Wikipedia:Deny recognition

This is an essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints.

Shortcuts WP:DENY WP:DFTT WP:DNFTT WP:DNFT

This page in a nutshell: Recognition is a motivation for vandalism. Trolls require food − don't feed the trolls.

True vandals and trolls (as distinguished from users who dabble in minor vandalism) usually suffer from chronic alienation and real or perceived powerlessness. They seek recognition and infamy by interrupting and frustrating the Wikipedia project and community. Such users experience exceptional attention as empowerment, reward and encouragement. This is particularly true for those prolific vandals who have been immortalised on Wikipedia pages, meticulously catalogued by category pages, targeted by dedicated templates, and thereby have become a noted part of wiki culture.^[a]
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