The idea that popped in my head was in addition to a report this button for comments and users add a “troll alert” button as well. Not every trollish comment comes from a troll. Sometimes a particular topic strikes a nerve and a person decides to add, well not so much, to the conversation by dropping a troll bomb. If the comment wasn’t very offensive or against the TOS, then it will probably remain. Click the “troll comment” next to the comment and move along. Once the comment passes a certain threshold in a given amount of time an icon appears (I’m thinking dunce hat with a troll) and people will know not to feed it.

The same method could be used to users who have a propensity to troll. Simply click the “troll alert” button and after a threshold is met and the powers at be deem it valid that users new “badge” appears in the form of a troll.

An additional plus of this system will allow me to go to “My Account” and select the options to “Hide all trolls” and poof they’re gone. While Mixx has a block user feature, I may not necessarily want to wait until someone annoys me that I block them. What if I never know they’re there? They’ll never be fed.

Just a thought. Talk amongst yourselves.

P.S. I’ve seen this implemented very well on some blogs, 37signals for instance. They have a wonderful picture that displays next to the comment which forever encases the troller in a cloak of shame. Its beautiful.