ah, just kidding! I end up going fully transparent and literally say the phrase "last word".

Seriously though, when I do this, I'm trying to lead the conversation elsewhere and bring up other points, but all the circular talk and tired arguments keep popping up on the opposing side. I'm not about to do the same; I'm not about to just repeat what I've already said (especially on an immutable blockchain) and rehash the same conversation in a different way.

#lastword

God, it's such a troll move that pisses people off to no end. I used to do it to my ex-girlfriend and it would just infuriate her (such a smart thing to do). One of the perks of my new and improved girlfriend is that I've never had to employ this tactic because I've never had an argument with her where I felt like this was happening. #smallmiracles

Personally, I don't quite understand it. I'm more than willing to drop a conversation if we've reached the end of it, so to be talking to someone who won't stfu when we've clearly reached the end of the dialog? That's just obnoxious. Clearly, the answer is to be even more of an annoying bitch than the person I'm talking to. That's how arguments are won, amirite?

So let's take a look at what I'm actually talking about, shall we?

@baah is my favorite troll!

Perhaps those of you who know @baah can see where this is going.

And it isn't pretty!

Just take a look at his profile, for god's sake:

Guy's name literally translates to "Bah FucYou"?

Self defined as a "degenerate scumbag"?

No one should take this fella seriously!

But many do!
What an adorable little troll to call our own!
Also you gotta love the reblog right there, lol... no takebacks!

As luck would have it...

@baah discovered my posts about how Steem HF23 is and is not theft 2 days ago. We went on a delayed glorious journey rehashing all the same stupid arguments that were already discussed the day I actually posted them (over a week ago).

Let's take a look at all the amazing new content we generated!

https://peakd.com/informationwar/@edicted/re-abitcoinskeptic-qawwbi

Are you trying to admit that you're writing shit PURELY for profit/reaction?

Yes @baah, isn't it obvious? Isn't it clear from my over 1000 posts on this network that I do it solely for the $5 acquired per post from over an hour of writing per piece?

What's that?

I just gave you free ammo to call me a moron again because it takes me so long to write my posts?

Shoot!

Walked right into that one!

On a totally unrelated note...

Go read one of @caitlinjohnstone's old posts about how to beat a manipulator and how they will always try to twist your own words against you.

https://peakd.com/government/@caitlinjohnstone/how-to-beat-a-manipulator

That's right! I'm awesome.

Everything I say is like spinning straw into gold.
You may call me, "The Alchemist".

Just like Dr. Ronald Chevalier

Pure gold.

... and it's that easy...

This is what the conversation devolved to:

I've never gone so absolutely all-in on the #lastword game before.
It was a legendary sight to behold, even for me!

You lashing out like a child doesn't accomplish anything but satisfy the feeble mind of an insecure troll who has nothing better to do.

It is literally impossible for you to not write a response to this.
That's how weak-minded you are.

SURELY HE WOULDN'T DARE RESPOND TO SUCH A MESSAGE!

I've overplayed my hand here.

I'm going to lose the #lastword game.

😟

lol... no fucking way...

You actually responded to a message saying it was IMPOSSIBLE to not.
Thanks for making my day, man.
I guess it was a pretty good read.
I did used to be a poker player, after all.

Rule of three

I bet he is good for one more.

Truly I was going to stop at 3.

I lost the #lastword game. It was an epic battle, but I did indeed get the #lastword so that makes me the loser. You certainly can't win the #lastword game if the entire point of the game is that the other person has to have it no matter what.

Sad!

I was on such a long winning streak!
I'm not sure if I've ever lost the #lastword game before.

Those are the rules, I didn't write them! (I did)

Truth be told, curiosity really got the best of me to see how long it could possibly go. I was pretty sure 3 was the limit, and I was right, but I just had to make sure, you know? I think it was worth taking the loss on this one to learn the limits of the game.

Although, I may have sandbagged my most epic victory ever. How many times in life am I going to get the opportunity to tell someone they don't have the power to stop talking because they're such a weak-minded troll? Could have been a once in a lifetime opportunity! Shoot!

Just kidding, there are no winners here.

Only losers.

Conclusion

Thank you @baah! Truly, you are the gift that keeps on giving... like a super aggressive strain of herpes or something. Let this be a lesson to all about how easy it is to get dragged down into the muck with the trolls and accomplish absolutely nothing in the process but waste time. It's just like that "crabs in a bucket" analogy in the whitepaper. God I hate Ned. Let's all take this wonderful moment to remember what a tool Ned is and always will be.

Again, @baah, thanks! You're the best! So adorable! Thanks for the free 'quality content'! Let's see how many rewards I can garner on this one and compare it to the total value of your entire account, shall we?

Remember, that's the only reason why I'm here: to trick all you dumb-dumbs into giving me money. Isn't it obvious? You all fell for that whole "freedom from debt-slavery" bullshit I've been spewing? Idiots! Now give me my $5! I'm entitled to it.

Couldn't have done it without you, bud.

Truly, you stand alone; a diamond in the rough.

#lastword: Unleash Your Inner Troll!